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University of Sydney Pre-Seed Launch Fund

Are you a staff, student, recent alumn or affiliate associated with the University of Sydney, committed to developing your idea or invention into a business to solve global problems? The University of Sydney Pre-Seed Launch Fund is here to help get you started.

We provide pre-seed investment funding with a long-term horizon, support, guidance, mentoring, introductions and advocacy to help you navigate the challenging journey from concept to commercialisation.

About the fund

Our goal is to create a clear pathway for inventions to become solutions that create value by becoming the first investor, filling the gap between research and external investment.

Our investment fund can invest up to $500k in each opportunity. Examples of the fund’s investment focus areÌýnovel drugs, medical devices, engineering hardware, clean technologies, evidence-based programs, new materials, robotics, cybersecurity, AI, software and quantum computing.

What we offer

Pre-seed funding

Our typical investments are up to $500,000, made either using a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) note or a priced equity round. Examples include developing the business, drug development or regulatory plan, pitch, product and customer validation to raise the next round.

Expert guidance and support

Our venture investment and commercialisation teams will support you by helping with the commercialisation process, strategy and industry connections.

University resources

Tap into the University's vast research ecosystem, including state-of-the-art facilities, faculty expertise,Ìýand community connections to further develop your technology and business.

Vibrant community

Join a thriving community of like-minded entrepreneurs including the Sydney Knowledge Hub, our incubator and co-working space designed for researcher-led startups.

Eligibility

  • The fund is open to University of Sydney staff, students, affiliates, honoraries and alumns within five years of graduation.
  • Applications will need to have significant links to the University to be eligible, such as IP (patents, software, significant know-how etc.) that have been created by the University or affiliated with the University, or a strong relationship to the University (through, for example, contract research or startup programs).
  • You must have established a company or be willing to incorporate a company.

Competitiveness

Your application will be more competitive if you incorporate the following elements:Ìý

  • solving a large unmet need in a large or growing market
  • based on novel and useful IP
  • demonstrate how funding will address any technical or business risks
  • a team with technical and commercial expertise to deliver the solution to market
  • evidence of external validation with customers and/or investors
  • completed a startup program

Application process

  1. Submit an . You can upload supporting documents such as a pitch deck or business plan, technology overview and bio.
  2. Our venture investment and commercialisation teams will review your application and provide feedback.
  3. Selected applicants will work together with the venture investment and commercialisation teams through due diligence and develop an investment case.
  4. The applications that are chosen will negotiate funding, support and success milestones with the venture investment and commercialisation teams.

Next steps and contacts

Ready to take your innovative idea to the next level?Ìý.Ìý

If you have any questions, please or email atÌýventure.investment@sydney.edu.au.

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Meet the team

Geoff Waring is a venture capital investor focused on university research investments. He managed Stoic Venture Capital's seed fund and invested his own funds as an angel investor. He was an academic in the US, HK and at UNSW.Ìý

Tyrelle Janae (TJ) Laurino is an experienced venture investor and commercialization expert. Previously an Investment Principal at a Deep Tech Venture Capital Fund and Incubator, she has facilitated investments into cutting-edge startups, providing strategic guidance to founders and board-level insights as a Board Observer. With a background in biomedical science and commercialization, she excels at bridging the gap between research and market-ready innovation. Passionate about nurturing entrepreneurs, TJ enjoys the challenge of translating breakthrough technologies into impactful ventures.Ìý

Dr. Noam Pilpel is a passionate biotech professional with over 20 years of scientific and executive experience across academic and commercial settings. An expert in commercializing innovative science, Noam bridges the gap between research and the commercial arena. She has led strategic, development, and operational activities in C-level positions, successfully securing funding from international venture capital firms in the US and Israel. Noam is also a strong advocate for empowering women in science and leadership.