Impact X

Health Diversity Pre-Accelerator supported by Investment NSW

Turn your health idea into something real

Impact X is a 10-week program supporting women and founders from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds across NSW to build, test and grow health solutions.

Applications open 1 July 2026

Express Interest
Express Interest

Program Details

Impact X is a health-focused pre-accelerator designed for early-stage founders in NSW who are ready to take a real idea and turn it into something tangible.

Health innovation requires navigating complex systems, multiple stakeholders, and long pathways to adoption, and Impact X is designed specifically for this.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for founders from underserved communities. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions, and that people closest to the problem should be supported to solve it.

Delivered as part of the Greater Western Sydney Program, and building on our experience supporting health startups through programs such as Health 10x, Impact X provides a clear pathway from idea to venture.

  • 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 it fits into the health system

    • Build a clear business model

    • Learn how to communicate your solution with confidence

    You’ll be supported through:

    • Practical workshops

    • Mentorship from experienced clinicians, founders, and industry experts

    • A dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence

    • Coaching sessions focused on feedback and progress

    • Selected teams will also have the opportunity to receive $10,000 in cash prizes, supported by Westpac.

    • Applications open: 1 July 2026

    • Info session: 22 July 2026

    • Applications close: 10 August 2026 (5PM AEST)

    • Program: Wednesdays from 2 September – 28 October, followed by a Showcase

    • Duration: 10 weeks

    • Format: Combination of in-person and online sessions

    • Location: In-person sessions held across UNSW venues in Sydney, with scholarships available to support travel

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

    We actively remove barriers by providing scholarships and support for travel, childcare and digital access.

    This is made possible through partnerships with The George Institute for Global Health and Justice Inclusion Access (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 opportunities

    • Funding pathways

  • Applications open 1 July.

    Limited places available.

    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.

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