IN CONVERSATION WITH
UTS STARTUPS
Interviewed and photographed by Sevin Pakbaz
AMPLIFY
“Our job is to inspire people at UTS to become entrepreneurs...” At the forefront of modernisation in the commercial world knowledge and confidence that needed to explore has been the rise of startups. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundations highlighted the popularity of tech-startups, reporting that computer and electronics manufacturing startups have boosted by 78% from 2007 to 2016. Right now, America leads the global market for tech related startups, with their profits coming in at $1.6 trillion in 2019. New technologies are constantly being implemented around the world to solve problems across various startup industries and sectors. Last year, the global community especially relied on advanced startups, local and international, and their online functions to operate in lockdown. Companies such as AfterPay, DoorDash and Uber were popular. Let’s not forget how our beloved social media apps — Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and WhatsApp — initially launched in home offices too. We rely on services like these, everyday. However, getting involved in this vast, fast-paced and ever-changing sector can be scary to students, particularly those who are encouraged to follow traditional career paths. Often entrepreneurship can be misunderstood and may seem overwhelming — strict deadlines, hours of planning, and a crucial need for self-discipline — but UTS Startups is here to help students dip their toes into the field, with no strings attached. Not only do they guide students in developing the skills,
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entrepreneurship, but they also host events to give participants a taste of startup culture, and inspire them to tap into their inner entrepreneur. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Emma Early, the UTS Startups Operations Manager, in the impressive and progressive UTS Startups headquarters in Building 16. Emma is not only a forward-thinking powerhouse, but a former UTS Law student. As an alumna, she’s very familiar with the way UTS operates as a university and uses this knowledge to better UTS Startups for everyone involved. During our chat, Emma explained how UTS Startups goes above and beyond in their practice, in an effort to get different types of individuals involved, especially more female-identifying entrepreneurs. She also spoke about their attitude towards work-life balance. Emma also weighed in about UTS Startup’s approach to ‘toxic grind culture’. UTS Startups have been harnessing new technologies, with the goal to improve people’s lives. The inspiring work they do is just a small glimpse into what the high-tech future holds.
