A technology focused on transforming disposable waste has been awarded The University of Queensland’s Empower Startup of the Year. Founder Anh Van, along with business partner David Sea, aims to redefine waste by creating naturally decomposable bio-materials, offering sustainable solutions to Australians.
Anh Van, a UQ student in chemical and biological engineering, has been driven by the increasing environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution and rising waste levels. La Foundary, the startup, collects organic waste from landfills such as agricultural leftovers and commercial waste. Through a process involving fungal threads, the discarded materials are broken down and shaped into new, tailor-made products.
Anh Van emphasized that being a female founder provides a unique perspective, not a limitation, and discovered that empathy, creativity, and embracing challenges were key to making a significant impact.
The Empower Women’s Accelerator, launched by UQ, concluded in November with six startups pitching their ideas to a panel of experts and a diverse audience. Over three months, participants benefited from workshops, mentoring by experienced Entrepreneurs in Residence, and access to partner incentives and resources. Each team also received $10,000 in equity-free funding.