Two local community-focused start-up businesses will benefit from City funded scholarships for the 2025 Curtin Ignition Program.
Led by Curtin University, the intensive week-long program supports entrepreneurs and innovators in preparing their business ideas for market.
Marangaroo resident Tania McGrath won a place in the program as the founder of Eco Tech Innovations, having developed a patented building solution aimed to solve the housing shortage.
Her innovation aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and construction costs, offering a faster, greener and more affordable alternative to traditional housing methods.
“It means a lot to be given this kind of support from the City of Wanneroo,” Tania said.
“Getting into the Curtin Ignition Program is such a great opportunity, not just for me personally, but for what I’m trying to build with Eco Tech Innovations.”
Tania said the idea came from her own experiences, struggling with housing security as a single mother.
“I started learning about building systems and sustainable materials years ago and eventually came up with the concept for a prefabricated panel that’s strong, fast to install and much better for the environment,” she said.
“I now hold the Australian patent for the system and have been developing it into a real-world solution ever since.”
Tania said she hopes to come out of the program with a clearer plan to pitch for funding and partnerships, as well as getting her automated manufacturing process launched to be able to start building homes with these panels.
“My goal is to prove how quickly and sustainably we can deliver quality housing — especially for social and affordable housing projects where the need is urgent,” she said.
Eglinton resident Laura Kennedy was awarded a scholarship from the City for her development of a school-based incursion program that fosters emotional wellbeing and creative self-expression.
Her Aqua Kre-Artz program offers students a nurturing space to explore creativity through mindful breathing, gentle movement and engaging art-based activities.
Laura said her goal is to help students build emotional resilience, strengthen social connections and express themselves in healthy, empowering ways.
“I feel incredibly grateful for the scholarship, and it’s heart-warming to know others see value in myself and in my vision,” she said.
“It’s also a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, whilst learning so much from industry experts and inspiring individuals.”
Following an injury in January 2021 that led to chronic pain, physical, cognitive and mental health challenges, Laura said she reconnected with her love of art through her rehabilitation, sparking the idea to share art therapy with school students.
“I trialled a five-week program at a school with a small group of at-risk students, and it was incredibly rewarding with wonderful feedback, however I understand not all schools currently have the budget to work with this,” she said.
“The idea of incursions was suggested as a way to reach more students in a more sustainable way – bringing the sessions directly into classrooms at a lower cost making this more affordable and accessible for those who could really benefit.”
Laura said she is using the Curtin Ignition Program to help expand the idea and urged other local entrepreneurs to apply for City funding to bring new and innovative ideas to reality.
“The City has been amazing. My advice is to not hesitate to reach out and seek guidance, they really want to see you succeed and will genuinely offer their time and support,” she said.
The Curtin Ignition Program runs from 30 August to 5 September 2025.
For more information on future opportunities, such as business support and scholarships offered by the City of Wanneroo, sign up to our business e-newsletter at businesswanneroo.com.au