Defence 10x Accelerator
Empowering Startups who are building solutions to enhance Australia’s sovereign Defence capability
Defence 10x stands as a cornerstone in Australia’s mission to enhance our sovereign capability in defence. As the nation’s sole accelerator exclusively servicing defence-focused startups, we are uniquely positioned to nurture innovations that enhance Australia’s Defence resilience and national security. Backed by the Defence Trailblazer, Defence 10x is not just an accelerator; it's a gateway to integrating cutting-edge solutions into Australia's defence infrastructure.
Applications for 2024 are closed.
EOIs for 2025 are open.
Previous info session: watch a recording here.
The Program
At the heart of our 10-week intensive program is a deeply connected Program Manager, an invaluable asset for Defence Tech Founders. With a wealth of experience and an extensive network within the ADF, our Program Manager is essential in bridging the gap between startups and the Defence sector. They offer crucial guidance in 'speaking the language' of defence, aligning communication with defence protocols and needs. This expertise is vital for startups navigating the complex landscape of defence and security. Our program is designed not just to impart basic skills, but to deeply engage with the intricacies of Defence innovation, providing our founders with the knowledge and strategies they need to build successful, impactful business.
Program Benefits
10-Week Tailored Program: Receive a comprehensive, Defence specific program, free of charge, valued at $150,000.
Dedicated Program Manager: Benefit from the guidance of your Program Manager who’s recently had over 15 years experience in the Australian Military. A maximum of 6 startups will be allowed, so there will be a lot of 1:1 support.
Expert Mentorship: Gain access to connections in the industry that would otherwise be impossible without a foot in the door.
Seed Investment: Secure seed investment through a SAFE note with a post-money valuation.
Access to a world-class network of makerspaces and R&D Infrastructure to ideate and prototype with UNSW’s prototyping coaches
Up to value of $1M: Access to UNSW Founders Perks up
Opportunity to apply for Proto-typing $50K and Commercialisation Grants $150K. These will be a competitive grant round with final selection from an independent panel.
Opportunity to connect with appropriate Defence Trailblazer Partners through supplier panels and other events.
Opportunity to access facilities, equipment and capabilities through the Defence Trailblazer’s Proto-lab network
Opportunity to participate in Defence Trailblazer Technical and Capability conference.
Post Program Support
Post-accelerator, Defence 10x continues to support founders with six months of co-working space access and ongoing use of UNSW, CSIRO, and industry R&D resources. Crucially, our alumni often become mentors, providing invaluable guidance and support to new startups in the program, sustaining a thriving ecosystem of defence innovation expertise.
The UNSW Founders’ Defence 10x accelerator is the nation’s only defence-focused accelerator program and six founders will receive funding, according to UNSW’s director of entrepreneurship David Burt, who said he was recruiting founders who had technology that would strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability and defend its critical infrastructure.
Defence 10x Strategic Partners
UNSW Founder’s Defence 10x Program is proud to partner with Defence Trailblazer and the University of Adelaide, forming a strategic partnership that distinctly enhances our offerings in the defence sector. This collaboration uniquely positions Defence 10x to align with and contribute to Australia’s national defence objectives, leveraging the innovative ecosystem of UNSW and the specialized focus of Defence Trailblazer. Additionally, we are partnered with a leading but confidential Venture Capital firm dedicated to Australian defence solutions. This partnership not only brings valuable financial support but also provides critical industry insights, helping to propel our startups towards success in the vital field of defence innovation.
Essentials
Key Dates
Defence 10x Accelerator 2024 Dates
Info Session: 28 February
Pre-Accelerator: 2-30 May (more info here)
10x Applications open: 12 April
10x Applications close: 20 May
10x Bootcamp: 1-2 August
10x Program commences: 7 August
10x Program concludes: 9 October
10x Demo Day: 24 October
Eligibility
You have a desire to support Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.
You are a founder or co-founder of a currently operating startup (you can be from any Australian University, organisation or completely independent)
You have a proof of concept, prototype or MVP (minimum TRL 3, ideally TRL 4 and above)
One (1) day per week in the 4 week Pre-Accelerator (Pre-X) Sprints and approximately 12 hours per week during the 10 week Accelerator phase
You have an Australian registered company (Pty Ltd) to enter the accelerator phase of the program
You have some market validation through customer take-up or engagement
You can commit to participating in either or both the Pre-X and/or Accelerator programs for their duration.
Is Defence 10x for me?
If you are a Startup Who:
Has an Australian-based startup with a defence-related or dual use product (at TRL 3+), which has raised less than ~$3-5M
Have the capacity to have at least 1 full-time founder based at UNSW Kensington campus
Need of access to prototyping or R&D infrastructure
Have clean IP ownership
Want to become more resilient, learn how to build traction and scale
Want to participate in an intensive modular program
Want to learn new startup frameworks to practice and implement
Are keen to access UNSW’s outstanding network of founders, alumni and mentors with domain expertise and connections in the defence industry
Have a vision and are committed to building a scalable business.
If you answered Yes to any of the above, then Defence 10x is for you!
Deep Dive into our Founders Capabilities
2023 Cohort
2024 Cohort
Read all about us in the news
