28 Nov: Closing 2024 with the Best Events Yet!
And just like that, we’ve reached 2024’s grand finale! But hold your applause—this isn’t the end; it’s the ultimate encore ??
We’ve packed this newsletter with enough excitement to keep you buzzing right through to 2025. Think heart-pounding pitch nights, workshops designed to blow your entrepreneurial socks off ??, and jaw-dropping portfolio wins. From cutting-edge AI breakthroughs to a startup making waves with its product in over 1,000 Woolworths stores across Australia, our founders are closing 2024 on an incredible high. And don’t even get me started on robot battles...yes, robot battles ??.
But hey, it’s not just about showing up for the free food and drinks (though we know you’ll love those ????). It’s about celebrating how far we’ve come together this year. From world-changing ideas to some good ol’ fashioned startup hustle, this community has been unstoppable ??.
So, let’s raise a glass of S?rzero ??, UNSW Founders’ non-alcoholic beer of choice (available now at sorzero.com). Dive in, soak it up, and let’s finish 2024 with a bang ??. Trust us—you won’t want to miss a thing.
Wishing you a safe and happy silly season ??,
Senior Manager (Ideas)
UNSW Founders
LATEST & GREATEST >>
As Australia faces pressing challenges in both digital literacy and sovereign capability, David Burt stepped forward to shape the national conversation.
In Startup Daily, Burt examines the Federal Government’s proposed social media ban, raising alarm over its potential to undermine digital literacy among young Australians. He argues that this move could have lasting repercussions for employability and innovation in a tech-driven world.
Meanwhile, in InnovationAus, Burt shines a spotlight on the erosion of Australia’s sovereign capability. He warns that neglecting homegrown innovation ecosystems could leave the nation vulnerable in an increasingly competitive global landscape, urging policymakers to invest in resilience and self-reliance.
Both pieces deliver a powerful message: for Australia to thrive, we need to double down on innovation, education, and strategic thinking. It’s about building an ecosystem that supports bold ideas and long-term resilience—exactly what UNSW Founders is all about. By empowering Australian innovation, we’re working toward a future-ready economy that can tackle the challenges ahead.
PORTFOLIO NEWS >>
APPLICATIONS OPEN >>
Unlock the Power of AI to Transform Your Industry, Business, or Career!
Join the Western Sydney Tech Innovators - Community AI Lab for an interactive journey into the future of technology. This free, community-driven program brings together curious minds to explore AI through hands-on activities, project tracks, and networking with fellow tech enthusiasts.
Whether you’re interested in AI Art, Business Automation, or practical skills like detecting Deepfakes, the AI Lab has something for you. No need for a laptop—just bring your curiosity and get ready to learn with access to premium tools and expert guidance, all at no cost.
?? Location: UNSW Parramatta Innovation Hub, Level 5/6 Hassall Street, Parramatta ??? When: Every Saturday, 2:00-4:00 PM (until December 14)
With limited spots available, don’t miss your chance to join this unique initiative by Lailei Huang from Immersive Academy in partnership with UNSW Founders, supported by the City of Parramatta and Western Sydney Startup Hub.?
?? Ready to Fast-Track Your Startup Journey? Pre X is here!
Our Pre-Accelerator is a four-week preview of the opportunities and support offered by our 10x Accelerator. It’s your chance to connect with our team, become part of the thriving UNSW startup community, and tap into specialised expertise and networks in deep tech and entrepreneurship.
Valued at over $5,000, Pre X is completely free for founders, thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic donors.
?? Join our info session on 6 February to learn how Pre X can help you take your venture to the next level. Register here.
?? Apply now and kickstart your journey!
EOIs are now open for the UNSW's flagship 10x Accelerator ??
If you’re an ambitious founder in Health, Defence, Climate, or any other sector and ready for hyper-growth, we’re here to elevate your journey. With investments in over 130 startups and a collective portfolio valued at $750 million, the 10x Accelerator has proven to be a powerful launchpad for entrepreneurial success, with notable 2024 exits from alumni like Forage (EAB) and Forcite (GoPro). While full applications will reopen in 2025, don’t wait—express your interest now to secure your place for the next opportunity to scale and transform your venture.
?? Express Your Interest for Startup Year 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 this opportunity to be part of the next cohort!?
领英推荐
Do you have an idea that could create a positive impact on society??
The Hult Prize is the world’s largest student social enterprise competition, empowering future leaders to solve some of the biggest global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNSW Founders is excited to host the 2025 Hult Prize, where student teams can pitch innovative solutions to real-world problems. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to take on the challenge and present your world-changing social enterprise idea, as long as it aligns with at least one of the SDGs.
And don’t forget—there’s $1 Million USD up for grabs!
UPCOMING EVENTS >>
Thurs, Nov 28 from 5 - 8pm | L1, 50 Scott Street, Liverpool?
Join us for a celebration of innovation and community progress in South West Sydney! This event marks the culmination of a 7-week pre-accelerator program as local startups pitch for $5.5K in cash prizes.
Highlights:
This event is brought to you in partnership with Investment NSW, Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and Westpac.
Tue, 3 Dec from 5.30 - 9pm |?Level 6, 35 Scott Street, Liverpool
Our final workshop is all about identifying and capitalising on your unique skills and experiences to drive economic success. Led by Dr. Stephanie Fletcher-Lartey, transformation coach and entrepreneur, this session will empower you to turn your potential into tangible opportunities, whether you're pursuing a career or entrepreneurial path.
What You’ll Learn:
This transformative workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence to take control of your career and entrepreneurial future.
?? Register now to secure your spot!
Thurs, 5 Dec from 4 - 7pm | MCIC, UNSW Sydney
Join us for First Thursdays this December, where the innovation community gathers to share ideas and build connections. This month’s guest speaker is Enguerrand Vidor, a tech entrepreneur celebrated for his significant contributions to the startup ecosystem. With over a decade of experience, Enguerrand has co-founded ventures like Workforce Technologies, MyGig, and Leezair—a travel-tech platform backed by Qantas. His career includes roles as Entrepreneur in Residence at Rocket Internet and Antler VC, and co-founding Trustlux, a blockchain platform for luxury goods. Gain valuable insights from his journey and network with fellow founders, mentors, and investors.?
Don’t miss this inspiring event!
Sun 8 Dec, 9.30am - 5pm | MCIC, UNSW Sydney
Join this thrilling tournament where 150g custom-built robots face off in a specially designed arena. Expect epic battles, dramatic comebacks, and plenty of sparks flying—all within a friendly and passionate community.
This tournament marks the finale of UNSW Founders' 10-week robot-building workshop series and is open to public competitors in collaboration with Wollongong Robot Combat.
??? Spectators Welcome: Come cheer on the robots, chat with the builders, and witness the magic of robot combat.
?? For Competitors: If you're competing, make sure you register ASAP!
If you’re curious about building your own robot 2025, join the community on Discord to connect with fellow enthusiasts and get started.
Mon, 9 Dec from 1 - 4pm | MCIC, UNSW Sydney
Be part of an exciting afternoon celebrating UNSW’s brightest early-career academics as they showcase their journey from groundbreaking research to impact-driven ventures.
The showcase event highlights the work of 13 exceptional fellows from UNSW Engineering who have spent three months transforming their research into commercially viable startups. This event is an opportunity to see UNSW’s dedication to fostering innovation and research commercialisation in action.
The ECA fellowship, powered by UNSW Engineering and TRaCE, equips academics with the mentorship, resources, and funding to turn their expertise into real-world solutions that benefit humanity. Whether you're passionate about innovation, curious about research commercialisation, or eager to support the next wave of startups, this event is not to be missed!
UPSKILL >>
???Do you have an idea that you think could be a great side hustle??
Come enjoy our LAST FREE session for a 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 the Makerspace & MCIC have something for you. We are always pulling together exciting workshops & short courses to help you learn and grow.
Every Tues night from 5 - 8pm | MCIC UNSW Sydney
Access the MCIC makerspace after-hours and join a community of makers every Tuesday evening. Work on creative projects, collaborate with fellow innovators, and explore new ideas in a supportive and resourceful environment. Whether you're refining a personal project or experimenting with new concepts, this is the perfect opportunity to enhance your creative skills.?
The last session of the year will be held on Tuesday, 10th December—drop in and make the most of these last opportunities! No booking needed.
Startups & Entrepreneurship at UNSW
3 个月?? Hot tip: Join our mailing list to get the latest edition sent straight to your inbox (and yep, a whole day earlier than LinkedIn ??): https://unswfounders.typeform.com/newsletter