Startup Internship

Meet the Illume Fellows: June–August 2025 Cohort-Innovators Shaping Tomorrow’s Startups

Australia, Career, Entrepreneurship, Future, Social Impact, Startup Internship, Students Experience, Technology, Venture Capital

Illume’s Startup Fellowship’s latest cohort is a powerhouse of talent, bringing together students and graduates from leading universities across Australia- University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of Queensland, and RMIT. Interns even relocated to Melbourne to dive into a truly ‘immersive startup internship experience’. What unites this diverse group is a shared hunger for growth, a passion for learning, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions in the fast-evolving Australian startup ecosystem Introducing the Illume Fellows James Putradi: A graduate from the University of Melbourne with a background in physics and computing, James is currently pursuing a Master’s in IT specialising in distributed systems. “I’m learning that strategic orientation helps me contribute meaningfully, and slowing down to understand the bigger picture leads to better execution.” Xian Hu: A full-stack developer with a Master’s in software engineering from the University of Melbourne, Xian embraces the multifaceted challenges of startup life by balancing technical and non-technical roles. “Startup life pushes you to wear many hats; learning to balance technical and non-technical roles is shaping my adaptability.” Kai (Kevin): Studying Data Science and Business Analytics at Monash University, Kevin applies advanced analytics and machine learning to real-world healthcare challenges. “Success isn’t about having all the answers, but seeking with intent and asking the right questions.” Neppalli Srityesha: With academic training across Europe and Australia, Sripesha combines data analytics expertise with strong skills in requirement gathering and strategic innovation. “Collaboration showed me the power of sharing challenges—every question brings us closer to better solutions.” Yafan (Claire): An analytics enthusiast from the University of Queensland, Claire brings cross-industry experience in pharmaceutical sales and data-driven decision making. “I’m embracing every learning opportunity, knowing adaptability is as essential as technical skill in startups.” Zhengye Tian (Clarence): A marketing innovator and entrepreneur experienced in global brand strategies, Zhengye crafts compelling narratives that connect brands to audiences. “Effective communication isn’t just about presenting ideas—it’s about building trust and fostering collaboration.” Our fellows’ weekly reflections reveal deep insights into their journey toward becoming adaptable, resourceful startup professionals: Goal Clarity: They recognise the power of setting specific, measurable goals as an essential step to focused progress. Proactive Communication: Overcoming hesitation, they learn that asking questions and seeking feedback fuels growth and builds workplace relationships. Embracing the Startup Reality: Wearing multiple hats and balancing technical with non-technical responsibilities hones their agility and resilience. Growth Mindset: A “can-do” attitude emerges as critical to navigating uncertainty and complex problem-solving. Community & Mentorship: Strong bonds form through open dialogue, peer support, and mentor guidance, creating a nurturing environment for learning. We celebrate the humility, ambition, and perseverance of this cohort as they carve their professional paths in the dynamic world of startups.

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Startup Internship & Fellowship-my entrepreneurial journey.

Career, Entrepreneurship, Future, Social Impact, Startup Internship, Students Experience, Technology, Venture Capital

Through my internship experience with the Illume Fellowship Program, I got a dive deep into what it takes to start and build a startup. I had the opportunity to intern at AssureDocs, a company that is solving problem for document verification and authentication. My role was helping the founder prepare for investment pitching, doing competitor analysis, product development, something that each founder needs to know. Through this experience I learnt the tremendous amount of work it takes to build a startup. I was able to enhance my strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, especially when working on the pitch deck for the Swinburne Venture Cup. Here, I’d like to share some of my learnings. Practical Application of Entrepreneurial Concepts: The opportunity to apply concepts learned in my studies, such as market research, competitor analysis, and product development, to real-world scenarios deepened my understanding of how startups operate. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice, particularly in the competitive tech industry. Enhanced Strategic Thinking: Working on competitor analysis and market research allowed me to think critically and strategically, skills that are essential for navigating the startup world. I gained a better understanding of how to assess market trends, identify growth opportunities, and refine product strategies—key aspects of running a successful business. Development of Industry-Specific Knowledge: My time at AssureDocs gave me an in-depth understanding of the document verification industry and how technology can solve pressing challenges. This experience has opened my eyes to the potential for innovation in this field and inspired me to explore similar technology-driven solutions for my own entrepreneurial ventures. Improved Communication and Leadership Skills: Being involved in creating the pitch deck for a major event such as Swinburne Venture Cup, helped me develop stronger presentation and communication skills. These are crucial for any future career, whether I’m pitching to investors, leading a team, or engaging with customers. Networking and Professional Growth: The internship allowed me to network with professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, expanding my industry connections. These relationships have already begun to play a role in opening doors for future career opportunities and collaborations. Boosted Confidence and Career Direction: The internship affirmed my passion for entrepreneurship and solidified my desire to pursue a career in the startup ecosystem. It has given me a clear direction for my future, with practical skills and experiences that will help me succeed in my entrepreneurial journey. Time Management & Prioritisation: Balancing multiple tasks and deadlines taught me how to prioritise work efficiently and manage time effectively in a fast-paced startup environment. Overall, the internship has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory by equipping me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue my goals in the business world. The entrepreneurship training, networking events, and cultural exposure further expanded my perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of the startup ecosystem. This experience not only met but exceeded my expectations, equipping me with the tools, confidence, and connections to pursue my entrepreneurial goals. I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to accelerate their growth in the business world. By Pangeran Dega, Illume Fellow

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My startup internship at a Medtech Startup in Australia

Career, Entrepreneurship, Future, Social Impact, Startup Internship, Students Experience, Technology, Venture Capital

Embarking on my journey as a Business Analyst Intern at Healovate has been one of the most enriching experiences of my academic and professional development. Healovate, a Melbourne-based med-tech startup, is pioneering the use of AI-driven software to accurately predict strokes and related neurovascular diseases. Founded by Muhsin Kizhisseri, the company is currently in the prototype development stage, poised to transform early diagnosis and prevention in healthcare. A Unique International Experience As an Indonesian student participating in an international internship, joining Healovate has broadened my knowledge. Working in a start-up environment in a different country not only exposed me to new cultural dynamics but also gave me a firsthand understanding of how innovation is nurtured in the med-tech industry. It was fascinating to see how passion, creativity, and agility drive every decision in a startup like Healovate. Learning from a Visionary Founder Working closely with Muhsin Kizhisseri was a privilege. His deep knowledge of neurovascular diseases and his relentless commitment to building impactful solutions were both inspiring and motivating. He wasn’t just a founder; he was a mentor who generously shared his insights about product development, market analysis, and the entrepreneurial mindset. One of the most memorable lessons I learned was how essential it is to enhance the value to the company. Muhsin often emphasised y**ou need to enhance the value of your company, as investors seek a high return on their investment. This value can be demonstrated through factors like revenue growth, a scalable business model, innovative products, a strong market position, and an experienced team.** My Role and Contributions As a business analyst intern, my primary responsibilities included data research and creating the pitch deck for potential investors. These tasks were both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to apply and refine my analytical and presentation skills. Data Research: My work involved gathering and analysing data on the med-tech industry, particularly focusing on market trends. This research formed the foundation for understanding the market landscape and identifying opportunities for Healovate’s growth. Pitch Deck Development: I played a key role in designing and structuring Healovate’s pitch deck, which was aimed at attracting investors for the next stage of prototype testing. This task required translating complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives that showcased the product’s potential impact. It was a unique opportunity to combine creativity with data-driven insights, ensuring the presentation was both informative and persuasive. A Month of Growth and Insight Over the past month, these responsibilities have challenged me to think critically, work collaboratively, and innovate. From synthesising data into actionable insights to crafting a story that could resonate with investors, every task added to my professional growth. Reflections and Takeaways This internship has been more than just work experience; it has been a transformative journey. Being part of Healovate has taught me that a start-up’s success lies not only in its innovative ideas but also in the passion and resilience of its team. It has also reinforced my belief in the power of technology to change lives when driven by purpose. Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in a start-up culture that values innovation, agility, and impact. It has inspired me to pursue my own aspirations with greater clarity and confidence. What’s Next? As I continue my studies and explore future opportunities, the lessons I’ve learned at Healovate will undoubtedly shape my professional journey. This experience has not only strengthened my interest in the med-tech industry but has also opened doors to pursuing entrepreneurship in the future. I would highly recommend internships at startups to anyone eager to learn, grow, and make a difference. The combination of hands-on experience, global exposure, and invaluable mentorship makes it an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. By Ezzar Fawwaz Rafi Yudi Hartono Putra, Illume Fellow, Global Entrepreneurship Program

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What do an Aerospace Engineer, PhD in Biochemistry to founder preventing fatal road accidents have in common? They’re Illume’s VC Fellows ‘24.

Career, Entrepreneurship, Future, Startup Internship, Students Experience, Technology, Venture Capital

Illume’s VC fellowship exists to support founders who are preparing for fundraising paired with professionals and students who are keen to break into the Venture capital or Investment Career by giving them the hands-on experience to work on deals and build their investment thesis. This cohort, we were joined by entrepreneurs who are creating global and impactful startups while Masters and PhD graduates who showcased their intellectual curiosity, commercial prowess aspiring to enter the venture capital industry. Introducing our VC Fellows’ 24    From a startup that is helping the trucking industry to manage fatigue and compliance to a med-tech that is developing a device for early detection of respiratory complications with ICU patients. From a founder who is using his 15 years of experience in the Migration Industry to create technologically innovative identity verification and document authentication solutions to PhD researchers who are using their research to develop breakthrough technology to solve Climate crises. Paired with these founders were our analysts that come with professional backgrounds. From a Product Manager at a fast-growing Fintech to an industry veteran in Mindfulness; from a Data Science graduate to a graduate studying their CFA to a Graduate in Aerospace Engineering and PhD in Biochemistry, this cohort was an amalgamation of intellectual powerhouse. “These fellows show that the future of investing will rest not just on those with the Investment Banking background but those that are quick learners, can power through the deep research and possess founder empathy and network.” Laxmi Pun, Program Director, Illume. During the program, the fellows had the opportunity to work on their investment memo while the Investment analyst fellows worked with these founders to develop their investment research skills, presenting their thesis and role-playing with their investor hat on.  In addition, the fellows have access to intimate fireside chats and panel sessions with founders and investors,  candid and honest conversations to learn from people who have been in their shoes or aspire to be one. We’d like to thank our startup and venture fund guests who supported this cohort- Innovation Bay, Investible Fund, SVG Ventures, Everlab. “As a founder, I found this program, succinct yet effective way to prepare for fundraising. Creating a data room and what needs to go there and most importantly- WHY was a big win for me.” Navjeet Singh, Founder, AssureDoc. ” I am fortunate to be at the heart of India’s startup capital- Silicon Valley of India in Bangalore and I was looking for a global program to connect with founders and investors internationally, and I found that with the Illume VC Fellowship. As I embark on my MBA at INSEAD, I feel more confident and inspired to continue my VC journey.” Ruchita Kachhap, INSEAD and fintech professional. As these fellows embark to accelerate their fundraising or venture capital career, if you are investing or looking for analysts to support your investments, connect with us. If you’re a startup or aspiring VC talent- join our 6 weeks program to accelerate your fundraising or VC career.

What do an Aerospace Engineer, PhD in Biochemistry to founder preventing fatal road accidents have in common? They’re Illume’s VC Fellows ‘24. Read More »

From Biomedicine graduate to LLM enthusiast, meet Illume’s May-Jul’24 Startup Fellows.

Career, Entrepreneurship, Future, Startup Internship, Students Experience, Technology

We are amazed by the quality of talent that exists in our universities. From Biomedicine graduate to data-science to marketing to our most popular stream- software development, these 11 Fellows will embark on their 12 weeks fellowship journey immersing themselves in startup environment, working directly with the founders of innovative emerging startups and developing their entrepreneurial mindset and network to accelerate their career and eventually build their own startup. Introducing Illume’s May-July 2024 Startup Fellow  This batch of Fellows represent students and graduates across Australian universities, from 1st year Computer Science student interested in LLM to a recent graduate working on building scalable backend technology, having started his own tech ventures in his home country; Marketing graduate who also built her startup; fellow who is combining finance degree to data science to work at the nexus of technology and business and an avid gamer combining her love for game and technology development and a bio-medicine graduate keen to plunge into the world of innovative healthcare. These fellows not only bring their impressive backgrounds but showcase their willingness to push the boundaries.  And even more impressive was the fact that 82% of this cohort are Women students and graduates who are making their way into the tech sector. Our Host Startups This fellowship would not be possible without the support of our startup ecosystem. Thank you to all the participating startup hosts . Our founders who are willing to give these talents a go, are moved by their desire to give back despite their busyness of building a startup, creating projects and learning environments to develop these talents. Our host startups are working on frontier technologies and the future of industries like Medtech and Healthtech, AI & Automation, Enterprise softwares, giving our fellows exposure and hands-on experience on new technologies. “Because I got to work with new tools during my startup experience, I was able to stay relevant and showcase my learning curve which helped me land a job despite no initial tech background”, Jojo Wang (Illume Fellow) from Business to Software Developer role. This is only the beginning for these Fellows as they venture into the professional world. They will be supported throughout their journey through Illume Foundation’s Venture Building Community. If you’re a company that would like to support our talent please get in touch with us, [email protected]. If you’re a student, graduate or a professional seeking to get work experience at a startup or venture capital and build your career in the field of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, check out our internship and fellowship programs. Course credit internships are offered for university students. By: Illume Team

From Biomedicine graduate to LLM enthusiast, meet Illume’s May-Jul’24 Startup Fellows. Read More »

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