UNSW Founders will help drive a new $4 million initiative designed to unlock the potential of female entrepreneurs.
UNSW Sydney has partnered with the NSW Government to train, mentor and invest in female and culturally diverse founders across the state.
The $4 million Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program was launched by the Minns Government this week, with UNSW Founders appointed to support at least 20 women and culturally diverse health innovators across Greater Western Sydney and regional NSW.
The program will focus on foundational skills-building, tailored coaching and practical ways to scale up business ideas.
UNSW Founders Senior Manager (Entrepreneurship), Dina Titkova, said the two-year initiative would help create opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
"Our program will play a critical role in broadening participation in health innovation by supporting women and culturally diverse founders, particularly those developing impactful health solutions in Greater Western Sydney and regional NSW," she said.
"We're excited to partner with the NSW Government to help founders build strong foundations and clear pathways to scale."
Boosting innovation in health
The UNSW Founders initiative which is backed by the NSW Government program, Impact X , is designed for clinicians, researchers and community members who understand gaps in the health system but may not have access to traditional startup pathways.
Participants will work closely with mentors - including other clinicians, founders and industry experts - as well as a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence, giving them practical guidance as they test ideas and build their ventures.
The 10-week program is fully funded and free to participate, with additional support provided through partnerships with The George Institute for Global Health , Justice Inclusion Access ( JEINA ), Westpac and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research .
It will take place across NSW, combining in-person and online sessions. Program Manager of the Greater Western Sydney Entrepreneurship Program at UNSW Founders, Julie Pham, said she was focused on creating real opportunities for entrepreneurs.
"Some of the people we work with understand the problem better than anyone, they just don't see themselves as founders or know where to start," she said.
"Through our programs, we've worked with hundreds of local founders to build their skills and confidence. With support from the NSW Government, we're now seeing strong, community-driven innovation take shape."
Driving inclusion and economic growth
NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong, said he was looking forward to what the program would deliver.
"The Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program is about backing talent wherever it exists, breaking down barriers that prevent under‑represented founders from turning ideas into viable businesses," he said.
"This first round will equip women-owned startups - who receive as little as seven per cent of venture capital - with the foundational skills they need for market entry and growth."
The program forms part of the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035, which identifies diversity as a key driver of innovation but notes that many groups remain underrepresented in the startup ecosystem.
The University of Newcastle will also deliver a two-stage program supporting female founders under the initiative.
"Many women have fantastic business ideas, and the Diversity Pre-Accelerator program could be just the boost they need to turn them into something more," said NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
"Increasing the proportion of small businesses owned by women supports diversity, economic growth and social progress."
Applications to participate the UNSW Founders Impact X program will open July 1 .
