Global Innovation Foundry

Global Pathways for Australian Startups

100 Startups to Scale Globally in 1 Year

Global Innovation Foundry (GIF) was officially launched on 10 February 2026.

The goal is to help 100 startups and scaleups to navigate international expansion, secure funding opportunities and accelerate successful market entries.

2025 - 2035: Progress for All

UNSW aims to be the most entrepreneurial university in the world by 2035.

To reach this ambition, GIF is developed to be an evolving, purpose-built ecosystem that leverages UNSW’s global networks, UNSW’s Australian Precincts (Randwick, Canberra, Liverpool and Wagga Wagga) and established partners’ network or infrastructure to supercharge commercialisation pathways for UNSW and selective non-UNSW affiliated startups.

If you’re a startup or scaleup ready to go global, we’d like to hear from you.

Learn More

UNSW Global Landing Pads 2026

Global Landing Pads 2026 is now open!

UNSW Global Landing Padsis part of the Global Innovation Foundry (GIF) and acts as a key enabler for global market expansion.

This award is intended to foster long-term, high-impact, innovative ventures in strategic global markets. We offer key connections and introductions to potential partners, investors, and relevant stakeholders in your target market.

• Assessment: Rolling, with funding awarded progressively

• Outcome notification: Within 2 weeks of submission

• Payout: 60% upon successful application, 40% upon final report submission

• Last application: 4 December 2026, Friday

*Early submission is encouraged as funds are allocated continuously until exhausted.

If you’re non-UNSW affiliated, applications will be opened early May 2026.
Complete the EOI form below.

Eligibility Criteria

A startup incorporated in Australia (ABN and ACN numbers), who

has funding up to (including) Series A
has 30 or less employees
is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher
UNSW Affiliation (either one of the following):

o Minimum 1 co-founder must be a current UNSW student, staff, or alumnus

o UNSW Spinout

o UNSW Founders Portfolio Startup

UNSW Global Landing Pads Application Process

Success Criteria

Applicant will be assessed based on the following key criteria:

• Global Market Potential: Scalable solution with a clear target market, strong competitive positioning, viable go-to-market strategy etc

• Solution & Technology Readiness: Demonstrating strong potential for commercialisation and impact.

• Team Capability: Experienced, motivated team with the right skills, vision, and execution ability to succeed.

Grant Usage

• Maximum funding: Up to $5,000 (unless otherwise stated)

• Usage: Must align with the Global Landing Pads’ objectives.

o Eligible expenditures: Travel, accommodation, events, innovation output (excluding materials or staffing costs)

o Startup responsibilities: All travel arrangements, insurance, and risk management responsibilities

APPLY NOW (if your startup is UNSW Affiliated)

For any further enquiries, contact goglobal@unsw.edu.au‍ ‍

Expression of Interest (if your startup is non-UNSW Affiliated)

UNSW Global Landing Pads
as of December 2025:

15 Countries Visited

by UNSW startups

66+ Individual Startups

went overseas for R&D facilities, customer pilots, advanced manufacturing etc

80+ Grants Allocated

Over $400,000 awarded

“Story of origin: NSW Global Landing Pads 2023”

UNSW Global Launchpads Summit 10 Feb 26

100 startups | 10 countries | 1 day

A flagship event that launched the UNSW Global Innovation Foundry (GIF) with the success of UNSW Global Landing Pads.

The summit was attended by more than 240 people, from startup founders, researchers, investors, industry and government partners to overseas founders, researchers and university partners.

GIF provides an active framework to engage further with international interest and unlock new collaboration potential by embedding UNSW into the international innovation landscape, enabling knowledge exchange, long-term collaboration and strategic partnerships.

If you’re an established startup or scaleup outside of Australia looking to seek support, engage with our research, talent, startups and infrastructure and incorporate a company and establish an office in Sydney, please email us at goglobal@unsw.edu.au
Watch this space or express your interest if you’re looking to experience the startup ecosystem in Australia and willing to host our Australian startup for a short-term exchange program, please contact: goglobal@unsw.edu.au
If you would like to find out more, please email us at goglobal@unsw.edu.au