Driving AI Innovation and Entrepreneurship through the UOW-LIFT Program

As the year draws to a close, I can’t help but feel incredibly appreciative of the journey I’ve taken as a PhD candidate. This year, joining the LIFT program—an initiative by iAccelerate supporting female PhD researchers in STEM—has been a transformative experience, pushing me far beyond my comfort zone.

A highlight of this program was my internship at Prisma Technologies with Rav Phull and Amanda Marks, my supervisors of the internship program. My project focused on developing an AI-enabled drone system to precisely detect and treat weeds in an automatic and sustainable way. The goal was to reduce the labour and environmental impact of large-scale farming, addressing a critical issue for Australian farmers. This experience not only deepened my understanding of drone technology and its various applications but also allowed me to gain hands-on skills, from operating drones to applying research in real-world scenarios. Moreover, under the guidance of Rav and Amanda, I learned invaluable lessons on integrating customer perspectives into product development, bridging the gap between research and industry needs.

Of course, there were challenges along the way. Testing the program on a massive spraying drone—which required at least 2–3 people to carry and set up—was far from easy (though it was fun nonetheless!). Managing overlapping priorities, deadlines, and collaborating with several people were equally demanding, especially coming from an academic setting where I mostly worked at my own pace independently. To overcome these challenges, I learned to be more adaptable, communicated my progress clearly, and regularly sought feedback to refine my research. Fortunately, I was surrounded by highly determined, passionate, and supportive mentors, which made these hurdles much easier to navigate. Looking back now, it was a valuable learning experience that not only enhanced my professional skills but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Alongside my internship, I participated in Activate program, which was instrumental in sharpening my entrepreneurial skills. Each week, I engaged in workshops where we delved into the essentials of entrepreneurship—from understanding target customers and identifying value propositions to building business prototypes. I also enjoyed exchanging ideas and stories with fellow participants. The final pitch was particularly rewarding—not only did it give me the chance to share my business ideas and receive constructive feedback, but it was also fulfilling to witness everyone bring their ideas to life. Through this program, I also found an inspiring community of women PhD researchers and female founders from various backgrounds. Everyone was open-minded, eager to learn, and generous in sharing their experiences. It was a supportive space where we could learn from each other and build long-lasting connections.

Overall, this journey has deeply influenced my outlook on my future career and provided me with the opportunity to engage in meaningful research. The LIFT Program is a stepping stone not just for me, but I believe for so many other women PhD researchers in STEM to showcase our capabilities in industry settings. I am sincerely grateful to Rav and Amanda from Prisma Technologies, my PhD supervisor Prof. Son Lam Phung, Georgia Watson, Dr. Tamantha Stutchbury, Prof. Danielle Skropeta, who lead the LIFT Program, as well as the entire iAccelerate team and APR.Intern. Their guidance and unwavering support encouraged me to embrace new opportunities and step out of my comfort zone.