Fundraising Fox

Swinburne Elevate Accelerator

Accelerator

Hawthorn · 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.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Series A
Check
$10K
HQ
Hawthorn, VIC, AU
Instruments
Equity · Grants
Portfolio companies
10

What they invest in

from 3 of 10 portfolio companies

Circular Economy ×1Consumer ×1Direct to Consumer ×1E-commerce ×1EdTech ×1FemTech ×1FoodTech ×1Hardware ×1

HQs:Australia×1

Portfolio companies · 10 tracked

alumni founders can tell you what the program is really like
ASPIRE

Connects resource generators with reuse and recycling users to reduce landfill, using CSIRO/Data61 technology.

Automation Acoustics

Remote monitoring tool providing Industry 4.0 data visualisation for industries using automated welding.

Fishable

Smartphone-based tool for measuring fishing catches and building knowledge of sustainable fishing practices.

Fluencygetfluency.com.au
Little Green Pandalittlegreenpanda.comin

Little Green Panda manufactures home-compostable and PLA-free cups for retail and custom orders.

Circular EconomyConsumerE-commerceFoodTechNew MaterialsAustralia, AU

mDetect

Uses cosmic particles for X-ray style 3D density scans to identify and monitor hidden structures.

Milkdropmilkdroppumps.com

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

Scriibiscriibi.comin

Scriibi is a curriculum-aligned platform for writing instruction, assessment, and teacher professional development.

EdTechSaaS

Co-investorsMelbourne Accelerator Program (MAP)

SNA Toolboxsnatoolbox.com

Technology platform helping organisations realise their social capital by optimising hidden social structures.

Dean Lusher(Founder)in

Co-investorsSwinburne Innovation Studio

Strong Room

Health-tech startup with pharmacotherapy management software integrating the healthcare IT ecosystem.

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

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 channel

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

Inside Moondani Toombadool Centre's Indigenous Study Tour to Aotearoa | Swinburne

Swinburne University of Technology

How to become a data scientist

Swinburne University of Technology

Images

Swinburne Elevate Accelerator photo

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