Victorian startups are using technology to transform the tourism industry

News
Published: 24 March 2026

Last year, a group of 10 emerging startups received $12,500 in equity-free funding to put their innovations to the test. They embarked on a 6-week bootcamp experience. It was guided by mentoring from key tourism industry, government representatives and LaunchVic.

The experience culminated in 2 teams selected by a panel of industry experts to take home an extra $25,000 each.

Following standout performances in the recent CivVic Labs Experience Victoria Challenge, the winning projects are:

  • Jaye Leighton’s The Past Connection platform
  • Sushanta Das from tRetail Labs’ nrtureAI.

Jaye Leighton, founder of The Past Connection platform posing in front of LaunchVic bannersThe Past Connection

The Past Connection is a one‑stop platform. Visitors to the platform can book heritage‑themed:

  • experiences
  • events
  • journeys from tourism operators across Victoria.

Jaye said she is honoured to be selected as a winner of the challenge.

'It’s been inspiring to work alongside such a strong cohort of founders, and bring greater visibility to regional operators by demonstrating how digital innovation can strengthen discovery across Victoria’s visitor economy.’ Jaye said.

Learn more about The Past Connection on their website.

Sushanta Das from tRetail Labs’ nrtureAI posing in front of LaunchVic bannertRetail Labs’ nrtureAI

tRetail Labs’ nrtureAI is an AI customer experience platform that provides easy‑to‑use data tools to help airport food, beverage and retail businesses to:

  • understand their customers
  • spot market trends
  • see how the sector is performing.

Sushanta said that this recognition is a real privilege.

‘nrtureAI exists to help destinations and operators truly understand their visitors and become a stronger version of themselves. Together, we can create a Victorian blueprint for visitor emotional intelligence that can expand nationally and scale onto the global stage.’  Sushanta said.

Learn more about tRetail Labs’ nrtureAI on their website.

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Both startups are already in market, and the winners will use their additional $25,000 funding to advance their solutions.

Delivered by Victoria's start up agency LaunchVic. The program is supported by the Regional Tourism Industry Development Program.

Meet all the teams involved in the CivVic Labs Experience Victoria Challenge on the LaunchVic website.