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Perth-based Curtin University's flagship Accelerate program has produced what it describes as its fastest progression from early-stage concept to in-market product, with startups from the 2026 cohort securing investment funding, winning pilot contracts and launching products during the 12-week program.
Two startups in the 13-company cohort closed investment rounds during the program, while Safe Call Up, a safety communications platform founded by Kristy Gallagher, won a pilot contract with a major Western Australian hospital.
The free program, which has run since 2013, has now supported more than 180 founders and launched more than 70 ventures that have collectively raised over $41 million in funding.
Curtin University director of entrepreneurship Danelle Cross says the results demonstrate that Accelerate is creating a direct pipeline from innovation to commercial success, by helping founders build scalable, investment-ready businesses at speed.
“We’re seeing Western Australian founders turn strong ideas into serious commercial ventures, attracting investment and gaining real traction in market,” says Cross.
“Curtin Accelerate is about giving entrepreneurs the tools, networks and confidence to grow quickly - and the outcomes this year show just how powerful that support can be and are a clear signal of investor confidence in WA entrepreneurs.
“These are the kinds of businesses that have the potential to scale, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.”
Safe Call Up founder Kristy Gallagher says the program has been instrumental in helping the company reach key milestones.
“It’s clear the program is deeply invested in founder success and being surrounded by a cohort of high-calibre startups makes it an even more powerful experience,” she says.
Sunfish Robotics co-founder Nikki Staltari describes the Accelerate program as "incredibly valuable" for his company at this stage of its journey.
“The quality of mentors and presenters, who all bring real, lived experience, is exceptional and the resources available during and after the program are unmatched,” say Staltari.
The Curtin Accelerate program provides founders with mentorship, investor access, workspace and structured commercialisation support at no cost, targeting early-stage ventures with scalable business models.
The 2026 cohort of 13 startups spanned sectors including health technology, robotics and safety communications.
Several of this year’s ventures progressed from early-stage concepts to viable products deployed in-market within the program’s 12-week timeframe - the fastest progression recorded to date - while others generated pre-sales and early revenue.
“This is about backing people with the ambition and capability to build the next generation of WA businesses,” says Cross.
“We’re not just supporting startups - we’re helping founders create companies that can grow, compete globally and deliver long-term impact.”
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