Meet the teams: CivVic Labs Experience Victoria Challenge

Last Updated: Tuesday 28 October

Victorian startups are teaming up with local tourism operators to reinvent how visitors experience the state, as part of the CivVic Labs Experience Victoria Challenge.

In partnership with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, ten teams have been selected to take part in the challenge-based pre-accelerator program, which has been running across various verticals since 2019.

The lineup features everything from an AI solution helping motel owners modernise operations, to an app for divers to find the best nearby dive sites using live weather data.

Read more about the teams below and sign up to LaunchVic’s newsletter to keep up with the challenge.

Meet the teams

BellKeeper

An AI tech solution to motel management, aiding aging owners to transition to retirement, create jobs, and drive maintenance of affordable tourist accommodation in the regions.

Founder: Jessica Turner

Bon Lemóns

Helping event, experience, and service business owners build loyal and profitable reoccurring customer bases.

Founder: Lyndsey Fisk

COGO

COGO is a fitness app that connects athletes with coaches and local groups, simplifying scheduling, payments and communication to build community through sport.

Co-Founders: Marissa Johnson & Matt Foulds

Common Space

Common Space connects underused venues with creators and community groups, transforming idle spaces into accessible hubs for collaboration, income generation, and vibrant neighbourhood life.

Founder: Sweni Shah

DiveScout

DiveScout is an app that helps you find the best dive sites nearby based on live weather conditions.

Founder: Lourdes Zamanillo

Inclusive Places

Unlocking lost Victorian tourism revenue due to lack of disability, accessibility, inclusivity information: critical information preventing inclusive tourism across Victoria.

Co-Founders: Tim Mumford & Jade Germantis

nrtureAI

nrtureAI is the visitor experience intelligence layer that turns emotion, intent and conversion signals into clear actions so destinations and operators understand what improves experiences and strengthens revenue today.

Founder: Sushanta Das 

Questoria

Questoria is a location-based game transforming Victoria into a live adventure map. Visitors collect mascots like Pinky-the-Penguin, unlock rewards and operators gain customers and insights.

Founder: Adelaide Cochrane

The Past Connection

The Past Connection is a central platform connecting ‘past’-focused tourism businesses with contemporary audiences interested in curated heritage events, experiences, stays and journeys across Victoria.

Founder: Jaye Leighton

Vozi

Vozi is an AI phone agent for restaurants, handling bookings and takeaway orders 24/7 so venues never miss a customer call.

Founder: Nick Davenport