From Fan Fiction to Reality: Building a 3D Printing Startup ft. Matthew Stansfield
We sit down with Matthew, founder of Noble Brite Miniatures and participant in the Ignition program. What began as a passion for tabletop gaming and fan fiction has evolved into a startup grounded in 3D printing, storytelling, and community engagement. His journey offers powerful insights into validation, niche innovation, and the discipline required to bring imagination into reality.
Creating, Learning & Laughing: Behind the Scenes with Our Launch Pad Interns
Internships are often where classroom learning meets real-world creativity — and for Elisa, Anthony, and Sana, their time at Launch Pad was just that. Over three months, the trio explored what it truly means to work in a space where innovation, community, and laughter go hand in hand.
Scientist turned Founder: Dr Jerry Zhou on Building Amazing Gut
When research meets real-world need, innovation comes alive. For Dr Jerry Zhou, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Fellow at Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine, years of working with patients revealed an overlooked truth — effective gut-health treatment shouldn’t stop at the clinic door. That realisation became the spark behind Amazing Gut, a medical-technology startup reimagining how we approach gastrointestinal care.
The Power of Third Spaces: Harshita on Community & Connection with Ketch-Up
Starting something new in a foreign city can be isolating. For Harshita Sood, the founder of ketch-Up Community and alumna of Western Sydney University, that challenge became the seed of her startup journey. After living across multiple countries and continents, she found herself in Sydney searching for authentic female friendships. That’s when she asked herself the question that would eventually spark her business: “Why is it so hard to meet like-minded women who just get you?”
From Japan with Growth: Global Bonds and Entrepreneurial Firsts
Balancing work, a creative side hustle and social obligations is no easy feat—but for Tanush, it’s become a path to personal growth, creative freedom, and even paid opportunities. As a budding content creator, Tanush has found a way to use social media not only as a creative outlet but also as a space for professional development.
Everything AI: 5 Real-World Lessons from a Founder in the Know — ft. Ann-Mary Rajanayagam
Balancing work, a creative side hustle and social obligations is no easy feat—but for Tanush, it’s become a path to personal growth, creative freedom, and even paid opportunities. As a budding content creator, Tanush has found a way to use social media not only as a creative outlet but also as a space for professional development.
Fashion Meet Tech: How Dressi Helps You Dress with Purpose – ft. Iris Phan
Building a startup is rarely a straight path, and for Iris Phan, it all started with a feeling many of us know too well: standing in front of a full closet and still thinking, I have nothing to wear. But instead of ignoring that frustration, Iris used it as fuel to create Dressi — a Tech-based personal styling app designed to help people dress with confidence and clarity.
Landing gigs as a creator: The power of Consistency, Authenticity & Just hitting post – ft. Tanush Pratheepan
Balancing work, a creative side hustle and social obligations is no easy feat—but for Tanush, it’s become a path to personal growth, creative freedom, and even paid opportunities. As a budding content creator, Tanush has found a way to use social media not only as a creative outlet but also as a space for professional development.
500K views on TikTok and counting: Balancing University, Work, and Content Creation ft. Raynesh Charan
Balancing study, work, and personal interests can feel overwhelming for many university students. But for Raynesh Charan, it's a challenge he's embraced. As a Western Sydney University student, a dedicated team member at Launch Pad, and a content creator with over 500,000 views on TikTok.
A Teen’s Solution for Farmers in Cambodia and a Passion for Sustainability Wins Him a Trip to Sydney ft. Sophareach Mann
For 17-year-old Sophareach Mann, the idea of studying in Australia had never crossed his mind. Like many ambitious students in Cambodia, his higher-education aspirations were centered on universities in the United States. But then came the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, a competition that would challenge his thinking in ways he never expected.
Passion, Purpose & Business: Can You Have All Three? ft. Nandeeta Maharaj
Can passion, purpose, and business truly intersect? Or do entrepreneurs always have to choose between doing what they love, making an impact, and building something financially sustainable? For Nandeeta Maharaj, founder of Goods 4 Good, the answer is clear: it’s possible to have all three—but it takes courage, patience, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.