University of Queensland Innovation and Entrepreneurship Society (UQIES)

Congratulations to one of our executive alumni, Cielo Nicolosi, on getting accepted into Y Combinator. Best wishes from the UQIES community

Queensland is quietly building some of the most exciting aerospace companies in the world. This Friday, you can meet the people doing it. UQIES is bringing together founders and operators from Stralis Aircraft (YC W23), Gilmour Space Technologies, Black Sky Industries, and HeliMods for a panel discussion, live Q&A and networking! If you're eyeing a career in aerospace, curious about what it takes to build in deep tech, or just want to hear unfiltered stories from people doing it for real, this one's for you. 🗓 Friday 15 May 🕐 1–3PM 📍 Ventures GCI Space, Ground Floor, Global Change Institute Building, UQ 🎟 $5 members / $7 non-members (prices go up after at midnight tmrw!) Register here: https://luma.com/gkagi898 Stick around afterwards for SEQ Entrepreneurship Night from 6-9PM. Register here: https://luma.com/y9qta8xl

Do you know that networking and learning are important but don't know where to start? Next Friday night, we will be hosting the South East Queensland Entrepreneurship Night in collaboration with Fxrge Future Leaders. Network with the most ambitious young business owners, founders, students, and young professionals. Hear from Nic Blair, the keynote speaker, about his journey founding a variety of businesses, including Midnight Health, which later got acquired by NIB. Learn from other business owners with a panel presentation, all accompanied by light refreshments. Find more information here: https://link.uqies.com/SEQ

Congratulations Sowmiya Yoganathan on a great event!

Got an idea but no co-founder? Or got the skills but nothing to build? This is basically speed dating… but for startups. You’ll meet a bunch of people in quick 5-minute rounds, vibe, chat, and figure out who you actually want to build something with. No awkward small talk, no “let’s catch up sometime” energy. Just real conversations. The goal? 👉 Walk out with at least one person you’d actually want to build with How it works: 3-minute 1:1 convos (fast, fun, no pressure) Meet people from business, engineering, design and more Use stickers to mark people you want to reconnect with Get everyone’s LinkedIn after and reach out Who should come: You have an idea but need your “tech” or “business” person You’ve got skills and want to join something cool You’re even slightly curious about startups What you’ll get: - Actual connections (not fake networking) - Potential co-founders 👀 - A solid starting point if you want to build something - pizza 🍕 Come for the pizza, stay for the connections, leave with a co-founder (hopefully). https://lnkd.in/gb_Kv6g8

January Capital is proud to launch The First Fellows, in partnership with UQIES. The First Fellows is a flagship initiative connecting Asia-Pacific's most exceptional students with the global startup ecosystem. Because ambition should know no borders. As a Fellow, you'll get access to: ·       Exclusive on-campus events throughout 2026 with leading tech and AI companies ·       Deep-dive sessions with world-class founders and operators ·       A community of ambitious student builders across the region ·       The eligibility to win an all-expenses-paid capstone trip to San Francisco — where you'll meet top-tier startups, operators, and investors And if you have an idea worth backing? The First Fellows could lead to real investment. Ambition has no limit. Ready to build the future? Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gnYrzUPW

Applications REOPENED: 2026 UQIES San Francisco Trip UQIES is pleased to announce Round II applications for our 2026 International Trip — a 15-day immersive experience in one of the world’s leading ecosystems for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. In partnership with UQ Ventures, we are offering: • Five new partially funded positions for new applicants • Additional financial support for confirmed participants This second round expands the cohort to 20 students and provides another opportunity for those previously unable to attend. Key Details: Dates: 27 June – 11 July 2026 Estimated Cost: ~$4000 AUD (excluding grants) Grants: Up to 5 available Application Deadline: Monday 6 April, 9AM AEST Applications will be evaluated based on the strength of responses, current personal and professional circumstances, and prior engagement with UQIES and/or entrepreneurial activities. For enquiries, please contact us via Instagram or at team@uqies.com.

Thanks for speaking Matthew Martin and Jay Thomson! Stay tuned for more great workshops throughout the semester 🚀

Just wrapped my first hackathon (stupid hackathon) with the University of Queensland Innovation and Entrepreneurship Society (UQIES). Key takeaway: bad ideas are fuel for good ones. Ideas don’t appear fully formed. They emerge from thinking, writing, sharing, discarding, and refining. The “aha” moments come after dozens of messy, imperfect attempts. The real process seems to be: Think → Write → Share → Refine → Repeat. I haven’t yet found the startup idea I want to fully commit to — but I’m actively exploring, iterating, and learning. The hackathon reminded me: building isn’t about waiting for inspiration, it’s about showing up, thinking out loud, and letting the process lead you forward. Excited for what’s next. #startups #founder #UQ