17 Oct- Move over brat, it's startup summer!
Hey Sunshine ☀️
With daylight savings just ticking over, our days are feeling a little brighter—and so is the UNSW Founders calendar!
The next month is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you're looking to gain new insights, spark fresh ideas, or expand your network, these events are designed to make the most of the extra daylight. Every conversation and event is a chance to grow your network and explore what’s possible.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
📅 October 21 – UNSW's Strategy Expo:
Over four dynamic days, the MCIC will host dozens of short talks, presentations, and panels covering sustainability, economic growth, social impact, and AI. Join the conversation to help shape UNSW’s future and our centenary in 2049.
⏳ October 31 – Angel Investors Program Registration Deadline:
Don’t miss your chance to join Australia’s top angel investor community and learn how to evaluate and manage investments with insights from leading investors. This hands-on, 3-day experience runs November 13-15. Hurry, spots are limited!
🎤 November 7 – First Thursdays with Rachael Wilde:
Ready to be inspired? Don’t miss our signature First Thursdays event, where we bring you leading entrepreneurs to share their journeys and insights. This November, hear how Rachael Wilde, co-founder of tbh Skincare, transformed her personal experiences into a thriving multimillion-dollar beauty brand.
🌍 November 13 – Empowering Researchers from Forced Migration Backgrounds:
A collaborative event spotlighting the remarkable contributions of migrant researchers and announcing exciting funding opportunities with TRaCE and UNSW Founders.
But that’s just the start—there’s much more ahead. Keep scrolling, and as we head into 'startup summer'—remember to keep your SPF high and your ambitions even higher!
Cheers 🧉
Kristen Phillips
Senior Manager (Ideas)
UNSW Founders
LATEST & GREATEST >>
Read This: Op-Ed by Our Director
We're excited to share that David Burt's op-ed with Hospital and Healthcare. In this piece, David offers a comprehensive deep dive into Australia's healthcare innovation landscape, discussing the key barriers that are holding back the advancement of healthtech. If you're interested in the future of healthcare and the challenges that need to be addressed for progress, this is a must-read. Read the full article here.
PORTFOLIO NEWS >>
Fresh from the 10x Accelerator: Big Moves and Breakthroughs by our alumni.
🚀 Gheorg is SXSW Sydney Bound!
The Gheorg team, led by Dr Louise Metcalf, is gearing up to showcase their game-changing mental health platform for kids at the SXSW Sydney Expo. As part of the prestigious Start-up Village, presented by Venture Crowd, this is their shot to connect with top-tier investors, industry pioneers, and global innovators. Gheorg is on a mission to revolutionise mental health for children—helping them manage anxiety, build resilience, and enhance emotional well-being in a way that’s engaging and accessible. Catch the full scoop here.
🔬 Psylo: Tech Meets Medicinal Psychedelics
The future of mental health could very well be in psychedelics, and Psylo is at the cutting edge of this breakthrough. They’re combining technology with science to unlock the potential of medicinal psychedelics in treating mental health issues. With innovation like this, Psylo is positioned as a leader in the emerging space of mental health tech. Explore more in SmartCompany.
🎖️ Innersteps Founders: One of 2024’s Aus 30 Under 30
Big congrats to Jesse Waller and Matt Gordon for being honoured for social impact in this year's Aus 30 Under 30! This accolade highlights the team’s relentless drive and innovation—and the timing couldn’t be better, as they gear up for their highly anticipated Demo Day. Innersteps is quickly making a name for themselves in the startup scene, and this is just the beginning. See them shine here.
🚗 Share with Oscar’s Smart Bollards: Parking Tech of the Future
Urban space management just got a major upgrade. Share with Oscar has unveiled their latest tech—Oscar’s internet-connected Smart Bollards. Imagine controlling parking bollards remotely with automated ease, boosting security, access control, and compliance all at once. With features like real-time monitoring and EV bay protection, this innovative solution has city planners and investors paying attention. Find out more here.
APPLICATIONS OPEN >>
Unlock Investment Opportunities! 🚀
Join the Angel Investors Program and tap into Australia’s thriving startup ecosystem. Learn to identify, evaluate, and manage investments with insights from top investors, all while exploring a market that invested $3.5 billion in startups in 2023. Don’t miss out—our November 13 intake has limited spots, and registrations close on 31 October!
👀 Exclusive insights from ANZ’s leading early-stage investors. 📚 In-depth learning beyond what ChatGPT can offer. 💪 Hands-on, 3-day intensive experience. 💛 Join Australia’s top angel investor community.
📅 Event: November 13-15, Sydney CBD
Grab a FREE guide to "The Secrets of Angel Investing" here
We’re committed to supporting women in the investment space. Our Angel Investor Program offers a competitive 50% scholarship to women eager to break into angel investing and back the next generation of startups.
Don’t miss this opportunity to accelerate your investing journey with the support of our expert-led program.
🚀 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!
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?
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, 17 Oct from 12 - 1pm | Rouge Sydney, Darling Harbour
Catch our very own Dina Titkova, Senior Manager of Entrepreneurship (Startups) at UNSW Founders, as she takes part in an exciting panel tomorrow at SXSW Sydney. Alongside Etta Watts-Russell and Preethi Mohan, and facilitated by Hayley Saddington (current Health 10x Accelerator participant), this discussion will explore how UNSW Founders supports startups across Australia and beyond.
Brought to you by SXSW Sydney and the Australia India Business Council, this insightful panel will cover key strategies for startup growth and international expansion.
Mon - Thurs, 21 - 24 Oct | MCIC, UNSW
Next week, we're kicking off the UNSW Strategy Expo at the Michael Crouch Innovation Centre (MCIC). This is an exciting opportunity for us to collaboratively chart the course for UNSW's future.
Our Strategy team has been hard at work developing a vision that tackles key challenges: driving sustainability, boosting economic and social prosperity, and integrating cutting-edge tech like AI into our learning. It’s all about creating impact for everyone.
What’s unique about this Expo is its collaborative approach. We’re inviting our entire community—staff, students, and beyond—to contribute their insights. Together, we'll refine the "Progress for All" strategy, ensuring UNSW's path forward is one that benefits everyone.
Recommended by LinkedIn
This isn’t just about the next few years—it’s about laying the groundwork for #UNSW’s centenary in 2049 and ensuring we remain a global leader in education and research.
Tickets are limited!
Wed, 30 Oct from 4 - 8pm | MCIC, UNSW
Get ready for a transformative 1-hour masterclass with Maxime Chaury, co-founder of the Australian fintech Upworth and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Max brings a wealth of experience, having managed teams of up to 400 people, raised $1M in pre-seed funding, and lived in 12 countries while building impactful ventures.
In this session, Max will share insights on the entrepreneurial mindset, navigating the startup journey, essential tools for success, and key learnings from his experience in startups across four countries. Whether you're an aspiring founder or scaling your business, this event is packed with value.
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain practical knowledge from a global entrepreneur and innovator!
Thurs, 31 Oct from 4:30 - 6pm | MCIC, UNSW
Our last Research Pathways Meetup of the 2024 is approaching; this time we will hear from researchers currently navigating the entrepreneurial journey from lab to market. They'll be sharing their insights, learnings, and success stories—it's an incredible opportunity to foster collaborative connections and take your research to the next level.
This event is specifically designed for the UNSW researcher and academic community.
Come connect with like-minded individuals and get all your entrepreneurial questions answered.
Fri, 1 Nov from 11 - 12pm | MCIC, UNSW
Starting a business is thrilling—but when it comes to taxes, it can get complicated fast. Let’s make it easier! Tax 101 for Startups is a must-attend event for early-stage founders looking to demystify their tax obligations.
Join our panel of industry experts as they break down tax concepts into simple, actionable advice. Whether you’re brand new to the world of tax or just need a refresher, this session will arm you with the knowledge to stay compliant and set your business up for long-term success.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain practical tax insights!
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.
Thurs, 7 Nov from 4 - 6pm | MCIC, UNSW
This November, we’re excited to welcome Rachael Wilde, Co-founder of tbh Skincare and Chief Marketing Officer at York St Brands, to the First Thursdays stage.
Rachael is a force in the beauty industry, co-founding tbh Skincare in 2020—a brand that has revolutionised acne treatment with patented technology. Today, tbh Skincare generates over $10 million annually, with a product sold every four minutes!🤯 In April 2023, she co-founded York St Brands, merging tbh Skincare with BOOST LAB, now achieving a combined revenue of more than $20 million.
Rachael’s entrepreneurial journey, rooted in personal struggles with acne, showcases how she transformed her pain point into two thriving brands. She was recently recognised in Forbes 30 under 30 for Asia in retail and e-commerce.
Join us to hear her inspiring story and gain insights into building a successful brand from scratch.
Wed, 13 Nov from 12 - 1pm | MCIC, UNSW
On 13 November, UNSW Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA), Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), and UNSW Founders' LIP Program are co-hosting an event at MCIC to spotlight researchers from forced migrant backgrounds. The event will also include the announcement of TRaCE funding scholarships and other opportunities for these talented individuals to pursue pathways to climate careers.
Join us to support diversity in research and innovation.
Thurs, 14 Nov from 5:30 - 9pm | MCIC, UNSW
Come along and celebrate the next generation of incredible women entrepreneurs at the UNSW Founders New Wave Program Showcase event. You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear from the top teams as they present their innovative ideas for their chance to win a share of the $15,000 cash prize pool!
UNSW Founders New Wave addresses the gender-gap in entrepreneurship by providing aspiring female founders with the right resources, networks and funding. In fact, we are proud to say that on average, 48% of the startups we support (coach) have a female founder, more than double the industry average. The event isn’t just about supporting these incredible women; it's about enriching our understanding and contributing to a more balanced, dynamic 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 the Makerspace & MCIC have something for you. We are always pulling together exciting workshops & short courses to help you learn and grow.
Community News>>
Wed, 30 October: The Future of Green Fuels 🚀
Join this exciting event on the Future of Green Fuels, featuring a Climate 10x alumni speaker who will dive into the latest advancements in sustainable energy. This session is perfect for anyone passionate about climate solutions and looking to explore the cutting edge of green fuel technologies. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and network with industry experts.
Want to join the ranks of Uluu and Xylo Systems? And gain key insights from bespoke consulting, as well as a cash prize of $100k?
👉 Get your application in for the KPMG Australia Nature Positive Challenge! With the Global Nature Positive Summit 2024 drawing to a close, the opportunity for Nature Tech startups is ripe and they are needed more than ever. If you're a startup working on: 🌱 Nature regeneration and rebuilding natural capital and ecosystems. 🚜 Tracking or preventing food waste or enhancing nature and biodiversity while maximising productive landscapes.
👉 Get your application in before the 8th November deadline.
UNSW invites you to the Urban Futures Expo 2024.
Join us at UNSW Paddington Campus on November 21st for an exciting evening where innovation meets urban living. Explore the latest advancements in city planning, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions. This event brings together thought leaders, visionaries, and experts shaping the future of urban environments.
Come along for drinks, networking and the latest in innovation for urban environments.
Urban Futures is FREE to attend. Register now to secure your spot.
UNOVA Knowledge hub at UNSW, is seeking business partners from startups or large companies alike for an applied research projects led by our PhD students. We are looking for their business acumen regarding the direction of the projects. These projects address a specific business need of said partners, or offer fresh perspectives into the state of the art of AI applications. By collaborating, the partner can explore AI solutions, gain new perspectives, and support academic-industry partnerships.
Flexible ways to get involved:
If you are interested in engaging please contact Alain Balaguer, PhD at alain.bm@unsw.edu.au
Thanks so much for your support, UNSW!!! It's been amazing to speak with innovators about how we can improve mental health outcomes 🚀