Greater Western Sydney
Building the future of innovation in Greater Western Sydney
UNSW Founders’ Greater Western Sydney program supports the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and change-makers across the region.
Originally launched in Liverpool, the program is expanding to build a stronger, more connected startup ecosystem, with a focus on communities that have historically been underrepresented in innovation.
Through a mix of programs, events and partnerships, we create practical pathways for people to explore, start and grow their ideas.
3,000+
Founders supported in Greater Western Sydney (and counting)
240+
Brand new ideas discovered through our programs
80%
participants are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
$50K
in prize
money
awarded
Current Opportunities
Explore what’s possible in Greater Western Sydney
We offer a range of programs, workshops and events to help you explore, start and grow your ideas.
Test and develop early-stage ideas.
Build skills and confidence in entrepreneurship.
Connect with mentors, industry and a like-minded community.
Access opportunities to grow and scale your venture.
All our programs and events are completely free and inclusive.
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Our flagship event brings the brightest entrepreneurs and innovators from Western Sydney to the stage to pitch their startup ideas, gain exposure, and compete for incredible cash prizes.
Why Pitch?
This is your chance to showcase your startup to a panel of industry experts, receive valuable feedback to refine your business idea, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and potential collaborators, and win amazing prizes to help kickstart or accelerate your venture.
Key Dates
1 June Applications Open
1 July Applications Close
30 July Pitch Night South West
📌 Read all about the 2025 Pitch Night at South West.
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We are committed to supporting and celebrating women founders across Greater Western Sydney through a growing suite of programs, events and connection opportunities.
Our New Wave program empowers women to build entrepreneurial skills, confidence and capability to launch women-led businesses. The UNSW-affiliated program is open to a limited number of Western Sydney–based entrepreneurs by application. More information here.
We also deliver a range of events and opportunities to support women, including International Women’s Day celebrations, curated networking opportunities, and our ‘Her Story’ series, which spotlights the lived experiences and leadership journeys of women founders from the region.
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The Health and MedTech workshops equip clinicians, researchers, health leaders, and innovators in Greater Western Sydney with the knowledge and connections to turn research into real-world patient care.
Through expert-led sessions and industry partnerships, participants gain practical insights into design, manufacturing, and compliance. By offering specialised programs and tailored support, this series strengthens MedTech innovation, ensuring emerging solutions are designed for maximum impact and success.
Coming Up
Innovating for Impact Health Entrepreneurship in Wagga Wagga on 31 March 2026. Register here.
Past Workshops
Design with Compliance: a first-of-its-kind workshop series exploring medical device design and manufacturing
From Idea to Investment: Taking Your Research to Market
Amplify Your Impact in Health: The Art of Communication
Translate Your Insights Into Clinical Innovations
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Driving impact to address the health needs of marginalised and under-represented communities.
Impact X Pre-Accelerator supports founders driving healthcare, wellbeing, and disability solutions for marginalised and under-represented communities.
This program gives you the guidance, resources, and connections to turn your ideas into meaningful impact. Join a diverse, supportive community of changemakers, refine your solution, and create real-world outcomes that improve lives.
📌 Read all about the 2025 Impact X Pre Accelerator
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Hands-on tech skills to bring your startup and business idea to life
The Digital Makers Program is designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives and tech enthusiasts the skills and confidence to bring their startup or business ideas to life. From learning digital tools and AI to building apps from scratch, participants gain practical experience, develop essential tech skills, and create a strong foundation for business and entrepreneurial success.
Dates and locations to be announced soon.
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We regularly host events and workshops designed to help you upskill, network and level up.
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UNSW Founders Coach & Connect is a free one-on-one coaching service offering tailored guidance on business strategy, pitching, and startup fundamentals.
Normally exclusive to UNSW students, staff and alumni, we’re opening this service to aspiring entrepreneurs from the Western Sydney community - whether you have a bold new startup idea or an established business. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to access expert coaching and support.
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Questions? Contact Julie Pham, Program Manager on email here.
Testimonials
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Jasmine Deol
Founder and Director, SHER Foundation and HELP NOW
“Growing up in South West Sydney, we always wished for programs like UNSW Founders to exist closer to home. Places where young people who saw challenges in their own suburbs could turn those insights into solutions. This program has finally brought that dream to Western Sydney, and Julie has been the driving force behind making it feel accessible, high-quality, and genuinely tailored to us”.
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Dr. Zanab Malik
Founder, My Special Needs Dental Home
“UNSW Founders helps young people who have an idea, regardless of how small it may be. Pitching also has many transferable skills like public speaking, improving communication skills and networking so I highly recommend anyone thinking about it, to give it a try!”
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Gita Rahardjo
Founder, Red Blood Comic
“Impact X has given us the fuel injection for our business idea. Because it is health-specific, it is delivered with an understanding of complexity around the Australian health system, as well as funding and regulatory issues. We came out feeling confident, with a better commercial strategy and strong support”.
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Joseph Zhu
Founder, Everywhere Health
“Nobody really knows exactly what they’re doing, regardless of how confident they might seem on stage. The most important step is just to try - there’s nothing to lose”.
Empowering Women in Western Sydney to Drive Impact
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Founders Table: Community, Connection & Culture
Our alumni reconnected to share stories and cook, building on the bonds that go well beyond the
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Her Story: Western Sydney Women Leading Change
A celebration of leadership, community and inspiration from an incredible panel of Western Sydney leaders Dai Le MP, Amanda Rose and Maryam Zahid.
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Innovate & Inspire: Forced Migrant Women in Action
We came together to celebrate the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of forced migrant women. A partnership between JEINA and University of Wollongong.
Delivered with our Partners
Australia is one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems globally, with record investments and numerous high-value companies emerging. As an early supporter, you’ll have the chance to be part of this dynamic landscape, driving economic growth and job creation.
We work with partners across government, industry and community to support the growth of the Greater Western Sydney startup ecosystem.
Join Us
Help us build a legacy in Greater Western Sydney
Get in touch with Julie Pham, Program Manager here
UNSW Founders is part of Australia’s leading university for entrepreneurship, ranked #1 in the Asia-Pacific region by the QS World University Rankings. We are dedicated to supporting the next generation of innovators, creators, and business leaders. Through our comprehensive programs and resources, we provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to turn their ideas into reality. Join UNSW Founders and become part of a thriving community that fosters creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial success.
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