UNSW provides global pathways for startups at the inaugural Global Launchpads Summit
5 min read · Friday 13, 2026
Photo: Faiyaz Gazi
UNSW Sydney brought together over 100 founders, investors and international partners this week to accelerate global growth opportunities for Australian startups.
Held at the UNSW CBD Campus, the first-ever UNSW Founders Global Launchpads Summit connected entrepreneurs with representatives from 10 countries, alongside government partners, investors and industry leaders across major markets including the USA, India, Singapore, Japan, Korea, the UAE, the UK, Germany and France.
As startups navigate rapid AI acceleration, shifting global markets and increased economic uncertainty, the Summit focused on one question: how can Australian founders grow globally with clarity and confidence?
Delivered in collaboration with the UNSW Office of Global Affairs and UNSW Founders, the summit combined market insights, founder case studies and one-on-one engagement with international partners.
Connecting Australian innovation to global opportunity
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the Summit demonstrated what entrepreneurial leadership looks like in practice.
Photo: Faiyaz Gazi
““UNSW is proud to be Australia’s leading entrepreneurial university, and this Summit reflects our commitment to turning research and innovation into global impact,””
“By bringing founders together with global investors and partners in a focused forum, we’re helping entrepreneurs move faster from breakthrough ideas to real-world outcomes.”
That ambition is grounded in results.
The 130+ startups that have graduated from UNSW Founders accelerator programs have collectively raised more than $278 million in post-program investment, created over 681 jobs and generated a combined enterprise value exceeding $1.06 billion.
As Australian startups mature, the next challenge is not just building value locally – it is unlocking international customers, capital and partnerships to sustain long-term growth.
The Summit also marked the launch of the Global Innovation Foundry, a new UNSW initiative designed to create structured global commercialisation pathways 100 startups in 2026.
UNSW Director of Entrepreneurship David Burt said the initiative builds on two years of targeted international engagement. “For the past two years, we’ve quietly supported around 60 startups to secure meaningful deals overseas,” Mr Burt said.
“Today, we’re scaling that effort. The Global Innovation Foundry is about helping founders identify the right markets, the right partners and the right timing and backing them to execute.”
Photo: Faiyaz Gazi
Market insights grounded in reality
Throughout the day, founders heard from international market specialists who challenged assumptions about global expansion.
Robert Bryant, Managing Director APAC at Think & Grow, emphasised the importance of strategic preparation.
“Global expansion rewards discipline,” he said. “The US is not one market, it’s 50 different operating environments. Founders need clarity of positioning, local insight and a deliberate entry strategy.”
Trena Blair, Founder and CEO of FD Global Connections and USA market expert, reinforced the scale and complexity of the US opportunity. “It’s one of the most popular markets for Australian businesses to scale into and one of the most challenging,” Ms Blair said.
“You’re in this room because you’re no longer thinking local. You’re thinking global. The key is choosing the right beachhead and building proof before scale.”
“You’re in this room because you’re no longer thinking local. You’re thinking global. The key is choosing the right beachhead and building proof before scale.”
Jasmine Batra, Board Advisor at the Australia India Chamber of Commerce, highlighted India’s rapid growth and diversity. “India isn’t one single market. It’s a collection of distinct ecosystems,” she said.
“Presence, partnerships and patience are critical. Founders who immerse themselves in the market and build trusted relationships are the ones who succeed.”
Photo: Faiyaz Gazi
Founder experience at the centre
The Summit also showcased founders who have gone global successfully.
Matthew Buffa, Co-founder of Breaker Industries, shared lessons from relocating to the United States to raise capital and win defence contracts.“Warm introductions, resilience and disciplined execution make the difference.” he said.
Tom Loefler Founder and CEO of Hullbot, reflected on the company’s journey from UNSW innovation project to international maritime operator. “You have to eat the elephant one bite at a time,” he said. “Break big ambitions into smaller steps, validate each stage and reduce risk as you grow.”
Mattew’s and Tom’s stories reinforced a consistent theme: global ambition must be matched by strategic sequencing and measurable proof.
Photo: Faiyaz Gazi
A collaborative global effort
The Summit underscored UNSW’s broader global mission.
Professor Vinayak Dixit from UNSW’s Office of Global Affairs described entrepreneurship as an agent of change, not only for companies but for regions and nations.
“Growing global is about creating opportunity, it’s about connecting talent, research and innovation across borders to accelerate impact.”
By combining UNSW Founders’ continuous support with UNSW’s international networks, we are aiming to create a more structured bridge between Australian innovation and global markets.
Australian startups cannot rely on geography alone. To compete globally, they must build globally, with the right partners, the right strategy and the right support.
Through the Global Launchpads Summit and the Global Innovation Foundry, UNSW is positioning itself not only as Australia’s leading entrepreneurial university, but as a gateway to the world for ambitious founders.