Founders Defence 10x

Founders Defence 10x is a specialised accelerator program based in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to fostering the next generation of defence innovations and strengthening Australia's sovereign capabilities. Launched by UNSW Founders in April 2023, the program forms a crucial part of the broader $240 million Defence Trailblazer initiative. This significant collaboration aims to increase synergy between defence, academia, and industry, driving the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies for national security and resilience.

The accelerator serves Australian founders who are developing technology solutions within the defence sector, particularly those with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as low as 3, and a clear vision for commercialisation. It targets startups creating dual-use technologies that can enhance Australia's critical infrastructure and national security across a wide spectrum, including weapons, equipment, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cyber defence, hypersonics, autonomous systems, and space technology. The program provides an unparalleled pathway for early-stage ventures to accelerate their impact.

What truly sets Founders Defence 10x apart is its unique positioning as the only defence-focused accelerator program in Australia offering substantial seed funding to participants. Each selected startup receives $350,000 in seed investment, complemented by entrepreneurial experience, access to UNSW's extensive R&D capabilities, and invaluable connections to expert networks within the defence and investment communities. The program operates in two phases: a four-week pre-accelerator followed by a ten-week intensive accelerator, culminating in a Demo Day where founders pitch to top investors.

Under the leadership of individuals like David Burt, Director of Entrepreneurship at UNSW, and Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director of Defence Trailblazer, the program has quickly built a strong track record. Its key achievements include graduating cohorts in 2023 and 2024, featuring innovative companies such as Stratoship, Hullbot, Praetorian Aeronautics, Advanced Alloy Holdings, Australian Droid and Robot, Advent Atum, Nautic Technologies, UndaTech, and Western Australia Spaceport. These alumni contribute significantly to Australia's defence industry, developing critical technologies that range from high-altitude airships for persistent monitoring to autonomous underwater robots and advanced materials.

Founders Defence 10x is more than just an accelerator; it is a vital component in nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives sovereign capability. By providing bespoke support and a robust framework for growth, it empowers Australian innovators to translate groundbreaking research into deployable products, ensuring Australia's self-reliance and technological advantage in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The overarching UNSW Founders initiative, of which Defence 10x is a part, has collectively supported over 130 startups to raise more than $200 million in funding since 2019, reflecting its profound impact on the national startup scene.