ACCELERATE YOUR TECHNOLOGY STARTUP IN WESTERN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA’S FASTEST GROWING REGION
SydWest Global Connections Tech Startup Accelerator Program
Startup SydWest Global Connections is a 6-month duration accelerator program supporting technology start-ups working in high-growth industry sectors or using technologies where there is potential to drive international market opportunities, particularly within the US and Asia Pacific region.
Delivered through Western Sydney University’s highly successful Launch Pad Technology Business Incubator, the accelerator provides a range of support activities designed to help start-ups establish quickly, hone the value proposition, rapidly develop technology, access markets and scale effectively.
Startups are immersed in an expansive innovation network providing easy connections to mentors, potential customers and co-founders, investors, industry experts and collaborators for research and development.
The extended period of 6 months for the accelerator program, as compared to normal 12 weeks programs, provides a much deeper experience, allowing adequate time for technical development and international market connectivity.
The proposed Global Connections accelerator will have a multi-cultural focus to support founders from diverse backgrounds to access localised support that does not currently exist in any significant form across the region. In particular, the program will seek to support founders and teams that have strong qualifications and experience from their home countries but may struggle to gain recognition of their qualifications and expertise in Australia.
Key Program Dates
Dec 2020 – Applications Open
26 Jan 2021 – Applications Closed
27 – 29 Jan 2021 – Interviews
1 Feb 2021 – Offers Made
Feb 2021 – Program Kick Off
August 2021 – Demo Day
Application Process
Step 1. Submit your expression of interest and confirm your eligibility
Step 2. Eligible candidates will be invited to submit a full application
Step 3. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a virtual interview with our judging panel
Step 4. Selected candidates will be notified of their acceptance into the program
Who is this program for?
- You are a founder with deep knowledge in an area that makes you uniquely qualified to solve a problem
- You are a self-starter, have the inner drive and grit to execute and make things happen
- You or your business may have a connection with Western Sydney – you either live, study or work in Western Sydney or can demonstrate how your business can operate and thrive in the region.
Requirements
- You have an MVP or can demonstrate some form of problem-idea validation
- You or your founding team have the capability to execute quickly
- At least one founder can provide a strong commitment to participating in the program
- Can demonstrate a market need beyond the Australian market.
What do you get?
The program will be delivered via a structured and guided process providing a range of supports designed to enable participants to demonstrate their value-proposition, develop innovative business models, access capital, set up their operations and launch and scale their business locally and, or, in overseas markets.
Specific supports available through the accelerator will include:
Mentoring
Access to start-up/commercialisation and industry experts
Resources
Access to students/graduates, researchers, co-founders and tech partners
Networks
Connections to industry contacts, investors, mentors and collaborators
Workspace
Access to co-working space, meeting areas, labs and collaborative spaces
Maker Space
Access to a range of prototyping and testing equipment for physical products
Education & Training
Technical development and practice-based business skills workshops
Cultural Awareness
Australian business context, legal, regulation and compliance training
Funding
Links to potential venture capital investment, donors and grants
Professional Services
Access to discounted business and legal services, tools and credit schemes
Markets
Links to potential customers, projects and new market contacts.
Expressions of interest and applications are now open
All applications will be judged by our mentor panel of experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Industry Focus Areas
If you are a startup working to solve a complex challenge in any of the following areas, we strongly encourage you to apply.
As part of the program, we are looking to support 20 startups in the industries including but not limited to:
- Medical
- Property & Construction
- Cybersecurity
- Gaming & Simulation
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Education
- Sustainability
"The program exceeded our expectations and our business had gone from strength to strength as a result of our exposure to the mentoring and coaching."
Matthew Waugh
Cofounder of Conexie
"The program was great in providing mentoring sessions, helping the start-ups to get a clear understanding of what needs to be done in order for the business to be successful."
Olga Voronia
Cofounder of ArtOn Lab
"The program provided great access to experienced entrepreneurs and resources, as well as industry. The program was well conceived and provided great business insight in regard to prospecting and scaling."
Hugh Fisher
Business Development, Aquacell
"The program is the benchmark of how entrepreneur programs should be run. Expert mentorship, coupled with WSU Launch Pad's business network, has proven to be a powerful combination to help support growing businesses and innovation."
Kirk Duncan
Founder of The Mobile Apps Man
Our Corporate Partners
Provide program support, mentoring, market understanding, key connections within local & international markets and access to discounted professional services.
Our Program Support Partners
Our program support partners provide our startups with a range of tools and resources to help build their startup. These include heavily discounted tools and professional services, office hours, workshops and connections.
Industry Partners
Our industry partners can provide industry specific support such as mentoring and advice, market understanding and key connections within
local & international markets.
MedTech
The MARCS Institute
Liverpool Innovation Precinct
WSU School of Medicine
NICM Health Research Institute
PropTech
Landcom
WSU School of Built Environment
WSU Centre for Smart Modern Construction (c4SMC)
Western Growth
CyberTech
Amazon Web Services
WSU School of Computers, Data and Math Sciences
Manufacturing
Western 4.0 Network
Western Maker Space
NTT
Western Sydney University School of Engineering
AgriTech
WSU Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
WSU National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre
EduTech
WSU School of Education
WSU Centre for Educational Research
Practera
Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE)
Gaming & Simulation
WSU Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Games Design and Simulation)
Atla VR
Sweaty Chair Studios
Sustainability
WSU School of Science
WSU International Centre for Ocean Governance
Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation
Please submit an EOI if you are interested in this program. We will be in touch to invite eligible candidates to apply.
If you have any questions in relation to the SydWest Global Connections Accelerator, please contact Rebecca Pham, Program Manager at Launch Pad Western Sydney University at r.pham@westernsydney.edu.au
FAQ's
Does it have to be tech?
No. Although we are more interested in the problem you’re solving than the technology itself, we are looking for businesses with high scalability and we recognise that this is difficult to achieve without leveraging technology.
Do you need customers to apply?
You do not need to have customers before applying. We are interested in what traction you’ve achieved though.
Can I apply with just an idea?
Yes, but be prepared to prove your idea is viable and demonstrate how you will be executing this.
Will my business receive cash as part of the program?
No, this program is delivered as 100% in-kind (this support is valued at $50K) however, we will connect you to a network of investors, donors and grants.
Do I have to pay to be part of the program?
No, the program is free for selected participants.
Will the program be in person?
The program will be delivered through a blend of in-person engagements at our Parramatta and Penrith Incubators, as well as online.