SydWest Ignition Accelerator 2021
An engaging interaction with our Founders
After 6 months of intensive work, our 2021 cohort of tech-enabled startups are graduating from the SydWest Global Connections Tech Startup Accelerator Program and are ready to revolutionise high-growth industry sectors, from art, education to agriculture, construction to e-commerce, and drive the growth of Western Sydney’s entrepreneurial community.
The founders were able to tell their startup stories via the event’s new showcase format, powered by Hopin, which lets participants select the founders of their interest, hear their pitches and engage in real-time discussion, thereby allowing a truly interactive atmosphere. An exciting keynote with Michael Starkey was also a highlight of the event, where he shared his journey from National Australia Bank to Athena Home Loans— his present company and startup success story— live with participants.
Open to the general public, the showcase attracted diverse audience members, from students, researchers, academics, corporates, to fellow founders, mentors, investors, and community members.
Highlights of Launch Pad Accelerator Showcase 2021
About the Accelerator Program
Startup SydWest Global Connections is a 6-month duration accelerator program supporting technology startups working in high-growth industry sectors or using technologies that can drive international market opportunities, particularly within the US and Asia Pacific region.
Launch Pad acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Incubator Support Initiative to deliver the Startup SydWest Global Connections Accelerator Program.
We’d also like to thank your corporate partners for their support.
Testimonials
Hear from our 2021 cohort
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Megna Murali
Convert Dial
The Launch Pad program helped me go from an idea on a page and to MVP. The one-on-one mentoring and structured 6-month framework is personal and tailored to each founder. Unlike other programs that are short term, in 6 months you can achieve significant progress. There were plenty of opportunities to connect with the cohort and the mentors and I have made great friends through this program.
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Lucas Cox
GeoJob
The WSU team have provided invaluable guidance into the intricacies of problem and solution validation and capital raise preparation. GeoJob has gained many valuable contacts and resources from legal advice from Frank Law through to eligibility for start up discounts from the likes of HubSpot and AWS.
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Priyadarshini Das
OkayMate
The mentors came with rich experience in the start-up ecosystem and had an answer to every question.
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Belinda Chapman
Quantal Bioscience
The Launch Pad program has greatly expanded my understanding of business and start-up processes, introduced me to great mentors (who have introduced me to even more mentors), and opened my eyes to the idea of a long-term entrepreneurial career and better equipped me for this. In addition, the Launch Pad program has introduced me to an interesting group of founders, and a peer support network with whom I anticipate remaining in touch, continuing to learn from, and perhaps even collaborating with as we grow our business in Western Sydney.
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Andri Selamat
DigiCity for Kids
Launch Pad had equipped me with the skills on how to progress an idea into the next tangible steps, and be aware off the common pitfalls. It’s been a program where you can feel welcomed and share with like-minded people, at the same time supported by incredible team and guided by experienced mentors.
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Wayne Larsen
PT Blink
The WSU Launch Pad program was an integral part of the evolution of PT Blink. Throughout the program, we received valuable insights from the mentors and EIR team, which readied our business and founding team for acceleration. We also met and engaged with a community of other startups; the collective passion and enthusiasm was contagious. I would recommend the Launch Pad program to any startup.
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Sandra Pires
Yesterday Stories
Launch Pad gives you insight into the founder's journey from a deeply personal perspective and with founder well-being at the core. The emphasis on the scientific method for all experiments makes you accountable.
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Gemma Colbran
dARTbase
Launch Pad accelerator pushes founders through the startup ecosystem, as opposed to "pulling" them like other accelerators. They supply you with the support, knowledge and tools you need to validate (or invalidate), build and grow your business..