Swinburne Elevate Accelerator
AcceleratorHawthorn · Pre-Seed–Series A
Investment thesis
Run by Swinburne University's Innovation Studio, the Elevate Program is a cohort-based accelerator for mid-stage, technology-driven startups with a launched MVP, early customer validation, and a scalable business model. Selected founders receive $10,000 in equity-free funding paid in instalments, $10,000 in credits toward legal and financial services, up to three months of rent-free co-working space at the Hawthorn campus, plus in-person workshops, mentoring, and accountability sessions. Startups keep full ownership and IP. The program targets Swinburne students, staff, and alumni (or ventures aligned with Swinburne's research strengths such as climate, advanced manufacturing, health/medtech, space, aerospace, and AI), and offers pathways to investment via Swinburne Ventures Limited.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
What they invest in
from 3 of 10 portfolio companiesCircular Economy ×1Consumer ×1Direct to Consumer ×1E-commerce ×1EdTech ×1FemTech ×1Hardware ×1SaaS ×1
Portfolio companies · 10 tracked
alumni founders can tell you what the program is really likeConnects resource generators with reuse and recycling users to reduce landfill, using CSIRO/Data61 technology.
Remote monitoring tool providing Industry 4.0 data visualisation for industries using automated welding.
Smartphone-based tool for measuring fishing catches and building knowledge of sustainable fishing practices.
Little Green Panda sells home-compostable, plastic-free (PLA-free) disposable tableware, including sugar cane straws, tree-free cups, and cutlery made from coffee grounds.
Circular EconomyConsumerE-commerce
Uses cosmic particles for X-ray style 3D density scans to identify and monitor hidden structures.
Milkdrop makes wearable breast pumps designed for comfort, featuring breast cushion technology developed to mould to different nipple shapes and sizes.
Direct to ConsumerFemTechHardware
Co-investorsCommon Sense Ventures
Scriibi is a curriculum-aligned platform for writing instruction, assessment, and teacher professional development.
EdTechSaaS
Co-investorsMelbourne Accelerator Program (MAP)
Technology platform helping organisations realise their social capital by optimising hidden social structures.
Co-investorsSwinburne Innovation Studio
Health-tech startup with pharmacotherapy management software integrating the healthcare IT ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Swinburne Elevate Accelerator made?
- Swinburne Elevate Accelerator has 10 tracked investments.
- What stage does Swinburne Elevate Accelerator invest at?
- Swinburne Elevate Accelerator invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Swinburne Elevate Accelerator's typical check size?
- Swinburne Elevate Accelerator typically writes checks of $10K.
- What sectors does Swinburne Elevate Accelerator focus on?
- Swinburne Elevate Accelerator focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, AI & Machine Learning, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, Medical Devices, Space Tech.
- Where is Swinburne Elevate Accelerator located?
- Swinburne Elevate Accelerator is headquartered in Hawthorn, AU.
- Who does Swinburne Elevate Accelerator co-invest with?
- Swinburne Elevate Accelerator most often shares deals with Common Sense Ventures, Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), Swinburne Innovation Studio, among 3 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
from their channelInside Moondani Toombadool Centre's Indigenous Study Tour to Aotearoa | Swinburne
Swinburne University of Technology
How to become a data scientist
Swinburne University of Technology
How AI and Data Are Transforming Transport | Inside the Geotab Swinburne Hub
Swinburne University of Technology
Images
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