We are committed to supporting founders who address the pressing, intractable problems they see in our economy, society, and environment, and are encouraged to see the growing number of startups committed to social or environmental impact.
We recognise the unique challenges founders face as they seek to maximise impact without compromising financial sustainability, and have sought to engage and support the growth of such companies, and raise awareness of the growing impact movement – which was the impetus for establishing Social Impact at MAP in 2015.
We are the first accelerator in Australia to offer a truly blended program for entrepreneurs solving problems of all kinds. All of our programs are designed with an impact edge and engage leading voices from Melbourne's flourishing impact ecosystem.
We want to continue to broaden our reach and support the best impact founders in Australia. For the first time in 2019, we relaxed our eligibility criteria for the social impact founders looking to join the MAP Accelerator.
Now, social impact founders no longer need to be student staff or alumni of the University of Melbourne to be eligible to apply.
We support founders with deep domain expertise or a lived experience with the problems they are looking to solve. We are particularly excited to support startups in solving intractable social or environmental issues in the following areas:
Improving the lives of under-represented communities through equity, access or inclusion.
Pride CupPHORIAInnovations that improve health outcomes and the quality of care delivery.
CNS DoseUmps HealthSmileyScopeaubotCari MedicalIdeas that are contributing to solving the climate crisis.
Allume EnergyRelectrifyBardeeAt MAP broadly, we support founders to achieve the foundations to grow an ethical company with a diverse team, and positive well being. Specific to social impact founders, we focus on building their capacity in four key areas.
To better understand the complex system in which their startup operates to partner, advocate and enter new markets effectively.
The Velocity Program exposes founders to impact gaps analysis techniques from the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.
Founders in Velocity also stand the chance to win the Cameron Foundation Impact Prize at the conclusion of the program.
Map the System is a "problem apprenticeship" competition open to the world's most keen problem solvers at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. Over 2 days at the iconic Oxford University, a winning Velocity founder will get the opportunity present their research on a global stage.
2017 - Adam Jahnke, Umps Health | 3rd place Finalist | watch more
2018 - Dr Abbey Eeles, Luna Baby | 2nd place Finalist | watch more
To create a consistent and sustainable positive benefit to key beneficiaries integrated with a robust business model.
To build a community of support and demonstrate progress through accurate reporting.
To unlock the next stage of a venture’s progress with funds from investors looking to generate positive social and environmental impact as well as financial returns.
Australia’s first venture capital fund that is 100% dedicated to investing in impact startups – rapidly scalable businesses that blend financial returns with real and measurable social and environmental benefits. Our work with Giant Leap will give founders in our portfolio access to their exceptional expertise, and a guaranteed opportunity for those, who fit their mandate, to pitch for funding.
A foundation donating primarily to the areas of health, education, human rights and disaster relief. The Cameron Foundation is MAP’s first Impact Partner. Their contribution has supported the growth of the Velocity Program with the Cameron Foundation Impact Prize and the Startup Accelerator with a fellowship for standout impact entrepreneurs.
Australia’s largest aid and development agency dedicated to helping children. They protect and support children in need and save lives in emergencies. Save the Children will provide access to their network and consider investment in impact startups creating novel solutions in the humanitarian, education or health sector, following the launch of their Impact Investment Fund.
