South Asian Today is Australia's first media organisation for South Asian women and non-binary peoples. Founded by independent journalist Dilpreet Kaur Taggar, it aims to empower and strengthen the South Asian community through mixed media ways of storytelling.

Activator Films is a feature film distribution and impact-driven storytelling company that incentivises audiences to take action towards the climate crisis. Activator Films is founded by Leah Appleby, development manager, producer and digital marketer, and Chris Kamen, film producer and lawyer.

Mood Food uses the power of factual entertainment and storytelling to educate people around the world on the effect food has on mood. Founded by dietitians Amanda Smyth and Holly Hoskins, the evidence-based program translates science into reality, revolutionising the way we treat depression.

Wayflair unmakes prejudice through storytelling. Wayflair is a next gen entertainment company telling modern, relatable tales which include LGTBQIA+ artists, protagonists and crew. Wayflair is founded by award winning writer/producer/directors Cadance Bell and Matthew R. Young.

Heckin' Concerned Media is a podcast production company that creates podcasts by storytellers from CALD and marginalised communities underrepresented in mainstream Australian media. Founded by podcast producer Amruta Nargundkar, its objective is to encourage more diverse voices to take centre stage.

Kollider is an online platform that connects and promotes diverse female and non-binary creatives to the screen industry. The brand is a conduit for empowerment. Kollider came from the gaps in the industry, realising that people deserved a voice.

We are at the half-way point of the incubation stage of the Poplabs program. The creative business founders that are part of Poplabs Cohort One, are continually asked to investigate their “Why”. That is, what motivates them to work in their respective area? What drives and inspires their actions? What gets them going on the path that they wish to create?

The validation phase of Poplabs is the first stage in an exciting journey with our creative business founders. We selected 12 teams—a mix of solo founders and pairs—to join us for four jam-packed days of learning and connecting over two weeks, completely virtually.