The University of Newcastle’s annual I2N Accelerator has chosen 12 startups, tackling issues such as healthcare, sustainability, disability support, education and financial literacy for its 2026 cohort.
Over the past decade since launching in 2016, I2N has supported 282 startups and small businesses that collectively raised more than $86.7 million and created 304 jobs.
The 13-week accelerator, based at the I2N Hub Honeysuckle in Newcastle, runs across three streams: Healthtech, Cleantech and All-Industries. The teams work have a dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence, weekly Lead Mentor sessions and regular Industry Connector meetings, alongside workshops on product strategy, startup financials, growth and investment readiness.
The program culminates in Demo Night on Wednesday, October 7.
I2N’s Richard Berry, Acting Senior Manager, Entrepreneurship at I2N said several of the ideas have come from University staff, students and alumni.
“A lot of this cohort came from inside the problem. A chemistry student working on prescribing safety knows what happens when two drugs collide. A staff member behind a botanical brine shot has watched endurance athletes cramp out of races,” he said.
Others have sat on the other side of the disability support system and are now building the thing they needed. It shows up in how fast they get to a real customer, which is most of what thirteen weeks is built for,” said
“We are also seeing more of these companies choose to stay and grow here, which is the whole point of building the program in the Hunter and Central Coast rather than importing one.”
Demo Night runs from 5pm to 8pm at I2N Hub Honeysuckle, in Newcastle. It’s free. Register I2Ndemonight2026.
Here’s the dazzling dozen in the 2026 cohort:
Cleantech
Envirocone replaces single-use plastic blast-hole cones in drill-and-blast mining with recycled cardboard alternatives, reducing waste, manual handling and site contamination. The product is already being trialled on mine sites. Founded by Samantha Wright.
Bin Chick helps hospitality venues cut landfill, reduce waste costs and meet new food-waste regulations through audits, education and practical waste-reduction strategies. The venture has already delivered measurable savings for dozens of Hunter venues. Founded by Bec Bowie, a University of Newcastle alumna (Bachelor of Business).
Left-handesign makes sustainable stationery from seed-infused materials that can be planted at end of life, working with corporate, government and education clients. Founded by Radhika Mayani.
Healthtech
ConnectedCare Hub brings the support team around a child with disability or additional needs into one secure platform, so families, educators and clinicians work from the same information. Founded by Michael Buhagiar, Anne Buhagiar and Aurora Warren.
Smile Advisor uses telehealth and digital screening to bring oral healthcare into residential aged-care facilities, identifying issues earlier and improving access to treatment for older Australians. Founded by Brayden Weber and Ashleigh Campbell.
Mechanistic Health is developing technology that detects complex medication interactions before they reach the patient, supporting safer prescribing decisions in busy hospital environments. Founded by Jakobi Stegh, Callum Dempsey and Calvin Kennedy. Jakobi is a current University of Newcastle student (Bachelor of Science, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry).
Pickled GOAT is developing a natural, Australian-made botanical brine shot for fast-acting cramp relief in endurance athletes. Founded by Paula Birch, a current University of Newcastle staff member.
All-Industries
Bandigon uses generative AI to create and print personalised storybooks, turning children’s memories, photos and experiences into illustrated stories. Founded by Camilo Gomez and Alba Gomez.
Meandrix helps educators assess clinical reasoning and practical skills through realistic, consequence-based scenarios, addressing the gap left by assessment methods built around recall. Founded by Gary Crowfoot, a University of Newcastle alumnus (Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing) and current staff member.
Invoice Harbour automates invoice processing and code matching for disability and aged-care providers, cutting administrative workload from hours to minutes. Founded by Jeremy Burns and Lachlan Burns. Jeremy is a current student (Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours)).
FirmBrain uses AI to analyse fragmented client interactions at professional services firms and surface evidence-backed opportunities for account growth and new business. Founded by Jerrie Yang and Jessica Wu.
Akrue combines investing education with paper trading and real market data to help Gen Z users build financial literacy and positive money habits. Founded by Ryan Tyrrell and Matthew Crawford. Matthew is a University of Newcastle alumnus (Bachelor of Information Technology).
