Runway gives start-ups lift-off

THE latest group of entrepreneurs in the Runway Incubator program have showcased their start-up businesses at the Geelong Arts Centre.

Three of the up-and-coming enterprises have come from Ballarat-based people seeking to solve problems in the manufacturing or real estate sectors, and for parents.

Media and health technology professional Annie Fox is a member of the 2023 group and has been developing her app called oonaa.

“Across my career, I’ve been interested in understanding why we don’t talk to each other as well as we could, and it all comes back to the home,” she said.

“It’s only getting harder to communicate complicated topics, so oonaa is a tool to help parents prepare for conversations with their children, from Santa Claus and healthy eating to self-harm, suicide and consent.”

Ms Fox said she’s been “floored” by how many local people have wanted to share their stories with her when they’ve discovered oonaa.

“That reflects so beautifully of the community we live in,” she said. “There are parents here that want to do better and who are open to sharing their story.

“Everybody is so supportive of other businesses and endeavours in the community. That energy makes a huge difference, and I don’t want to be doing this anywhere else.”

QuantPS founder Jim Nicol has developed an artificial intelligence platform aiming to generate property and location-specific real estate agent recommendations to help those buying, renting, owning, and selling.

“Start-ups can come undone without a plan from point A to point B, but the structure Runway provides gives start-ups like mine a really strong base,” he said.

“We got lots from the connections. Net worth is, in a large part, determined by networks and this expanded mine.”

Sam Dekok has founded Ballarat 3D Proto Services in response to supply chain shortages, which is a radio prototyping and contract manufacturing start-up.

Ms Fox said there’s a misconception that regional Victoria isn’t an innovative hub.

“Nowhere is the centre of innovation. Ballarat is unique and there is so much happening here,” she said.

Mr Nicol suggested the funding backers of Runway could improve the program by investing in the start-ups as well.