Impact X

Impact X, a pioneering pre-accelerator program, is an initiative by UNSW Founders dedicated to fostering health-focused startups in New South Wales, Australia. Launched as part of the broader Greater Western Sydney Program, Impact X aims to address unmet health needs within diverse and underrepresented communities, particularly in areas like Greater Western Sydney, regional, and remote locations. The program builds upon UNSW Founders' extensive experience in supporting health startups through successful initiatives such as Health 10x, providing a clear pathway from an initial idea to a tangible venture.

At its core, Impact X supports early-stage founders who are committed to creating innovative health solutions. The program specifically targets women and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, recognising that diverse perspectives lead to more effective and inclusive solutions. Participants are typically based in NSW, have identified a real problem in health or healthcare, and possess an early-stage idea or concept they are ready to develop. The program actively prioritises founders from underserved communities, including clinicians, researchers, community members, and those returning to work who have unique insights into the health system but may lack a clear path to building a startup.

What truly differentiates Impact X is its comprehensive support system and commitment to accessibility. The 10-week program is fully funded and free to participate, effectively removing financial barriers to entry. Beyond funding, Impact X provides crucial scholarships and support for travel, childcare, and digital access, ensuring that all participants can engage fully. Through a combination of practical workshops, mentorship from experienced clinicians, founders, and industry experts, a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and personalised coaching, founders gain the necessary tools to validate their ideas, understand the health system, build a clear business model, and communicate their solutions with confidence.

Key achievements include the 2023 cohort where 11 teams successfully pitched their innovative health solutions at a Demo Night held at the Western Sydney Startup Hub. These solutions spanned a range of critical areas, from mental health awareness and empowering individuals with disabilities to addressing fall-related fatalities and supporting newly arrived women in Australia. Selected teams within the program also have the opportunity to receive $10,000 in cash prizes, supported by Westpac, further enabling their startup journey. The program is backed by a $4 million NSW Government initiative to fast-track female and culturally diverse founders in health innovation, underscoring its significant impact and support.

Leadership for the Impact X program falls under the umbrella of UNSW Founders, with Dina Titkova serving as the Senior Manager of Entrepreneurship and Julie Pham as the Program Manager for the Greater Western Sydney Entrepreneurship Program. Their leadership is instrumental in shaping the program's strategic direction and ensuring its effective delivery, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where promising ideas can flourish into impactful health ventures for the community.