19 Sept- Milestones, Money & Must-Attend Events ??
What's Up Founders ??
This week, we’ve got some major milestones, exciting opportunities, and plenty of ways for you to get involved. Let’s get stuck in and see what's new!
?? Big News: Our alumni are hitting new heights! One just closed a $7M funding round, and another has earned a prestigious award. Plus, have you heard that UNSW has been named the most entrepreneurial university in the Asia-Pacific? Keep reading to get all the details!?
?? Opportunities for You:
Apply for Startup Year 2025: Ready to turn your ideas into a thriving business? Express your interest now for UNSW’s one-year Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship.
Health Tech Pitch Event: Got a health tech idea? Submit your video pitch for a chance to showcase your innovation. Deadline: 3rd October!
First Thursdays: Don’t miss the chat with Adam McCurdie, Co-Founder of Humanitix. Discover how he built a global social enterprise while changing the world.
?? What’s Next?
Hult Prize 2025: The world’s largest student social enterprise competition is back. Want to know how you can compete for $1 million USD? Scroll for details!
Impact X Pre-Accelerator: Healthcare innovators, this is your time to shine. Find out how you can join the program and make a real-world impact.
Keep scrolling to uncover more portfolio wins, upcoming events, and all the ways you can get involved with UNSW Founders.
Cheers,
Kristen Phillips
Senior Manager (Ideas)
UNSW Founders
LATEST & GREATEST >>
?? UNSW named the most entrepreneurial university!??? We are thrilled to share that UNSW has been recognised as the?No.1 entrepreneurial university in the Asia-Pacific?by the?Triple E Awards! ?? This prestigious honour is a testament to the unwavering efforts of our?UNSW Founders team, our incredible partners, and the entire UNSW community in cultivating a dynamic and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystem. From cutting-edge research to launching game-changing startups, UNSW is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators and driving real-world impact through entrepreneurship. This milestone reflects the collective passion and drive of everyone involved! A huge thank you to all who have contributed to this incredible journey! ?? Read the full article on UNSW Newsroom here
PORTFOLIO NEWS >>
This week, we're celebrating some major wins from our 10x Alumni. From award wins to global recognition, these companies continue to showcase the power of innovation and sustainability!
?? Raises:
Number 8 Bio successfully closed a $7M seed round, advancing their mission to reduce methane emissions in agriculture. This milestone will help them scale production of their feed additives and forge partnerships that drive sustainable farming practices. UNSW Founders proudly invested in Number 8 Bio as part of our commitment to sustainability... Read more here.
???? Tech Innovations:
Peak Medical is pioneering AI-powered post-operative care, tapping into a $1.4 billion market. This cutting-edge solution is setting new standards in healthcare efficiency and patient recovery... Read more here.
?? Industry Recognition
Breaker Industries received a feature in Breaking Defense, showcasing their breakthrough drone swarm technology. This feature highlights the UNSW Founders and D10X program, reflecting our continued efforts to support groundbreaking startups... Read more here.
CardioBionic was invited to present its innovative circulatory support device at the prestigious ISMCS 30th Congress, further cementing its position as a leader in medical device technology.
??? Awards:
A massive congratulations to Cauldron Ferm, winners at the Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards for Best Regional Startup 2024! This recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication... Read more here.
?? A huge congrats to our unstoppable founders! ??
Your innovations are next-level, keep crushing it! ?????
APPLICATIONS OPEN >>
Are you a passionate founder looking to innovate in healthcare and wellbeing for marginalised and underrepresented communities? The Impact X Pre-Accelerator is your chance to turn your vision into reality!
Why Impact X??
Get tailored mentorship, attend weekly masterclasses, connect with industry insiders, and access world-class facilities—all for free thanks to our partners, Investment NSW and Liverpool Innovation Precinct. Apply now! Hurry, applications close at 5pm on September 21st!
?? UNSW Startup Year – Express Your Interest for 2025! ??
Are you a recent graduate ready to bring your ideas to life? UNSW’s one-year Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship is designed to help aspiring founders launch and accelerate their ventures. This full-time program equips you with the entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and resources to turn your innovative vision into a thriving business.
Don’t miss out—express your interest today and be part of the 2025 cohort!?
?? Calling all UNSW students with health tech ideas or innovative solutions for student mental health!
Submit a 1-3 minute video pitch by Thursday 3rd Oct, 10am for a chance to present live at our upcoming showcase. Selected students will pitch their ideas to a live audience, with winners announced at the event. Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, this is your chance to share your vision and connect with like-minded people.
Not pitching? Come along and watch!
This is a fantastic opportunity to network, hear innovative health ideas, and practice your pitching skills.?
Ignite Your Impact in Medicine & Health!
At UNSW Founders, we’re excited to partner with UNSW Medicine & Health to deliver a specialised Ignite Your Impact program for Faculty staff. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the potential of your work or are already in the process of translating or commercialising your research, this program is designed to help you create meaningful impact.
With self-paced learning, 1:1 coaching, and hands-on innovation challenges, this is your chance to refine your approach and bring your ideas to life.?
Ready to make a difference??
UPCOMING EVENTS >>
Thurs, 3 Oct from 4 - 6pm | MCIC, UNSW
Join us for October's First Thursdays, featuring Adam McCurdie, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Humanitix, the global social enterprise donating 100% of its profits to charities. Adam will discuss his journey in building a successful non-profit startup and explore alternative funding options beyond venture capital. Hosted by Jane Lim, founder of Prosper Financial Planning, this event is a must for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and social impact.?
Thurs, 19 Sept from 9am - 12pm | Online Event
Curious about how to turn your idea into a successful startup? Join us for Exploring Your Commercial Potential, an informative session that walks you through the essential steps of transforming an idea into a viable business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your concept to the next level, this event will provide valuable insights into the commercialisation process and how to unlock your entrepreneurial potential. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and start your journey toward building a successful venture!
Wednesday, 2 October from 2:30 - 3:30pm | MCIC, UNSW
?? Make Grandma a Bot invites youths aged 8-25 to develop a Personal AI Assistant (PAA) that enhances the lives of grandparents, elder relatives, or their carers. This exciting challenge offers participants access to exclusive resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities, with the chance to win AUD $1000 - $5000 and a month-long internship at EverYoung AI. Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or tech enthusiast, this is your opportunity to mentor young innovators as they create AI solutions that make a real-world impact.?
Submission deadline: 1st December 2024.
Wed, 6 Nov from 5:30 - 8pm | MCIC, UNSW
Join us for an exclusive screening of "Show Her the Money", a groundbreaking documentary that shines a light on the journeys of women entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of venture capital funding. The film also highlights the women investors who are championing these founders and why their role is crucial in closing the gender funding gap. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the challenges and successes in funding women-led startups and how we can inspire more women to become investors. Enjoy insightful panel discussions, canapés, drinks, and networking with innovators and leaders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
UPSKILL >>
???Do you have an idea that you think could be a great side hustle??
Come enjoy a FREE coffee and a rapid coaching session with our ready & waiting UNSW Founders team. This is a drop-in session running every second Thursday of the month, but be sure to register so we can expect you! SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW
??Coach & Connect
Available for FREE to all UNSW staff, students and alumni with a bright idea for a new startup, or an already established business.
From developing an idea, building a business model, raising capital to merely exploring entrepreneurship, we’re here to help!?LEARN MORE
?? Whether it's learning to code, building a prototype, designing a new product or merely learning a new creative skill, our team at Makerspace & MCIC have something for you. We are always pulling together exciting workshops & short courses to help you learn and grow.
Community News>>
?? The MVP Ventures Program is designed to?support startups and innovative SME’s?through the?product lifecycle between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities. It offers?grants of?$25,000 to $50,000?in co-contribution funding to drive the commercialisation of highly innovative and new products or processes. ?
Applications for round 2 close 28 Feb 2025. Find out more.
?? The Industry Growth Program is now open, with startups and innovative small and medium businesses able to apply for expert advice on their commercialisation and growth projects. The Industry Growth Program enables eligible SMEs to receive advice from industry experts, with a particular focus on the early stages when businesses often have difficulty turning innovative ideas into profitable products, processes and services. Once you have received this advice, you may choose to apply for:?
- Grants of 50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects.
- Grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.