Student Startup Weekend

From Google to Canva, university is where some of the world’s biggest tech founders met and started businesses that would change the game forever.

Student Startup Weekend is an event for Western Australian university students looking for the chance to test a new business idea in 54 exciting hours. Hosted by Curtin University and Bloom, the experience equips young people with the skills to pursue a career as an entrepreneur while connecting them with Perth’s top mentors, investors and like-minded peers.

This year’s event takes place at Curtin’s Bentley campus from 4:30pm, Friday 27 March to 5:00pm, Sunday 29 March.

2025 Mentors

We’ve assembled a SWAT team of leading startup experts to support you throughout the weekend.

Jasmin Ward – lead facilitator

Co-founder of Cribber, former entrepreneur in residence at Woodside, featured in Vogue Australia and experienced mentor in global startup ecosystems. Jasmin brings a wealth of expertise in innovation, technology and venture capital and has delivered multiple Startup Weekends events around the world.

Angela Sebastian

Former Curtin University Women in Business President, Angela is now a brand consultant passionate about creativity, innovation and strategic communication.

Alpesh Shah

Curtin University lecturer and founder of Synapta, Alpesh leverages law, tech and strategic insights to accelerate growth and innovation.

Malcolm Gordon

Digital marketing expert, startup mentor and specialist in product validation and growth strategies within WA’s vibrant tech ecosystem, Malcolm is passionate about growing WA’s startup scene.

Shivani Sheth

Shivani thrives at the intersection of strategy, creativity and innovation. With hands-on experience in startups, marketing and corporate strategy, she is a catalyst for fresh ideas and impactful change. An international student and storyteller, she brings diverse perspectives to turning bold visions into reality.

Nicholas Jerrat

Curtin graduate, founder of Publish My Web and IdeaBank Ventures, Chair of Deal Flow at Perth Angels and seasoned advisor to tech startups.

Filipp Mark D’Aprile

Filipp is an experienced consultant advising listed companies and governments on tech, sustainability and strategic growth across key industries.

What to expect?

Supported by the entrepreneur teams at Curtin and Bloom, plus leading innovation experts in WA, this event will guide you through the process of developing an idea for a new business venture. As part of the experience, you’ll get to:

• pitch your business idea (this is not compulsory; you can also just join a team)
• build your team of innovators, marketers, designers and developers
• share ideas and brainstorms for how you want your business to look
• conduct market research and idea validation
• learn how to create working prototypes and a business plan
• prepare your pitch for our panel of judges for the Pitch Showcase on Sunday afternoon.

At the end of the weekend, you will have learned how to test your idea, form a team, conduct user research, prototype your product or service and pitch to investors.