We are well underway into this year’s GRIFFIN Accelerator program, with five new ambitious startups successfully entering in to one of Australia’s top 24 most active startup accelerators, based at the Canberra Innovation Network.

This year the GRIFFIN Accelerator received 50 applications of which 13 were shortlisted to pitch to investors and 5 accepted offers to participate in to the program.

There are a variety of new startups coming through the program including, Little Products; which focuses on creating products that help kids cut the world down to their size. Co-founders Melanie and Peta Stamell saw there was a need for making large chairs more comfortable during prolonged used for children.

‘Products as tools to help kids navigate spaces built for bigger people, allowing them to achieve greater independence when they are ready for it, not just when they’re ‘big enough’ said Peta Stamell, Co-founder Little Products.

The GRIFFIN Accelerator is an intensive and immersive program aimed at accelerating the life cycle of young ideas, compressing years’ worth of experience and learning within just 3 months, training and helping innovative minds unleash their entrepreneurial nous.

Other startups who have entered this year’s cohort include;

• Brivvio – is a mobile and web video app that allows companies to easily brand their 90 second marketing video.
• Video SWMS – that are utilising video technology to improve the current Safe Work Method Statement system and promote safety within the construction industry.
• Future Super-Foods – have built a prototype modular cricket farm and have begun farming their own crickets for human consumption.
• Stocks Blocks – invented a stackable, recycled plastic solar panel housing for industrial solar farms.

Since 2014, the GRIFFIN Accelerator has chosen 21 teams through a very competitive process and to date, the teams have collectively raised over $4.5 Million from investors at a combined valuation around $25 Million.

 “Our vision is to change the world by making Australian innovations successful and to change Canberra by contributing to the vibrant network of innovation and start-up activity here. We get research out of the lab, we enable founders with deep expertise and passion to make a difference” said Craig Davis, General Manager, Growth Programs, Canberra Innovation Network

The five teams will travel to the Sydney Startup Hub to pitch in front of investors on Monday 15th October 2018, their final pitch to raise capital will be held on Thursday 18th October at the Canberra Innovation Network.