Industry engagement

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A military reconnaissance satellite in orbit above Earth. This is my original conceptual representation of a military reconnaissance satellite.

Why engage with industry?

Skills obtained from serving with the Australian Defence Force are transferable and in demand. The veteran population includes those transitioning into industries including government, defence, the start-up / entrepreneurial space, non for profits and service related, and trade sectors.

UNSW is renowned for its alumni networks and industry partnerships including those with defence and government and our emergent Canberra Launch community, growing innovation and capability in defence and security.

Through UNSW you can engage with the people, communities and businesses who will benefit from your work. Opportunities may include mentoring, internships, work integrated learning and career accelerator programs.

Approximately 12% of veterans are self-employed*; taking the skills they learnt in service and applying them to their own businesses outside the ADF.

*AIHW

UNSW Founders

The UNSW Founders program is Australia’s most comprehensive university entrepreneurship program, graduating the highest number of Australian start-up founders. 

UNSW Founders offers programs and services that support UNSW students, staff and alumni to build entrepreneurship skills, found and grow real companies.

Offering multiple programs and bespoke services, the Founders Program's clearly signposted journey takes participants from foundational classes in entrepreneurial mindset through to launching a start-up in the global marketplace.

Find out more by attending one of the weekly digital information sessions where you will connect with start-up coaches, other entrepreneurs, and kick off your journey with UNSW Founders.

Are you our next Defence Tech Founder?

Learn more about our UNSW Defence 10x Accelerator and UNSW Founders Pre X programs, targeting start-up companies that support Australia’s defence sovereign capabilities. 

Pictured: Stratoship team members Daniel Field, Managing Director and Engineering Lead and Jennifer Williams, Commercial Pilot and COO.

Launch

Launch on Northbourne is a collaborative workspace bringing together industry, government and university to grow innovation and capability in defence and security.

It’s a precursor to the University’s planned Defence and Security Innovation Precinct at the new UNSW Canberra City campus. Currently providing start-ups, enterprises, associations, academics and alumni with countless opportunities for collaboration, in an innovative, secure and social environment.

Useful links

Veterans community

The Veteran Community Business Chamber (VCBC) is the leading organisation for supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses in the military community.

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Defence members & their families

The King's Trust Australia is a national charity that helps young people, military families, and communities thrive.

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Starting your own business

Learn about Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) through Workforce Australia and the King's Trust Australia's Enterprise Programme. 

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New business assistance

A new program from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)  to provide support and training to eligible veterans and family members considering starting their own business. 

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Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year

Read the DVA's nomination criteria and eligibility for the annual award. 

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Contact us

If you have any questions or general queries about our veterans program, please get in touch: veterans@unsw.edu.au.

Learn more

Veteran profiles

Read our inspirational veteran profiles with insights into their military background, educational journey, transition to civilian career, and advice for future student veterans. 

Upcoming events

Interested in studying at UNSW or seeing what we have to offer? Join us at an upcoming event to learn more.