Bundy startup helps Queenslanders manage endometriosis

A Bundaberg graphic designer has created an innovative app to help women who have endometriosis manage their condition.

The app’s designer, Morgahna Godwin, founded a startup based on the app and recently connected with global entrepreneurs and investors at the Myriad Festival in Brisbane.

Innovation Minister Kate Jones said regional startups like Manage Endo were developing innovative ideas to create the jobs of the future in places like Bundaberg.

“We’re committed to helping Bundaberg businesses like Manage Endo to translate their ideas into successful products and services that support the economy and make the world a better place,” she said.

“The government is investing heavily in innovation to help startups in regional Queensland scale up and create more jobs.

“Advance Queensland’s $6 million Advancing Regional Innovation Program supports regional partnerships.

“We were proud to support Manage Endo to connect with some of the world’s best innovators and venture capitalists at the Myriad innovation festival earlier this year.

“This clever startup was one of 120 regional innovators supported by the Palaszczuk Government to showcase at the international innovation gathering.”

Manage Endo app designer Morgahna Godwin said the connections she made at the Myriad Festival will allow her to scale up and elevate her startup.

“The support I received through ARIP was absolutely invaluable as a regional startup founder,” she said.

“Connectivity within the startup ecosystem is the life-blood of one’s business.

“The Myriad Festival allows regional startups to accelerate those connections that would otherwise not be possible.”

Morgahna Godwin decided to create the app when her endometriosis symptoms kept her from working.

The Manage Endo app charts pain levels and lifestyle factors to see what triggers symptoms.

Since acquiring and building the skills to launch Manage Endo, a chance encounter with globally recognised data scientists Nic Ryan and Leslee Ryan at an Advance Queensland event sparked the formation of a second startup.

“We met at The Generator Bundaberg innovation hub and ended up co-founding ‘Code with Grace’, which teaches women in Queensland how to code their own solutions.

“They’re world-class people you just don’t get access to in the regions.

“It’s through Advance Queensland programs like these that regional innovators can access the best resources.

ARIP is part of the $650 million flagship Advance Queensland whole-of-government initiative to transform Queensland’s economy, create knowledge jobs of the future and build the state’s reputation as a global innovation and investment destination.

Under ARIP, the Palaszczuk Government is supporting innovative businesses and communities across Queensland in a statewide commitment to boost innovation and entrepreneurship and empower the regions.

The Myriad Festival was held in Brisbane at the Royal International Convention Centre from 16–18 May 2018.

For further details about ARIP see https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-startups/advancing-regional-innovation.aspx.

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