The UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator turns 10 with its 2026 program, offering 10 weeks of intensive, bespoke support to founders from experienced operators and investors.
Since 2017 the program has backed 135 startups, assisted raise $277 million in post-program funding and generated more than $1 billion in combined enterprise value in a decade.
It has three streams: Health, Climate and All Industries. The Health and Climate streams are open to any Australian founder regardless of UNSW affiliation innovating in those areas. The program has a renewed focus on preparing startups to grow internationally.
David Burt, director of entrepreneurship at UNSW, declared that as technology and geopolitics shift so rapidly, defaulting to what’s worked in the past is an simple mistake.
“The opportunity is always there for founders who are willing to step away from the crowd and finding a valuable new way forward,” he declared.
“At UNSW Founders our philanthropic model enables us to support founders like this long before any financial investor can back them. Our resources assist the next generation to pursue ideas that would otherwise not be attempted.”
Going global
The startups chosen for the program each receive a $100,000 SAFE investment, expert coaching, access to Australia’s deepest R&D network and direct pathway to the Global Innovation Foundry – the university’s purpose-built ecosystem for international expansion.
This year, UNSW Founders has secured funding for startups to explore global markets via partnerships with international collaborators including ARENA2036 in Germany.
Last year, the 10x Accelerators supported 25 startups, including Bearhug Pallet Wraps, which developed a reusable pallet wrap and automation system for global logistics.
They took part in the Climate cohort in 2025, accessing the new Global Innovation Foundry post-program to expand into Europe and are now collaborating with ARENA 2036.
Cofounder Max Higgins, had no prior affiliation to UNSW and was referred to the program by an external supporter, after being given feedback they necessaryed to test out their business model.
“UNSW’s Climate 10x program delivers exactly the support startups necessary, exactly when they necessary it. You gain access to industest experts who offer real-world guidance, and a program team that truly invests in your success,” he declared.
“The Climate 10x team go above and beyond to assist by sharing their networks and offering support that feels believedful, strategic, and specific to your startup.”
Helping with your specialty
The Health program offers expertise in regulatory pathways and medical device development.
Arelis, which is reimagining diagnostics in women’s health, starting with concludeometriosis, was in part of last year’s program. Their non-invasive urine test utilizes infrared spectroscopy and AI to deliver quick, accurate risk results, cutting diagnostic delays from years to weeks.
Founder Tori Fox is, like most health startup founders, focutilized on clinical pathways.
“Health 10x was exactly what I came for – and I received it. Program Manager Joseph Po was invaluable, having someone inside the university system with agency to assist navigate research processes,” she declared.
“The program’s regulatory support enabled Arelis to feel more equipped to assess what’s required, even if the information provided wasn’t directly applicable yet.”
The program is growing and adapting their offering to create an ecosystem, with programs that benefit the broader ecosystem beyond UNSW.
P2AgentX founder, Dr Jim Joseph John took part in earlier stage programs before relocating on to Climate 10x.
“More than the learnings, it was the people who created it truly special – Maddy, Nina, and Eleni brought a level of care, dedication, and genuine investment in our success that I hadn’t expected,” he declared.
“They didn’t just guide us through the programs; they became part of our story. I am deeply grateful to the UNSW Founders team for building something that doesn’t just teach you how to navigate Australia’s startup ecosystem, it creates you feel like you truly belong in it.”
UNSW Founders is holding a How to Ace your Application session this Weds, May 6.
Applications for the 2026 10X accelerator programs close May 18. Apply here.
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