{"id":3074,"date":"2020-01-20T07:54:26","date_gmt":"2021-11-01T01:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/?page_id=3074"},"modified":"2026-09-11T17:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T09:11:31","slug":"accelerate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/entrepreneurs\/accelerate\/","title":{"rendered":"Curtin Accelerate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grow your innovation into something bigger, bolder and built to scale.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Curtin Accelerate is a free 12-week accelerator program designed for founders who have validated their idea and are ready to develop the skills and networks to build a scalable venture around their innovative product or service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through practical sessions, mentoring and access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts, founders develop the skills, tools and connections to reach their first customers, strengthen their business model and go-to-market strategy, and build investment readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accelerate connects founders with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and commercialisation experts, with previous cohorts learning from high profile individuals including Curtin Investor in Residence Larry Lopez, Venture Advisor Rob Newman, HealthEngine Co-founder Adam Yapp, Tall Order Investment Director Shahirah Gardner and Commercialisation Consultant Sheryl Frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Following a record year for Accelerate in 2026, which saw two participating ventures secure investment during the program, Accelerate 2027 will offer even greater opportunities for founders to progress their ventures, including direct access to at least $500,000 in funding through an investment process embedded within the program<\/strong><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benefits of participating include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Access to a $500,000 funding pool<\/strong> <strong>from Melt Ventures<\/strong> to support the next stage of venture development and growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>$5,000 equity-free grant funding<\/strong> to achieve your next milestone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to 40+ innovation, entrepreneurship and industry experts, as well as resources through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/entrepreneurs\/curtin-venture-studio\/\">Curtin&#8217;s Venture Studio<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved investor attractiveness &#8211; Accelerate is an ATO-recognised accelerator for early-stage innovation companies (ESIC)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Companies can apply to be an ESIC, enabling investors a tax offset of 20%.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Curtin Accelerate 2027 commences on Tuesday 2 February, with sessions taking place each Tuesday until 6 April 2027. The program culminates in the annual Demo Night on Wednesday 5 May 2027, where founders pitch their ventures to Western Australia\u2019s startup, investment and business community.<\/p>\n\n\n<mimas-block full-width=\"black\" \n             block-name=\"banner-cta\" role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"Banner CTA\"\n             data-segment=\"all\">\n\n        \n<div class=\"block-heading\"\n     data-segment=\"dom\"\n     data-style=\"black\"\n     data-align=\"default\"\n>\n\n                                <h2 class=\"block-heading__title h2\" id=\"apply-for-curtin-accelerate-2027\">Apply for Curtin Accelerate 2027<\/h2>\n            \n                                <div class=\"block-heading__subtitle large\">\n                <p>Ready to see where your venture can go?<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            \n                                <div class=\"block-heading__content\"><p>Applications are now open. Apply to join our next cohort and access the expertise, connections and opportunities to move your venture forward.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            \n                \n                            <div class=\"block-heading__buttons\">\n                                                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/platform.echoimpact.io\/submit\/70351ccf-4622-4eff-800e-8583ef7fee09\"\n                           class=\"button button--primary\"\n                           target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Apply now\">Apply now\n                             <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                            \n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-scaled.jpg\"\n             alt=\"\"\n             srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/DSCF2662.00_18_06_44.Still021-1520x760.jpg 1520w\"\n             sizes=\"(min-width: 2560px) 2560px, (min-width: 1920px) 1920px, (min-width: 1440px) 1440px, (min-width: 1024px) 1024px, (min-width: 768px) 768px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n    \n<\/mimas-block>\n\n\n<mimas-block \n        block-name=\"accordion\"\n        role=\"complementary\"\n        aria-label=\"Accordion content\"\n        data-segment=\"all\">\n\n                \n<div class=\"block-heading\"\n     data-segment=\"dom\"\n     data-style=\"\"\n     data-align=\"default\"\n>\n\n                                <h2 class=\"block-heading__title \" id=\"program-details\">Program details<\/h2>\n            \n                        \n                        \n            \n                <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-Who-is-Curtin-Accelerate-for?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"Who-is-Curtin-Accelerate-for?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-Who-is-Curtin-Accelerate-for?\">Who is Curtin Accelerate for?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"Who-is-Curtin-Accelerate-for?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>Curtin Accelerate is designed for founders who have moved beyond the idea stage. You\u2019ve validated the problem you\u2019re solving, developed an innovative solution and are ready to build a scalable venture around it.<\/p>\n<p>The program is designed to be accessible to founders balancing full-time work or caring responsibilities, with a commitment of one day per week to the program.<\/p>\n<p>At least one member of the team must be able to demonstrate a connection to Curtin. Eligible participants include Curtin alumni, researchers, staff members and students, as well as alumni <span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">of our <\/span><a style=\"color: #333333\" href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/professional-development\/executive-education\/ignition\/\"><strong>Curtin Ignition<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\"> program and finalists in the <\/span><a style=\"color: #333333\" href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/entrepreneurs\/curtinnovation-awards\/\"><strong>Curtinnovation Awards<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">Specifically, the ideal candidates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">are currently developing or have developed a new, novel and innovative product, service, process or technology<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">have already engaged or are looking to engage with their chosen market and first set of customers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">can demonstrate a clear problem and potential market opportunity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">can identify opportunities for Curtin to contribute to the business&#8217;s, product&#8217;s or service\u2019s development through technical or research-based support<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">can commit to the full program, with at least one team member attending all sessions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-What-are-we-looking-for?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"What-are-we-looking-for?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-What-are-we-looking-for?\">What are we looking for?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"What-are-we-looking-for?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Your application and pitch deck should clearly communicate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">the problem you are solving and who experiences it<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">your proposed solution<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">the competitive advantage and innovativeness of your solution<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">your business model and potential revenue streams<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">your team and relevant experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">what you want to achieve through Curtin Accelerate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Applications will be assessed based on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">how strongly they are innovation-driven<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">what stage of development (early stage, growth stage) you are at<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">how well the problem and target market are articulated<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">how novel the solution is (its competitive advantage).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-When-will-Curtin-Accelerate-2027-take-place?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"When-will-Curtin-Accelerate-2027-take-place?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-When-will-Curtin-Accelerate-2027-take-place?\">When will Curtin Accelerate 2027 take place?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"When-will-Curtin-Accelerate-2027-take-place?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">Applications for Curtin Accelerate 2027 open on <strong>Monday 14 September 2026<\/strong> and close at <strong>7:00am Monday 2 November 2026<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">Prospective applicants can attend one of two information sessions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Information Session 1:<\/strong> Wednesday 23 September 2026 (Online) \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/share-ap1.hsforms.com\/1IyPvC5LMT6ytMVmKh2Z79ge1n64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Register here<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Information Session 2:<\/strong> Monday 19 October 2026 (In-person) \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/share-ap1.hsforms.com\/1KpcmoHl9ROCI3o8oAB6xDAe1n64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Register here<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">Following applications:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Shortlisting:<\/strong> Monday 2 \u2013 Monday 9 November 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Shortlisted applicants notified:<\/strong> Tuesday 10 November 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Shortlist pitch day:<\/strong> Friday 20 November 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Final teams notified:<\/strong> Tuesday 24 November 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">The 2027 program runs from Tuesday 2 February to Tuesday 6 April 2027, culminating in Demo Night on Wednesday 5 May 2027.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-What-will-I-gain?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"What-will-I-gain?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-What-will-I-gain?\">What will I gain?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"What-will-I-gain?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Curtin Accelerate gives founders access to the expertise, funding pathways, networks and resources needed to move their venture forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Participants receive:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Access to a $500,000 funding pool supported by Melt Ventures: <\/strong>participating ventures will have the opportunity to be considered for investment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>$5,000 equity-free grant:\u00a0<\/strong>funding to help each venture achieve its next milestone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Access to Curtin\u2019s Venture Studio<\/strong>: connect with Curtin infrastructure, expertise, talent and facilities that can support the development of your venture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>Improved investor readiness:\u00a0<\/strong>Accelerate is an ATO recognised accelerator for early-stage innovation companies (ESIC). Companies can apply to be an ESIC, enabling investors a tax offset of 20%.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\"><strong>PLUS free tickets to West Tech Fest Main:\u00a0<\/strong>get access to West Tech Fest\u2019s annual conference to be held on Tuesday 8 December 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-What-will-I-learn?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"What-will-I-learn?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-What-will-I-learn?\">What will I learn?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"What-will-I-learn?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>Curtin Accelerate is Curtin Entrepreneurship\u2019s high profile accelerator program, designed for founders who have moved beyond the initial idea stage and are ready to build a stronger, more scalable venture.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Throughout the program, founders develop their capabilities across areas including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">customer and market validation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">business models and commercial strategy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">go-to-market and growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">financial and investment readiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">pitching and communicating your venture<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">leadership and founder capability<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">building and leveraging networks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;color: #333333\">planning for the next stage of growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Founders leave Accelerate with a clearer commercial strategy, stronger entrepreneurial capabilities and an actionable pathway for progressing their venture.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"accordion\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-title-How-do-I-apply?\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading\" aria-controls=\"How-do-I-apply?\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n            <div class=\"title\" id=\"accordion-title-How-do-I-apply?\">How do I apply?<\/div>\n            <div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\" id=\"How-do-I-apply?\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p><span style=\"color: #333333\">To apply for Curtin Accelerate, you need to submit a response to our application form and provide a pitch deck through our online portal <a style=\"color: #333333\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.echoimpact.io\/submit\/70351ccf-4622-4eff-800e-8583ef7fee09\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333\">Prospective applicants can download an example of a pitch deck\u00a0<a style=\"color: #333333\" href=\"https:\/\/s30991.pcdn.co\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/Curtin-Accelerate-Pitch-Template.pptx\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333\">For guidance on structuring your pitch deck, please contact\u00a0<a style=\"color: #333333\" href=\"mailto:Accelerate@curtin.edu.au\"><strong>Accelerate@curtin.edu.au<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        \n                            \n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        \n<\/mimas-block>\n\n<mimas-block \n        block-name=\"cards-image\"\n                data-segment=\"dom\">\n\n    \n<div class=\"block-heading\"\n     data-segment=\"dom\"\n     data-style=\"\"\n     data-align=\"default\"\n>\n\n                                <h2 class=\"block-heading__title \" id=\"meet-our-accelerate-alumni\">Meet our Accelerate alumni<\/h2>\n            \n                        \n                        \n            \n                <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"card-grid\" data-card-size=\"standard\" data-card-count=\"2\" data-card-background=\"transparent\">\n                    <div  id=\"rapidgraphite\" class=\"card\" data-type=\"vid\" aria-label=\"rapidgraphite\"><div class=\"card__top\"><a class=\"video \" aria-label=\"Informative video for \" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=irZbIhQc00g?mute=1\" target=\"_blank\" data-fancybox data-ratio=\"16:9\" data-options='{\"smallBtn\" : \"true\"}'><div class=\"video__button\"><img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"\"\n                    alt=\" - play video\"\n                    srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-768x400.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-1536x800.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/09\/Untitled-design-28-1520x760.jpg 1520w\"\n                    sizes=\"(min-width: 2560px) 2560px, (min-width: 1920px) 1920px, (min-width: 1440px) 1440px, (min-width: 1024px) 1024px, (min-width: 768px) 768px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"inner\"><div class=\"card__title\"><h3 class=\"\">RapidGraphite<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card__content\"><p>RapidGraphite participated in Curtin Accelerate 2024 with a breakthrough approach to producing synthetic graphite, a critical material in lithium-ion batteries. Its novel catalytic process significantly reduces the time, energy use and emissions associated with traditional synthetic graphite production, while enabling the use of sustainable feedstocks such as biomass.<\/p><p>Since Accelerate, RapidGraphite has continued to build momentum, winning the Griffith Hack Overall Award at the 2025 Curtinnovation Awards before being acquired by ASX-listed InVert Graphite in 2026.<\/p><\/div><ul class=\"card__links\"><li><a\n    href=\"https:\/\/invertgraphite.com.au\/rapidpulse-processing-technology\/\"\n    class=\"ico-link ico-link--chevron\"\n    target=\"_blank\" \n    aria-label=\"Learn more about RapidGraphite\">Learn more about RapidGraphite<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>                    <div  id=\"sunfish-robotics\" class=\"card\" data-type=\"vid\" aria-label=\"sunfish-robotics\"><div class=\"card__top\"><a class=\"video \" aria-label=\"Informative video for \" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2LbSloHLiEY?mute=1\" target=\"_blank\" data-fancybox data-ratio=\"16:9\" data-options='{\"smallBtn\" : \"true\"}'><div class=\"video__button\"><img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"\"\n                    alt=\" - play video\"\n                    srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-768x389.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-1536x779.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1.jpg 1898w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/Sunfish-1-1520x760.jpg 1520w\"\n                    sizes=\"(min-width: 2560px) 2560px, (min-width: 1920px) 1920px, (min-width: 1440px) 1440px, (min-width: 1024px) 1024px, (min-width: 768px) 768px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"inner\"><div class=\"card__title\"><h3 class=\"\">Sunfish Robotics<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card__content\"><p>Sunfish Robotics participated in Curtin Accelerate 2026, developing a solar-powered autonomous underwater robot capable of collecting ocean data continuously for months without support vessels or human intervention. During Accelerate, Sunfish Robotics received funding to support the next stage of its venture, before going on to win the Curtin Entrepreneurs Award at the 2026 Curtinnovation Awards.<\/p><p>By reducing the cost and complexity of long-duration ocean monitoring, Sunfish Robotics is making underwater data collection more accessible at scale, with applications for ongoing ocean observation and environmental monitoring.<\/p><\/div><ul class=\"card__links\"><li><a\n    href=\"https:\/\/www.sunfishrobotics.com\/\"\n    class=\"ico-link ico-link--chevron\"\n    target=\"_blank\" \n    aria-label=\"Learn more about Sunfish Robotics\">Learn more about Sunfish Robotics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>            <\/div>\n<\/mimas-block>\n\n\n<section          class=\"block item-list \"\n         role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"Item list\"\n         data-segment=\"all\">\n\n    \n<div class=\"block-heading\"\n     data-segment=\"dom\"\n     data-style=\"\"\n     data-align=\"default\"\n>\n\n                                <h2 class=\"block-heading__title \" id=\"2026-accelerate-cohort\">2026 Accelerate cohort<\/h2>\n            \n                        \n                                <div class=\"block-heading__content\"><p>13 teams are participating in the 2026 Curtin Accelerate program, a diverse group of companies that are rapidly developing the next generation of innovative products and services to benefit society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            \n            \n                <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"item-list__grid\" data-layout=\"three\" data-background=\"transparent\"\n    \">\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>AchieveAble<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Christian Bien<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A fun and engaging maths tutoring experience powered by coaching, micro-practice, and multiplayer game-show challenges to build confidence, engagement, and long-term learning.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>aisembl<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER: Ben Caine<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>An intuitive design-to-documentation platform that streamlines material selection and project planning for homeowners, designers, and contractors.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Eikonic<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Ingrid Rodriguez<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A pioneering oral care company developing the world\u2019s first menopause-focused Advanced Oral Cr\u00e8me, powered by regenerative gold-calcium technology to support a smoother, more comfortable oral environment for women in the menopausal life stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Gawawater<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Salva Kessy<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A whole-home water purification service delivering affordable, reliable access to safe drinking water for households across Africa through a simple monthly subscription model.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Minerva\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER: Michael Ovens<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A virtual-reality imaging platform that transforms CT and MRI data into true-scale 3D anatomy, reducing cognitive load and improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning for complex paediatric cardiac conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>NeuroAnalyse<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Blossom Stephan<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>Delivering advanced data analytics, risk insights, and evidence-informed guidance that support healthy brain ageing and dementia risk reduction, helping to reduce the growing burden of dementia globally.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Next Generation Sensors<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Elena Gorenskaia<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>Portable electrochemical sensors using\u00a0ionic liquid-based\u00a0film and gel technology to deliver fast, low-cost, lab-grade on-site detection of explosives and water pollutants for safer, more efficient field operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Respiradigm<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDERS:\u00a0Anya Jones and Ian Brown<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A First-Year Digital Health companion that predicts infant asthma risk through clinically validated assessment and provides parent-friendly guidance and clinician-ready insights to enable earlier, preventive intervention.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Safe Call Up<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Kristy Gallagher<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A discreet safety-monitoring app for domestic violence survivors that uses timed check-ins, silent alerts and disguised interfaces to support wellbeing during high-risk situations without increasing danger or detection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Sonowest Healthcare<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER: Narelle Morin<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>An integrated health service delivering Telehealth enabled primary care, 24\/7 clinical support and local workforce development to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Western Australia\u2019s most remote and underserved communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Sunfish Robotics<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDERS:\u00a0Nikki Staltari, Morgan McDermont and Taylor Odishoo<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>Solar ocean robot engineered for long-duration, low-cost ocean data collection, making large-scale marine research more accessible and scalable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Suss Beauty<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Miah Gardner<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A waterless skincare brand creating powdered, refillable products that reduce environmental impact while delivering high-performance results, redefining sustainability as the new standard in beauty.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item-list__item\">\n            <h3>Yalkarang Consulting<\/h3>\n\n                            <span class=\"item-list__subtitle smallest\">FOUNDER:\u00a0Tamara Tucker<\/span>\n            \n            <div class=\"item-list__inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"item-list__info\">\n                        \n                        <p>A Noongar-led organisation offering culturally grounded learning experiences that support the continuation of Noongar knowledge and strengthen cultural understanding within workplaces and communities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grow your innovation into something bigger, bolder and built to scale. 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