Missed the Info Session? Discover Why UNSW Founders Accelerators are the Ultimate Launchpad for Startups
At UNSW, entrepreneurship isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. We’re all about innovation, making an impact, and shaking things up. Named the Most Entrepreneurial University in Asia-Pacific at the 2024 Triple E Awards and crowned Australia’s #1 Accelerator/Incubator by Startup Muster, UNSW Founders is the go-to place for ambitious founders who want to make their mark.
Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, UNSW Founders has the perfect pathway to help you succeed. From Pre X (Pre-Accelerator), a high-energy four-week sprint to fine-tune your ideas, to the 10x Accelerator, a ten-week program to supercharge your growth, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s why our Pre X and 10x Accelerator programs are the best in the business for founders ready to take their ventures to the next level.
What is UNSW Founders Pre-X?
Think of Pre X as your startup’s launchpad. It’s built for early-stage founders who want to validate their market and perfect their product. The best part? You don’t have to do Pre X to join 10x. But if you do, you’ll gain a leg up with tailored support and fast-track opportunities.
Each of the 10x Accelerator streams—All Industries, Health, Climate, and Defence—has a dedicated Pre X program, ensuring you get the specific insights and resources you need from day one.
Pre X Program Perks
4 Weeks of Tailored Support: Nail your business idea with hands-on workshops, expert mentorship, and resources tailored to your stream.
Stream-Specific Expertise: Dive deep into your industry, whether it’s HealthTech, ClimateTech, Defence, or a broader market.
Collaborative Learning: Build your network with like-minded founders and mentors who get it.
Fast-Track to 10x: Pre-X sets the stage for your success in 10x—but remember, you can also go straight into 10x if you’re ready to scale big.
💡 To Apply before the Feb 17 Deadline click here
What is UNSW Founders 10x?
10x is where startups go to level up. This ten-week, intensive program is open to everyone—whether you’re coming from Pre X or jumping straight in. The goal? To arm you with the tools, connections, and strategies you need to refine your business, lock in funding, and prepare for explosive growth.
Shared Benefits Across All Streams
No matter which stream you choose, all 10x startups benefit from:
10-Week Tailored Program: Receive a comprehensive, tailored program, free of charge.
Seed Investment: in the range $110K - $320K per startup
Perks Valued at Up to $1M: Enjoy exclusive perks and resources to fuel your growth.
Westpac Accelerator Scholarships: Apply for a $20,000 scholarship for women and non-binary founders (3 available).
Expert Mentorship: Tap into a network of over 600 seasoned mentors.
World-Class Facilities: Access cutting-edge R&D labs, prototyping spaces, and coworking facilities.
Post-Program Support: Enjoy coworking space access, ongoing R&D resources, and mentorship for six months post-program.
Specialised 10x Streams
Our 10x Accelerator isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve got four tailored streams to make sure your startup gets exactly what it needs
Seed Investment: $110,000 in seed funding through a founder-friendly SAFE note.
Tailored Workshops: Learn the hacks for growth, market validation, and customer acquisition.
Seed Investment: $20,000 in seed funding through a founder-friendly SAFE note ($10K UNSW, $10K The George Institute for Global Health), with opportunity to follow on.
Up to $200k investment, from UNSW Capital Partner.
Up to $100k investment for reproductive and fertility startups through Virtus Health, a global provider of assisted reproductive services, including fertility treatments, IVF, and reproductive genetics.
Expert Guidance: Collaborate with The George Institute for Global Health to nail health economics and clinical validation.
Collaborative Network: Work with global health organisations and research hospitals to supercharge your innovation. In 2025 Health 10x Startups will benefit from coworking spaces, collaboration opportunities, and prototyping facilities at Tyree iHealthE.
Specialised Resources: Access health-focused R&D facilities to refine your product.
Focused Workshops: Solve global health challenges with targeted sessions on regulatory and compliance, market validation and life science investment strategy.
Seed Investment: Up to $230,000 via a SAFE note with a $3.5M valuation cap.
Backed by the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), $280M federal & industry funded program to supercharge R&D commercialization, offering funding, expertise, skill building opportunities, industry connections and publicity for portfolio companies and projects.
Follow-On Funding: Become eligible for TRaCE’s $1.7M follow-on investment fund, which co-invests in TRaCE portfolio companies with Investible or Hampton Capital.
Clean tech Expertise: Get mentorship from experts in scaling hard tech in renewable energy, recycling and sustainable fuels.
Global Impact Positioning: Opportunities and funding to grow international networks to access new markets for your Climate solutions.
Access and connections to Australia’s entire Climate Tech ecosystem across the country.
Seed Investment: Secure $200,000 through a SAFE note with a $3.5M valuation cap.
Expert Mentorship: Learn from Australian Defence Force (ADF) experts and industry leaders.
Grant Opportunities: Compete for $50,000 in prototyping grants and $150,000 in commercialisation grants.
Defence Trailblazer Partnerships: Unlock specialised facilities and participate in defence-focused events.
A deeply connected Program Manager and Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with a wealth of experience and an extensive network within the ADF to bridge the gap between startups and the Defence sector.
Proven Success: Real Stories, Real Impact
Alfred Boyadgis (Forcite co-founder), Nick Woodman (CEO at GoPro), Julian Chow (Forcite co-founder)
Our alumni are proof that UNSW Founders delivers results:
Cauldron Ferm: Pioneering regional bio-manufacturing with $$20M+ in funding.
Forage: Revolutionising internships, acquired by EAP in 2023.
Forcite: Creating smart helmets, acquired by GoPro in 2022.
Together, UNSW Founders startups have raised over $180 million and achieved a combined valuation nearing $750 million. 💡 View more alumni here!
Why Choose UNSW Founders?
Here’s what makes UNSW Founders the ultimate choice:
Zero Equity Model: In Pre X, you retain full control of your startup—we don’t take equity. Equity considerations only come into play when moving to the 10x Accelerator, but we never take IP.
Unparalleled R&D Access: Leverage UNSW’s cutting-edge facilities and expertise.
Industry-Specific Streams: Tailored support for HealthTech, ClimateTech, Defence, and All Industries.
Global Expansion Opportunities: Scale internationally with our strategic partnerships.
Proven Track Record: Join the ranks of successful alumni who’ve collectively raised $180M and counting.
Applications for Pre X Are Open until Feb 17—Don’t Miss Out
Ready to make your vision a reality? Applications for the Pre-X programs are open now. These programs are the perfect gateway to the 10x Accelerator, giving you the structure, support, and resources to take your startup to new heights. Take the first step today and apply now.