What is Future Makers?

Future Makers started in 2016 and is a capacity building and accelerator program that empowers social start-ups who leverage technology to address social challenges for disadvantaged and vulnerable people. 

Shortlisted applicants will take part in a hybrid program that includes face-to-face and online sessions. Participants will be coached by Optus top talent and business leaders and have the opportunity to network with each other and connect with other social innovation leaders.

The program culminates in a grand final pitch night where the Future Makers can pitch for funding. Watch our 2022 Grand Final Pitch Night highlights reel to find out more.

Who can apply?

Future Makers is inclusive and open to start-ups, social entrepreneurs and other for-purpose organisations who have a solution that meets the criteria below.

We’re looking for solutions that are already developed and in market or at the stage just prior to launching in market. 

What this looks like: You must have a minimum viable product, a scalable business plan, completed basic user acceptance testing and have refined tangible milestones.

Join other energetic innovators as you grow your for-purpose business. Throughout the program you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your tech expertise, expand your network and pitch for funding to grow and scale your solution.

Why have we created this program?

At Optus we believe that social innovation and technology can help solve the most challenging and systemic societal challenges of our time. Social innovation coupled with new technologies help us unearth and increase the pace of developing new solutions that address complex social issues, both locally and globally. 

Through technology, solutions have the potential to scale faster and more efficiently. It also enables us to rethink traditional models of learning. For example, virtual reality allows us to effectively change behaviour and develop empathy by seeing the point of view of others.

Technology also has the power to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to those in remote communities. ‘Telemedicine’ services offer remote medical consultations, allowing patients to speak to healthcare professionals through electronic means. We’re also seeing how technology can help enhance the precise detection and diagnoses of diseases, which will minimise the time and costs of treating chronic conditions.

2024 Future Makers program

Calling all social enterprises and other for-purpose organisations using technology to improve outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Do you embrace innovative technology and see beyond today’s challenges and provide solutions? Do you have a tech solution that can help create a positive social and environmental impact?

We want to help you grow and scale your solution. Keep an eye out for more details about our 2024 Future Makers program.

Our focus areas