Impact X

This program is for you if:

• You are based in NSW

• You identify as a woman, or come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (for example, a non-English speaking or migrant background)

• You’ve identified a real problem in health or healthcare

• You have an early-stage idea or concept and are already thinking about how it could work in practice

• You’re ready to commit time and effort to developing your idea, not just exploring

We will prioritise founders based in or connected to Greater Western Sydney, regional or remote communities.

This includes clinicians, researchers, community members and individuals returning to work who have insight into the health system but may not yet have a clear pathway to build from it.

No prior startup experience is required, just a clear problem and a willingness to build. You do not need to be affiliated with UNSW, the program is open to founders across NSW.

Not for you if:

• You are still exploring ideas and haven’t identified a clear problem yet

• You’re looking for general startup education without a specific idea

• You already have a scaling startup and looking for accelerator-level support

Over 10 weeks, you will:

• Validate your idea with real users

• Understand how your solution fits into the health system

• Build a clear business model

• Develop the confidence to communicate your idea and pitch your venture

You'll receive:

• Practical workshops led by experienced founders and industry experts

• Weekly one-on-one coaching with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence

• Structured mentor feedback to help shape your venture

• A supportive community of founders building health solutions

• The opportunity to pitch at the Impact X Showcase to industry, government and ecosystem leaders

• Connections to the wider health innovation ecosystem

• Applications open: 1 July 2026 (apply here)

• Problems Worth Solving Webinar: 8 July 2026 (register here)

• Impact X Information Session: 22 July 2026 (register here)

• Applications close: 10 August 2026, 5:00pm AEST

• Program: Every Wednesday from 2 September to 28 October 2026.

• Format: Three in-person workshop days (2 September, 30 September and 28 October) with weekly online sessions in between. Please reserve these dates in your calendar. Session times will be confirmed prior to the program.

• Impact X Showcase: November 2026 (date to be confirmed)

• Location: In-person sessions will be held at UNSW venues across Sydney. Limited financial support is available to assist eligible founders with travel, childcare and accessibility needs.

Impact X is fully funded and free to participate, ensuring cost is not a barrier to getting started.

To help reduce barriers to participation, limited financial support is available to assist eligible founders with travel, childcare and accessibility needs.

One outstanding migrant woman founder will receive the $10,000 Roseus Scholarship, made possible through a philanthropic contribution from Professor Stephen MacMahon AC and Professor Robyn Norton AO, founding leaders of The George Institute for Global Health. The award supports the continued growth of a promising health venture and celebrates founders creating meaningful impact through innovation.

The program culminates in the Impact X Showcase, where all founders will pitch their ventures to industry, government and ecosystem leaders, competing for $15,000 in showcase awards supported by Westpac and JEINA.

Impact X is designed as a pathway into what comes next.

You’ll leave with:

• A clear direction

• A tested idea

• A plan for your next step

Participants can progress into:

• Accelerators (including Health 10x)

• Pilot and validation opportunities

• Funding and grant pathways

• Ongoing support through the UNSW Founders ecosystem

Apply for Impact X here.

Applications close on 10 August at 5pm AEST.

If you’re working on a health-related idea, or ready to take the next step in building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you. Please note, limited places available.

Julie Pham
Program Manager
julie.pham1@unsw.edu.au