Co-Lab Business Idea Pitch Award winner

Kyla's winning project "Hooked" is a specialized Crochet Kit that breaks new ground in adaptive crafting technology. Designed specifically to address the physical barriers caused by arthritis, this innovative solution enables individuals to maintain their connection with the beloved hobby of crochet, promoting cognitive health, wellbeing, and social engagement.

Kyla Tucker, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at ACU's MacKillop Campus in North Sydney, brings a unique blend of healthcare insight and innovative thinking to her creation.

For Kyla, this project carries deep personal significance: "This project was important to me as someone with a real threat of developing early-onset arthritis and a strong passion for crochet, as the thought of having to give up my hobbies due to a genetic condition broke my heart."

"Hooked is designed to address the physical barriers caused by conditions such as arthritis," she explains. "It allows individuals with arthritis to re-engage with hobbies such as crochet, which has a positive impact on their cognition, well-being, and social life."

The competition provided crucial support for her vision: "The Co-Lab's Business Idea Pitch Award allowed me to bring my simple idea of an adapted crochet hook into a functional and effective crochet kit targeted towards the growing population of people with arthritis interested in textile activities."

She adds: "Being able to develop this idea into a physical product was a dream come true for me. The competition allowed me to share my ideas and challenge myself to make it the most successful product it could be, including using multidisciplinary professionals and consumer research partners to assist in finalising the design. Without the Co-Lab's Business Idea Pitch Award and the assistance of all the people who chipped into this project, the idea would never have blossomed into the amazing product Hooked is today."

The Co-Lab team expressed exceptional satisfaction with this year's competition, noting the outstanding quality and diversity of innovative solutions presented by emerging entrepreneurs. They extended special appreciation to all participants for their thorough research efforts and compelling pitch video presentations. The team particularly highlighted the impressive focus on positive impact demonstrated across all submitted solutions.

For those interested in following future developments and opportunities, regular updates about Co-Lab programs can be found on the official Co-Lab webpage.