Oculum VR is still an early-stage venture, but the company has begun attracting attention in Western Australia for more than its training-tech ambitions alone. Much of that visibility is tied to founder Alfie Curran-Ragan, whose work sits across startup building, mentoring and youth innovation.
That broader profile matters. In a small innovation ecosystem, recognition often comes not just from what a founder is building, but from how visible, active and useful they are within the wider community. For Oculum VR, that growing network is helping the company be recognised in the local training and innovation space.
Recognition around the founder
One recent milestone came through the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards, where Alfie was named a finalist. The recognition does not magically transform a startup into an industry leader, but it does reflect the fact that Oculum VR and its founder are becoming increasingly noticeable inside WA’s innovation conversation.
“The award is nice, but what matters more to me is what I can do with that recognition. If awards can help me get in front of people who will listen, I want to use that opportunity to spread a positive message and hopefully help other young people see what is possible.”
Alfie has also been recognised previously through youth innovation pathways connected to technology and enterprise. Together, those moments help tell a story not just about a product, but about a founder developing a public profile around practical problem solving.
Mentoring through Bloom
That profile is also shaped by community involvement. Alongside building Oculum VR, Alfie has contributed as a mentor through UWA’s Bloom program, including volunteering time with students at Perth Modern.
That mentoring work gives added context to the Oculum VR story. It suggests that the founder’s interest in innovation is not limited to personal brand-building or startup headlines; it also includes giving time back to younger students and helping them think through their own business ideas.
“I’ve had my own challenges, and I’ve also had so many opportunities open doors that helped get me where I am today. I want other young people to know what they can do to make things a little easier when times are tough. Especially in business, mental health is so important, and I want to be open about that while helping people find opportunities and support.”
Industry connections and a growing reputation
Oculum VR’s position has also been strengthened by the founder’s willingness to speak with people across training, education and industry. Those conversations help an early-stage XR company move beyond abstract excitement and toward a more realistic understanding of what organisations may actually need.
In practical terms, that means Oculum VR is being recognised not just as a concept, but as part of a broader network of conversations around immersive training. The startup remains young, and there is still a significant amount to prove, but it is no longer operating entirely in the background.
For WA’s emerging XR scene, that is often how momentum begins: not with overnight scale, but with a mix of credible community involvement, public recognition and slowly expanding industry relationships.
“I want Oculum VR to be known for building things that are actually useful. If people also know me as someone who helps out and stays involved, then I’m happy with that.”
