From Classroom to Boardroom: ANU Startup Stories

Ever walked past Kambri and thought, “Am I in the right place? Can I be the next startup success?” Well, you absolutely can, and you’re in the right place! We have already established that Canberra is a great place to build a start-up, but ANU in particular is a powerhouse of innovation. The facilities, support and academics here not only help you solve the problem-they help you redefine them. Let’s explore some of the lesser heard startups, born right here at ANU, that are making waves in the tech industry and beyond.

With a mission to help Aussies thrive while ditching the middlemen and gatekeepers, Evernode Labs built the game-changing “Evernode Protocol” using two cutting-edge codebases, HotPocket and Sashimono. Together, these technologies provide a revolutionary way to run smart contracts over the internet. From tokenizing Aussie cattle to creating fully on-chain NFTs, Evernode is leading the way in blockchain innovation.Recently, Evernode launched a “layer 2” network, which already has over 6,000 hosts, marking a significant milestone and opening endless growth possibilities. Evernode is definitely one to watch!

The manufacturing of electronics devices has been notoriously wasteful, but a start-up called Syenta decided to change the game with their 3D printing technology. Devices that were once tough to produce sustainably, like sensors, solar panels, and PCBs, are now more efficient and cost-effective, thanks to Syenta’s innovative approach that cuts down on production steps. Started in ANU, Syenta raised $3.7 million in seed funding from the investment firm Blackbird Ventures and is quickly becoming a “must-watch” in the startup world.

And then there’s Samsara Eco. Paul Riley was highly experienced in the space of venture capital and private equity as one of the first participants in this space within Australia. He spent 12 years with the leader in early-stage investments, AMIL (subsequently renamed Champ Private Equity). But in 2020, he made a big pivot. Fueled by a passion to tackle the plastic crisis, Paul shifted his focus entirely to R&D. That’s when he stumbled upon an article about two ANU PhD students, Vanessa Vongsouthi and Matt Spence, and their research on plastic-degrading enzymes. Thus, Samsara eco was created in hopes to replace harmful plastics with fossil-free polymer resins as a sustainable alternative.

In 2023, they teamed up with lululemon to launch the world’s first infinitely recycled nylon 6,6 and polyester fabric—a major leap for sustainable fashion. The start-up made a significant stride in June of this year by securing an additional $65 million in all equity. This ANU-born startup is showing the world that you don’t need to sacrifice the planet to innovate!

These startups are just the tip of the iceberg for what ANU students can achieve—and the ANU Entrepreneurship Club is here to back you every step of the way! Become a member today and get tailored assistance for your journey!