Fundraising FoxSwinburne Elevate Accelerator
AcceleratorHawthorn · Pre-Seed–Series A
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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 4 of 10 portfolio companiesHardware ×2AI & Machine Learning ×1Circular Economy ×1Consumer ×1Deep Tech ×1Direct to Consumer ×1E-commerce ×1EdTech ×1
HQs:Australia×2
Portfolio companies · 10 tracked
alumni founders can tell you what the program is really likeLittle Green Panda manufactures home-compostable and PLA-free cups for retail and custom orders.
Circular EconomyConsumerE-commerceFoodTechNew MaterialsAustralia, AU
mDetect, a spinout from Swinburne University of Technology, builds small sensor devices that use muons (subatomic particles) to image the internal density structure of buildings, infrastructure, and underground or underwater features.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareIoTMelbourne, AU
Jerome Donovan(Founder)inAlan Duffy(Founder)inCraig Webster(Founder)in
Co-investorsSwinburne Innovation Studio
Milk Drop Pumps designs and manufactures breast pump cushions and related products with evidence-based design focused on women's comfort and safety.
Direct to ConsumerFemTechHardware
Alex
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.
Dean Lusher(Founder)in
Co-investorsSwinburne Innovation Studio
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
ASPIREAutomation AcousticsFishableFluencyStrong Room
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 Swinburne Innovation Studio, Common Sense Ventures, Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), among 3 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
from their channelHow Gabriel found his passion in business
Swinburne University of Technology
Why Skills Matter More Than Ever | Building Australia’s Future Workforce
Swinburne University of Technology
Bringing Space to Every Australian Classroom | LaunchLabz at Swinburne
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology Graduation 13 August 2026, 10am
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology Graduation 13 August 2026, 6pm
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology Graduation 13 August 2026, 2pm
Swinburne University of Technology
Images
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