Every year Started@Melbourne Live brings together founders, investors, researchers and industry leaders to celebrate the transformative impact of the University of Melbourne’s innovation ecosystem.
This year’s event, hosted by the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC), spotlighted five inspiring MEC startup founders who shared how they are ambitiously tackling global challenges like blindness, skin cancer and inaccessibility, all through entrepreneurship.
Connect with MEC
- Visit the MEC website
- Follow the Enterprising Melbourne LinkedIn page to keep updated on the latest MEC startup news
- Email to partner or work with us on MEC 2030
Solstråle
Solstråle is redefining sun safety with an innovative SPF 50+ scalp sunscreen, designed for effortless application and everyday convenience. Compact and portable, it fits in your pocket, making it easier than ever to stay protected wherever you go.
Pathway: Student Startup Competition 2024, MAP Velocity 2024
Co-Founder: Charlotte Westaway
UniConnected
UniConnected is changing how we connect. Deliberating seeking to disrupt current processes for employment, work integrated learning, and networking, UniConnected is where students, industry partners, academics and alumni can discover opportunities, purpose and each other in one place.
Pathway: TRAM Track 2023, InnovatEd 2024
Co-Founders: Dr Amanda Samson (CEO) and Andrew Nash
Fluent
Fluent is pioneering the development of accessible brain-computer interface technology. Their mission is to seamlessly connect people with AI, enhancing communication and interaction for those with neurological conditions and ultimately transforming human-AI interaction for all.
Pathway: TRAM Track 2024, TRAM Runway 2024, TRAM Air 2025
Co Founders: Tim Mahoney (CEO), Dr Farhad Goodarzy (CPO), Dr Dean Freestone (CTO), Associate Professor Sam John (Founding inventor), Professor David Grayden (Founding inventor), Steph Ruffles (COO)
EnAccess Maps
EnAccess Maps helps people with disabilities connect to venues that meet their access needs. Founded with the belief that small changes can make a big difference, the platform bridges the gap between accessibility and awareness, empowering businesses to create inclusive spaces and improve every visitor’s experience.
Pathway: MAP 25
Founder & MD: Sabrina Leung
Mirugen
Mirugen is a preclinical biotechnology company developing cellular reprogramming technologies to restore sight. By identifying the optimal set of transcription factors that instruct one cell type to become another, Mirugen’s lead program aims to unlock innate repair mechanisms for the 1.5 million people worldwide affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Pathway: TRAM Air 2024
Co-Founders: Associate Professor Raymond Wong (CSO) and Professor Keith Martin
First published on 31 October 2025.
Share this article
Keep reading
-
About commercialisation and entrepreneurship at the University
Learn how the University of Melbourne’s commercialisation and entrepreneurial ecosystem supports enterprising researchers and students to create impact.
-
Entrepreneurial programs
Explore programs to develop the entrepreneurial skills that could open up new pathways.
-
Funding for startups
The University of Melbourne connects University startups with support and funding to turn a new idea or innovation into a commercial reality.
-
Startup success stories
We have a rich history of making discoveries and creating innovations that have been transformed into successful products, services and companies. Read about some of our recent University startups.