About this programme
10x Accelerator is UNSW Founders' flagship startup accelerator, run out of Sydney for tech-enabled startups and academic or researcher spinouts. It is a 10-week intensive program built to take a founder from proof-of-concept or early MVP to a funded, market-tested venture, backed by a dedicated Program Manager, an Entrepreneur in Residence and a mentor for each cohort (capped at six startups per intake).
The program pairs structured programming with capital: every startup accepted receives a seed investment via a founder-friendly pre-money SAFE note, with the possibility of further follow-on funding if the venture is tracking well by the end of the program. Support continues past Demo Day, including help with subsequent capital raising.
10x runs alongside sector-specific UNSW Founders accelerator tracks, including Health 10x and Climate 10x. This record covers the general 10x Accelerator (all industries) track.
Applications for the 2026 cohort closed on 18 May 2026 and the program itself is currently in session (5 August - 7 October 2026, with Demo Day on 15 October 2026), which is why this record is marked closed-for-year.
How it works
Startups selected into the cohort receive a seed investment of $100,000 through a pre-money SAFE note, on founder-friendly terms: a 15% discount and no valuation cap.
Startups tracking well through the program can access up to a further $130,000 in follow-on funding.
Westpac sponsors three Accelerator Scholarships worth $20,000 each, earmarked for women and non-binary founders in the cohort.
The program runs over 10 weeks, opening with a two-day bootcamp, followed by structured programming through to Demo Day, where startups pitch to investors and the broader ecosystem.
Non-financial support includes a dedicated Program Manager, an Entrepreneur in Residence, sector-expert mentors, access to UNSW's makerspace and prototyping facilities for hardware founders, and up to six months of free coworking and lab access.
Who can apply
The startup must be tech-enabled, or an academic/researcher spinout, with a proof of concept, prototype or MVP that has some market validation — pre-idea-stage applicants are not the target.
The company must be (or be willing to become) an Australian registered Pty Ltd.
For the general 10x Accelerator (all-industries) track, one of the co-founders must be a current UNSW student, staff member or alumnus — only one team member needs the UNSW affiliation.
Founders must be able to commit time to the startup on a weekly basis for the duration of the program.
How to apply
- Express interest via the form on the 10x Accelerator page ahead of the application window opening.
- Attend an optional info session to learn more about the program before applying.
- Submit a formal application before the stated deadline (the 2026 cohort's window was 30 March - 18 May 2026).
- Go through UNSW Founders' selection process; selection decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
- Founders needing more preparation time before applying can go through the Pre-Accelerator, offered in March ahead of the main intake.
Frequently asked
Is the 10x Accelerator open right now?
No. Applications for the 2026 cohort closed on 18 May 2026 and the program is currently running (5 August - 7 October 2026). Watch the official 10x Accelerator page for the next application window to open.
What does UNSW Founders actually give a startup — cash, equity, or both?
Both, structured as a SAFE note rather than a straight equity sale: accepted startups receive a $100,000 seed investment on a pre-money SAFE with a 15% discount and no valuation cap, plus non-financial support like mentoring, coworking and lab access. Startups performing well by the end of the program can access up to a further $130,000 in follow-on funding.
Do I need to be a UNSW student or alumnus to apply?
For the general 10x Accelerator track, yes — one of the co-founders needs to be a current UNSW student, staff member or alumnus, though only one person on the team needs that affiliation. UNSW Founders also runs sector-specific tracks, including Health 10x and Climate 10x.
Does my startup need to be incorporated before applying?
Your company needs to be, or be willing to become, an Australian registered Pty Ltd — it does not have to be incorporated at the point of applying, but incorporation is a condition of participation.
What if my startup is still pre-MVP?
The program is built for startups with at least a proof of concept, prototype or MVP that has some market validation. Founders who need more runway before they meet that bar can go through the Pre-Accelerator, which UNSW Founders runs in March ahead of the main application window.
Is there support specifically for women and non-binary founders?
Yes. Westpac sponsors three Accelerator Scholarships worth $20,000 each for women and non-binary founders selected into the cohort, on top of the standard program investment.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.