Youth entrepreneurs in the spotlight
The NextGen Incubator, delivered by Cohort Innovation Space in partnership with Griffith University, is a transformative program designed to empower student and researcher-led startups. As part of the Queensland Government’s Regional Enablers Program, this initiative provides aspiring founders with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures.
The program is open to students across diverse research pathways, including full-time and part-time HDR researchers, online learners, and undergraduate and postgraduate students from all universities. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and education, the NextGen Incubator is creating pathways for the next generation of innovators to thrive.
The NextGen Pre-Accelerator Demo Night
The culmination of the eight-week pre-accelerator for university students and researchers launching innovative products was the highly anticipated NextGen Pre-Accelerator Demo Night, held at the Cohort Innovation Space. This event brought together some of Queensland’s brightest student and researcher-led startups to pitch their ventures to a room full of 60 comprising investors, industry leaders, and innovation supporters.
According to Georgia Wyllie, Program Coordinator, the Demo Night was a “powerful reminder of the talent, energy, and ambition driving innovation in Queensland.”
“I have got to know these students over the last few months, and it is such an amazing moment to see them create awesome solutions supported by mentors who have helped guide them in the right direction – this is just the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey”, she said.
Highlights of the Demo Night
The evening celebrated creativity, courage, and clever thinking, showcasing the diversity and potential of Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
- NeoGlycis: Awarded the Judges’ Favourite for its groundbreaking blood test enabling earlier detection and monitoring of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
- CutCompass: Won the People’s Choice Award for its live barber discovery app, which resonated with the audience as a smart and relatable solution.
Other standout teams presented ventures ranging from AI-powered services and rental platforms to student engagement tools and creative tech solutions, reflecting the program’s broad scope and impact.
Program Impact
The NextGen Incubator is more than just a pre-accelerator; it is a vital part of Queensland’s innovation ecosystem. By connecting participants with mentors, industry experts, and peers, the program equips them with the skills and confidence to navigate the entrepreneurial journey.
The initiative also highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors. With support from Griffith University and the Queensland Government, the program demonstrates how partnerships can fuel innovation and economic growth in regional Queensland.
Regional Enablers Program
The NextGen Incubator is one of 15 initiatives supported by the Queensland Government’s Regional Enablers Program, which backs organisations delivering innovation support to accelerate economic growth across regional Queensland.
Get Involved
If you’re a student, researcher, or aspiring founder with a big idea, the NextGen Incubator could be your next step. The program supports students from all universities and provides access to workshops, mentoring, and hands-on support to help turn ideas into successful ventures.
For more information or to apply for future opportunities, visit:
www.cohortspace.com.au/nextgen/
For details on Regional Enabler Program providers in your area, visit:
www.advance.qld.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-enablers-providers
Network of networks
The NextGen Incubator is a shining example of how targeted programs can empower the next wave of Queensland innovators. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, this initiative is helping to build a vibrant culture and sustainable innovation ecosystem across the state.
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Last updated: 07 Jan 2026