State Library Victoria’s dynamic start up hub, StartSpace, proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Lisa Ring and Family Scholarships, recognising two groundbreaking innovators set to transform healthcare and neuroscience:
Josh Farrington, founder and CEO of Healio, a patient-centric mobile application to educate and support hospital patients navigating long or complex healthcare journeys. This includes cancer treatment, stroke rehab, orthopaedic rehab, mental health management and much more. Mr Farrington has 19 years of experience working in the health technology space and identified a growing need for a flexible and secure digital solution which would engage and empower patients to better navigate their personalised care.
Ruwini Cooray, founder and CEO of Neurogen, is developing an advanced cell-based brain implant solution for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Ms Cooray is a dedicated neuroscientist with over eight years of technical experience and global expertise. She started Neurogen with the aim to develop a minimally invasive treatment for degenerative diseases which are experienced by far too many.
The 2025 Lisa Ring and Family scholars will each receive $10k seed funding, bespoke business coaching and StartSpace Loft Membership for twelve months, to support their early-stage businesses and grow their knowledge, skills and networks.
StartSpace, located within State Library Victoria, provides early-stage business and startup founders access to professional coworking facilities, practical guidance and mentoring, workshops and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Philanthropist Lisa Ring said:
“My family and I are extremely proud of this year’s scholarship winners – both Josh and Ruwini have created and developed fantastic innovations in the health space, and we are looking forward to seeing each of their visions grow into reality over the coming years.
“As we know, fostering a business idea into a final product can be a bumpy ride, but I’m confident that both Josh and Ruwini can navigate this path. Speaking to Josh and Ruwini reminded me of the talent, perseverance, dedication and sheer grit required to work on a start up. We hope the scholarship provided to each of them can assist with this journey”
State Library Victoria CEO Paul Duldig said:
“Since its start up in 2021, StartSpace has supported over 1600 founders to reach their potential by being an incubator for knowledge, innovation and experimentation. Previous Lisa Ring scholars have transformed their businesses from local to global reach, secured manufacturing deals and gained traction from investors. We look forward to supporting Josh and Ruwini on their start up journey.”
State Library Victoria Director, Experience, Joel McGuinness said:
“The Lisa Ring Family Scholarships continue to support StartSpace and State Library Victoria to grow an ecosystem of exceptional entrepreneurs and early-stage business founders who are deeply connected to the Library’s core values as the ‘People’s University’ and help to amplify diverse community voices.”
Mr Farrington and Ms Cooray will commence their scholarships in January 2025.
Pictured above: Josh Farrington, Lisa Ring and Ruwini Cooray at the Lisa Ring and Family Scholarships Celebration Breakfast, Thursday 31 October.
