The UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator is a program designed to support technology startups and research ventures. It provides founder-friendly funding, mentorship, and access to a network of alumni, researchers, and students. The initiative aims to assist founders in achieving their goals, whether it be securing investment, winning contracts, or overcoming specific business challenges.
Program Overview
• Program Duration: A 10-week intensive and tailored program.
• Objective: To equip startup founders with the necessary skills, connections, and capital to enter the market, scale, and grow their ventures.
• Cohort Size: A maximum of 6 startups are accepted per cohort to ensure significant one-on-one support.
• Outcome: Participants are expected to develop a robust and actionable strategy for success.
Key Benefits
• Seed Investment: A $100,000 seed investment is provided through a founder-friendly pre-money SAFE note, featuring a 15% discount and no valuation cap.
• Dedicated Support: Each startup receives dedicated support from a Program Manager, an Entrepreneur in Residence, and a Mentor.
• Expert Mentorship: Access to a network of seasoned mentors with extensive domain knowledge.
• R&D Facilities: Hardware founders gain access to a world-class makerspace and prototyping support. Science-based ventures can access cutting-edge services and facilities, available upon program completion and subject to availability.
• Workspace Access: Participants receive up to six months of free access to a coworking space and labs.
• Westpac Accelerator Scholarships: Three scholarships, valued at $20,000 each, are available to provide financial support for women and non-binary founders. These are awarded by application.
Post-Program Support
• Continued Assistance: Founders continue to receive support post-accelerator, including access to co-working space, capital raising guidance, and recruitment support.
• Global Innovation Foundry: The program provides grants and key international connections for startups aiming to enter global markets.
• Follow-on Funding: High-performing startups may be eligible for up to $130,000 in additional follow-on funding from UNSW.
Eligibility and Program Streams
• Founder Profile: Applicants should have an ambitious vision and a mission to create change.
• Venture Type: The program is open to tech-enabled startups and academic or research ventures looking to spin out. It supports B2B and B2C tech startups with an MVP, as well as deep tech founders with longer development timelines.
• Stage: Applicants must have a proof of concept, prototype, or MVP with some market validation.
• Legal Structure: The company must be, or be in the process of becoming, an Australian registered Pty Ltd.
• Commitment: Founders must be prepared to commit time to their startup on a weekly basis.
• Affiliation Requirements: For the Health 10x and Climate 10x streams, anyone can apply. For the 10x (All Industries) stream, at least one co-founder must be a current UNSW student, staff member, or alumnus.
Key Dates for the 2026 Cohort
• Pre-Accelerator: March
• Applications Open: 30 March
• Applications Close: Monday, 18 May
• Bootcamp: 29-30 July
• Program Commences: 5 August
• Program Concludes: 7 October
• Demo Day: 15 October
Application Information Session
• Purpose: An online information session is held to provide prospective applicants with an inside look at the program and guidance on submitting a strong application.
• Format: The session is conducted online via Zoom.
• Agenda: The event includes a program overview, tips for the application, and a Q&A segment.
For complete program details, specific application requirements, and to apply for an upcoming cohort, interested parties should consult the official UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator program website and associated channels.