Earlier this month, our eleven young entrepreneurs came together for Originate Summit, the first day of the Challenge where their ideas begin their transformation into real ventures.
Supported by their mentors, our entrepreneurs started defining their sweet spot, identifying their target customer and undertaking a strategic horizon planning session.
Over the coming months they’ll continue developing their ventures through Bootcamps, mentoring, specialist workshops and Pitch Practice before taking the stage at Pitch Night this September.
Meet the 2026 GI Challenge entrepreneurs
This year’s cohort represents an inspiring mix of creativity and entrepreneurial ambition.
Noah Procter | KompoDry
A compostable alternative to silica gel packets that safely absorbs moisture while reducing landfill waste, designed for both environmental sustainability and household safety.
Christian Fernando | InvestiGate
A gamified education app helping secondary students build real-world investing skills through engaging, curriculum-aligned learning.
Julia Rejman | Allergy Aware
An all-in-one app empowering allergy sufferers to manage their condition safely, with features for tracking, alerts, medication management, and emergency support.
Sean Russell | Nova
A modular phone upgrade that extends device lifespan by boosting battery, storage, and performance, reducing e-waste and saving users money.
Matias Oliveira Cervantes | MexiSites
An affordable, branded booking system helping small barbers streamline scheduling, reduce manual errors, and grow their client base.
Ozzy Clarke & Sebastian Roach | Study Buddy
An AI-powered study app that personalises learning strategies, reduces student stress, and uses gamification to improve academic performance.
Amaia Van Zuydam | Connection Kit
A practical, play-based intervention kit supporting neurodivergent children and guiding parents to improve developmental outcomes with confidence.
Zeke Parili | MESR
A vision-based solution that automates infrastructure inspections, improving efficiency by detecting and analysing defects in public assets.
Hayden Taudevin | Pony Pods
A safer, more effective horse worming solution that is easy to administer and highly palatable, reducing risk for both horses and handlers.
Ryder Doran | Seccy
An AI-powered security app that transforms existing cameras into intelligent systems capable of analysing and explaining suspicious activity.
Together, these young entrepreneurs represent the next generation of innovators who are creating solutions for real-world problems right here on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa.
We look forward to sharing their journey over the coming months as they continue to grow, learn and prepare for Pitch Night.