Uukoo, a digital application to assist dementia sufferers and their families, was developed by Newcastle businesswoman Susan Ryan after her father was diagnosed with dementia.

Mrs Ryan is in Sydney this week as one of 11 startups participating in a bootcamp at Sydney Startup Hub.

She is hoping to nab one of five spots in the State pitchfest final, which will be held in Wagga Wagga in September, where $20,000 in cash and prizes will be on offer.

Minister for Jobs Stuart Ayres said the three-day bootcamp would put the startups through a range of business development workshops and give them a shot at winning Australia's largest pitch competition for regional startups.