Launch Pad Startup - Starmy Represents at the Pearcey NSW Awards
Western Sydney University recently had the privilege of participating in the University Incubator Pitching Competition at the Pearcey NSW Awards, hosted by the Pearcey Foundation. The competition featured founders from leading institutions across the state, including UNSW, UTS, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University.
Representing Western Sydney University, Sajit Gurubacharya delivered an inspiring pitch on “Starmy,” a SaaS platform designed to make the immigration journey more secure, transparent, and affordable.
Author: Moe Gotoda
During the panel discussion, Mark Englund, CEO of FiberSense, quoted: “Take a risk early, go early. Even if you fail, there’s so much to learn.” This call to boldness, echoed by Sajit’s efforts, underscores a key takeaway from the event: education is not only about knowledge acquisition but about nurturing the courage to take risks, innovate, and learn from setbacks.
The panel also shed light on the impact of early exposure to technical skills and innovation. Teaching subjects like engineering, technology, and science at the high school and university levels can ignite curiosity and inspire future innovators. Universities play an essential role in this process, equipping students with the practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to make their mark on the world.
Mark England’s own journey — shaped by a meaningful encounter with an engineer and professor — illustrates how students can benefit from real-world insights from seasoned professionals. By creating such connections, universities empower students to envision paths beyond conventional careers, fostering an environment where they feel encouraged to think creatively and develop their own ventures.
For Western Sydney University, the Pearcey NSW Awards reaffirm the importance of providing students like Sajit with the support and resources they need to transform their ideas into viable businesses. By connecting students with industry mentors, offering guidance on startup development, and creating hands-on opportunities to test their ideas, Launch Pad is helping a new generation of entrepreneurs take flight. We’re excited to see where these future innovators will go!