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By Kate Jenkins, Head of Community and Partnerships at Remarkable.
On 21 November, 2024 we travelled to Melbourne to celebrate the opening of applications for our 2025 Launcher pre-accelerator program. In partnership with LaunchVic, we brought together a vibrant group of about 60 supporters, including leaders from Melbourne’s thriving startup ecosystem, Remarkable alumni, and our broader community to connect, collaborate, and celebrate.
The event was an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of our Launcher program, which equips early-stage founders with the tools and knowledge they need to explore, validate, and scale solutions. Each founder is also matched with a dedicated coach who supports them with weekly online sessions to guide them through the program.
By working with startups at this early stage, we help embed inclusive design as a foundational element of their businesses, rather than an afterthought. Designing with inclusion and accessibility in mind creates solutions that benefit everyone.
However, this event wasn’t just about opening Launcher applications—it was about growing the Disability Tech movement and demonstrating the power of purpose-driven innovation.
A Celebration of Innovation and Inclusion
Who better to illustrate the value of Remarkable programs and the impact of Disability Tech than our alumni?
I had the privilege of hosting a panel discussion with Adam Jahnke (CEO of Umps Health and 2018 Accelerator Alumni), Nikhil Bora (Co-Founder of SignHow and 2023 Launcher Alumni), and Sarah Everitt (Founder of MediStays and 2021 Accelerator Alumni). They shared insights on their startup journey as well as challenges and breakthroughs in tech innovation, offering a glimpse into the potential of Disability Tech.
“Launcher helped us improve our startup idea by developing it from the ground up, providing valuable feedback from mentors, and connecting me with others who share similar goals. Kate was our first coach, and she encouraged us to dig deep before building the subscription platform.
Sophie and I spent two intense months interviewing 70 people and these conversations helped us identify one clear solution to address their needs. Thanks to the program, I feel more confident about bringing the idea to life.” - Nikhil Bora, Co-Founder, SignHow
Why Community Matters
As we wrapped up the Launcher 2025 event, one thing was clear - real impact happens when communities come together.
This event was a testament to what’s possible when shared goals align. Our incredible partners, such as the TPG Telecom Foundation and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, play a crucial role in making the Launcher program possible.
A special thank you to Tank Stream Labs for hosting us in their beautiful new Melbourne space and to the social enterprise All Things Equal, led by our Remarkable Mentor Jess Colgan, for the delicious catering.
The conversations we had and the connections that were made all pointed toward one truth: disability-driven innovation is reshaping industries and breaking barriers. Together, we’re not just building startups; we’re building a future that’s inclusive, equitable, and filled with possibility.
Check out the kind of love from our community below:
How To Get Involved
Applications for Launcher 2025 are now open! If you’re an innovator passionate about creating impactful solutions in disability, health, or ageing tech, we would love you to apply!
We also want to extend this invite to everyone to be part of this journey. Help us to spread the word about the program with your community. Together, we can create a ripple effect that drives greater impact and builds a more inclusive world.
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