Our Journey with RMIT Activator’s [Re]Launch Program

In September 2025, Compound had the privilege of participating in the second cohort of RMIT Activator’s [Re]Launch program, a month-long initiative designed to empower early-stage startups with circular economy solutions. This transformative experience helped us refine our vision, strengthen our impact statement, and chart a clear path forward for bringing our seaweed-based innovations to life.

Refining Our Vision

The [Re]Launch program provided us with a structured framework to articulate Compound’s mission: harnessing the potential of micro and macro algae, particularly invasive species like Japanese kelp and resilient ones like sargassum, to create sustainable materials and food while addressing environmental challenges. Through workshops and mentorship from industry experts, we honed our presentation skills and clarified how Compound can contribute to a circular economy. The program’s focus on validating circular business models allowed us to align our operations with principles of resource efficiency and ecological restoration.

Shaping Our Impact

One of the standout benefits of [Re]Launch was the opportunity to refine our impact statement. We developed a compelling narrative around our plan to establish land-based algae farming facilities strategically located near power generation and manufacturing industries. This approach enables us to sequester carbon, generate biomass, and produce sustainable materials and food. The program’s emphasis on circular tech solutions helped us frame our work as not only innovative but also regenerative, addressing both industrial and environmental needs.

Key Outcomes

Our final presentation at the program’s Pitch Night showcased Compound’s vision of scaling algae farming to create a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource use. By leveraging the high tensile strength of sargassum and tackling the ecological imbalance caused by invasive Japanese kelp in Port Phillip Bay, we demonstrated how Compound can drive meaningful change. The feedback from mentors and peers was invaluable, helping us refine our pitch and solidify our strategy for testing, validation, and scaling.

A Milestone Achievement

We were thrilled to be awarded the Best Circular Impact at [Re]Launch, a testament to the program’s role in strengthening our approach. The recognition validated our commitment to creating scalable, sustainable solutions that align with circular economy principles.

Looking Ahead

The [Re]Launch program equipped us with the tools, networks, and confidence to take Compound to the next level. We’re now focused on testing and validating our land-based algae farming model, with plans to scale operations and collaborate with industries to drive carbon sequestration and sustainable production. The experience at RMIT Activator has been a pivotal step in our journey, and we’re excited to continue building a future where seaweed powers a regenerative economy.