CompSci Pitch Comp
Your golden ticket to pitch for $100,000 investment.
Every year, we see remarkable Computer Science Engineering (CSE) students who aren’t just talking about ideas. They’re already building real products, shipping features, and earning their first dollars. But even the strongest side hustles need the right platform to grow.
That’s why we’re launching the CompSci Pitch Comp (T1 2026). A dedicated pathway for CSE founders who’ve already proven they can build, and are ready to take the next step.
Designed in collaboration with UNSW Founders and Industry and Innovation, the program gives student-led startups the structure, guidance, and stage they need to mature from early traction to something truly scalable.
With a $10,000 prize pool up for grabs, the top 10 teams also receive a golden ticket, guaranteeing them the rare opportunity to pitch to the UNSW Investment Committee for up to $100,000 in funding, a right usually reserved for academics.
Applications for T1 2026 are open now!
9 Weeks
To refine your pitch and your business plan.
100 Spots
100 spots available to join the program with a final 10 pitching to judges.
10k Prize Pool
Cash prizes up for grabs at the end of the 9 weeks.
HOW IT WORKS
CompSci Pitch Comp
Go from side hustle to startup in 9 weeks.
Program Eligibility
The CompSci Pitch Comp is open to those who meet the following criteria:
Are a current UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate student (including combined degrees) who have completed, or are currently undertaking, at least one Computer Science course with a course code beginning with COMP (e.g. COMP1511) Unsure? Check here.
Have built a functioning MVP or product — something real users can interact with.
Have generated at least $1 in revenue (proof of early traction).
Have a team of 1–4 students (solo founders welcome).
Hold an ABN (or be able to register one before the pitch competition).
A technical build or prototype hosted online (GitHub repo, live demo, etc.).
Evidence of customer insight or user feedback gathered to date.
Program Info
You’ll learn directly from software founders who have successfully scaled their businesses in the last 3 years. Get real, up-to-date insights from experienced business owners who know what it takes to set your company up for long-term success.
You’ll dive into hands-on user testing, refine what truly resonates with customers, and master the art of pitching to investors with confidence. No lecture style theory. Real stories, and practical tools to help you build, test, and scale faster.
Timeline
Applications Open: Now – 15 March 2026
Online Info Session: 13 Feb 2026, 1pm - 1:30pm
Weekly Workshops: 16 Feb – 20 March, 2026. Register for the workshops here: CompSci Workshops
Applications Close: 15 March, 2026
Top 10 Announced: 23 March, 2026
Pitch Refinement: 23 - 15 April 2026
Final Pitch Competition (Week 9): 16 April, 2026
Prize Pool
Up to $10, 000 AUD.
10x Golden Tickets.
All Top 10 teams receives a “golden ticket” to pitch directly to the UNSW I&I Investment Committee for a chance at $100K SAFE investment (20% discount; %3.5M post-money valuation cap). The ticket remains valid until the end of your degree.
You’re in good company
UNSW Founders supports 400+ startups every year across our All Industries, Health, Climate, Defence, Bio 10x Accelerator programs.
We have a proven track record turning technical ideas into impact.
Since inception of our Accelerator Programs in 2018, the 100+ graduating startups have:
Raised $150 million of investment capital post program; Created 500+ jobs, and Generated over $600 million in enterprise value.
Don’t just take our word for it
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"I think the most extensive learning is really getting experience. The next best thing is to learn from other people's experiences. So, you don't make the same mistake, and that's what you can only get by attracting and having a startup ecosystem. And that's what I got from UNSW Founders."
Dr Anthony Sunjaya
(Founder of BandingMed) -
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"The startup world is surprisingly supportive… and your next collaborator might be just down the hall, ready to help you climb that mountain. Even just by being in this building, we found one of our main collaborators.”
Alinta Furnell
(Founder of Synbiote) -
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"I didn't want just to learn new things to improve my skills during my PhD; I wanted to translate my research findings into a practical product."
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"Just being part of that community was giving us a lot of confidence in what we're doing, instead of just doing it alone in our silos. We kind of felt part of that community and talking with others, sharing some of the challenges that everybody's going through when you are actually founding the company, and I have to be honest; I actually miss it."
Meead Saberi
(Founder of Footpath.ai)
