The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview Series 
About Don Wright
Don Wright is Executive Director, Enterprise at Western Sydney University. He co-founded Launch Pad, the university's technology business incubator, which supports startups and high-growth technology businesses in Western Sydney with facilities, programs and mentoring.
While he was the university's Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Launch Pad ran the SydWest Global Connections accelerator, a six-month program backed by an Australian Government grant for tech startups in health, education, agribusiness and advanced manufacturing aiming at US and Asia-Pacific markets.
On The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem interview series in 2022, he argued that Australia's different startup ecosystems should work together rather than compete.
- Talks about
- Startup Lessons
In conversation.
1 episode
The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview Series Go straight to the good bits.
Key moments from Don Wright believes the various startup ecosystems within Australia should work cooperatively.
- 0:32Meet Don Wright
- 0:45Don's Current Role and Work at Western Sydney University
- 1:15Don's Entrepreneurial Journey
- 2:22The Need for Support in Western Sydney
- 3:38Creating an Ecosystem in Western Sydney
- 5:05Opportunities in Western Sydney
- 6:41The Distinct Innovation Identity of Western Sydney
- 8:28Gaps Observed in the Ecosystem
- 10:08Areas for Improvement in Western Sydney
- 11:41Competition Between Ecosystems
In their own words.
“I don't see competition as local. I see our competition as global.”
Western Sydney University on Day One
Western Sydney University is an Australian university with campuses across Greater Western Sydney, including Parramatta.
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Spot something wrong? Suggest a correctionUpdated 29 October 2026
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