Inspiration and innovation collide at Swinburne’s best-ever Venture Cup

Swinburne University of Technology’s Innovation Studio has awarded the 2025 Venture Cup, its longest-running and most anticipated pitch competition. 

AI-powered video storytelling platform AutoAE from Zero Tech took the top prize, with member support tool Encevia Systems named the runner up, and infrastructure cleaning system AeroSync winning the People’s Choice Award. 

It marks the completion of Swinburne Innovation Studio’s Elevate Program, which supports emerging startups through a dynamic 12-week journey of personalised coaching, masterclasses and mentoring. Six standout startups were selected for the program and had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts and compete for cash prizes in venture funding.  

“The Elevate program focuses on strengthening each team’s business model, building real traction, and developing the conviction to double down and take their venture to the next level,” said Audrey Jean-Baptiste, Head of Commercial Programs and Operations.

“This final pitch night celebrated six ambitious founding teams who embody that drive to innovate and create positive change. Venture Cup is a testament to their journey, and to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the Swinburne community.”

First Place: Zero Tech (AutoAE) 

Swinburne student Hanna Zhu and co-founder Alex Liu won the competition with their pitch for Zero Tech’s flagship product, AutoAE, an AI-powered platform that revolutionises video storytelling. Trusted by over 250,000 creators in more than 80 countries, AutoAE simplifies the creation of professional motion graphics, eliminating the high costs and complexity typically associated with the process. 

With a mission to democratise creativity, AutoAE aims to amplify underrepresented video design voices from the Global South.  

“Winning the Venture Cup through Swinburne’s Elevate Program has been an incredible milestone for Zero Tech. The mentorship, structure, and community support truly sharpened our vision and execution,” said Zero Tech co-founder, Hanna Zhu.

“This program didn’t just accelerate our startup journey; it gave us the confidence, clarity, and connections to take Zero Tech to the next stage, making true changes in the new creative era.”

Runner-Up: Encevia Systems 

The runner-up award went to Encevia Systems founded by Swinburne alumni Matthew Evans and Ashley Trethowan, who pitched their powerful AI-driven member support for organisations. Encevia provides instant, accurate assistance that users can trust, with a platform that streamlines case escalation and tracks real-time issues affecting members, starting with the airline industry.

Encevia’s proprietary internal process rapidly generates customised tools, achieving response accuracy well above industry standards. A client-facing, no-code version is ready for development, positioning the startup for rapid growth. The platform is already in use with their founding client, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots.

People’s Choice: AeroSync 

The People’s Choice award winner, AeroSync, was pitched by Swinburne students and co-founders, Zachary Schade and Nicholas Dobie, showcasing modular, AI-driven multi-drone systems designed to autonomously clean building facades and other infrastructure. 

The drones work collaboratively to navigate complex spaces, identify priority areas, and deliver consistent, high-quality cleaning without the need for expensive labour and equipment hire. 

Turning ideas into impact

Throughout 2025, Swinburne Innovation Studio has continued to support staff, students, researchers, alumni and partners at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey with its flagship programs, the Initiate Program, Luminate Program and Elevate Program.

As the University’s hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and venture creation, Swinburne Innovation Studio connects founders, researchers, students and industry to build and grow high potential ventures that solve real-world problems. 

“Swinburne’s Innovation Studio is where bold ideas meet real-world impact. Through our suite of startup programs, we empower founders to transform creativity into scalable ventures that shape a better future,” says Audrey Jean-Baptiste.

“In 2026, we’ll build on our momentum to provide even greater support for founders – with more programs, resources and investment to help their ideas grow.”