2024 Term 3 enrolment is now open.
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Get ready for the future after school.

HEX High Accelerator
Our 6-week online program that takes students beyond the classroom to explore the world of innovation.
4.9 out of 5 based on 1,208 reviews
Recognised and seen:
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The online accelerator program for curious high schoolers.

HEX High Accelerator is designed for Year 10 -12 students to gain high-demand skills, connect with supportive peers, access mentors from leading companies (like Atlassian), and receive formal academic credentials recognised at universities worldwide.

It's an accessible, practical, fun and collaborative program to introduce students to a future career – with a tech, startup and impact lens.

The program is for students who are curious about tech, startups and innovation; students who don't 'fit' into conventional boxes; students who want to maximise their time; and students who are ready to accelerate out of high school.

Make better Higher Ed choices

Trust us, we know what it's like to experience FOMO when being forced to choose a degree or a 'job title'. We'll give students the context, mentors, and skills to map out a personalised pathway and avoid degree-hopping.

Accelerate to the workplace

Our goal is to make HEXies the most hireable person in the room. We do this by making sure the stuff they are learning is 100% relevant, and can be applied today – not theory from a dusty textbook.

Build a career portfolio

By the end of the program, students will have the experience, network and portfolio to unlock their next level. Whether that's starting a business, freelancing, entering uni, or taking a gap year.

Designed and created alongside 50+ legends from leading companies

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Unlock hidden talents through impact learning and actions.

Online learning that isn't boring. HEX High Accelerator program is co-designed with students for Gen Z-style learning with the latest content that's being used right now in the workplace.
And personalised learning allows each student to identify an impact mission and take meaningful action.
NETFLIX QUALITY

Engaging video and story telling

With over 100 short videos across HEX High Accelerator program, you can expect highly engaging video production design with a young learner's attention span in mind. HEX has embraced the modern video learning (think Masterclass meets TikTok) with great music, transitions, memes and more!
LIVE WORKSHOPS

Cohort learning with masterclasses

HEX is better with friends! Students will meet peers from around Australia, and join six live online masterclasses tailored towards your learning activities. This means students will get to work on their idea with timely feedback and refine their ideas throughout the program.

Masterclasses are hosted by the HEX team, industry mentors, or returning HEX Alumni – all in a safe and facilitated online environment.
INDUSTRY RELEVANT CONNECTION

Get real industry mentorship

Students of HEX High Accelerator program can book in mentoring session with industry and HEX team mentors.

These mentoring sessions help students to discuss their work or study goals, validate their startup idea, seek advice on their learning, practice their pitch or chat about the next step of their careers.

All mentors have valid Working With Children Checks and years of professional experience.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING

Who said eLearning has to be boring?

Structured online learning, bite-sized video content, driven by industry knowledge with subject matter experts guide students through the learning journey and checkpoints.

Learn how to identify markets from a Googler, discover entrepreneurship from the founder of Up Bank, practice presentation skills with a TEDx speaker – and more.
FAST-TRACK YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION JOURNEY

Earn University-Level credentials

All students who successfully complete the course will receive an official Microcredential and a Certificate of Completion from HEX and an Australian university, ranked top 20 worldwide.

HEX High Accelerator can also count towards recognition of prior learning (academic credit) at participating universities, depending on individual students' degree study plans and course rules.

Learn the tools of a real workplace.

Connect student skills to the tools that are being used in the workplace, so they can easily acclimatise to the fast-changing world of work.
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How does the program work?

1. Watch mini-videos and complete a checkpoint online (approx. 4 hours per week, in student's own time).
2. Attend the live online masterclass to discuss learnings and checkpoint (1 hour per week).
3. Book up to 3 x optional small-group mentoring sessions. Present final pitch to judges, mentors and HEX team.

Students will need access to a laptop or tablet, headphones and a WiFi connection. If you need any support with accessing this technology, please contact HEX to discuss our tech accessibility scholarships.

Week 1

What is innovation • Innovator mindset • Brainstorming ideas effectively • Market trends research • Finding real-world problems

Week 2

Value proposition mapping • Points of difference • Types of business structures • Business model canvas • Innovation funding models • The lean innovation cycle

Week 3

Rapid prototyping • User stories & acceptance criteria • Designing a working prototype: MVP • Paper prototyping

Week 4

Branding & logos • Marketing channels • Digital marketing plan • Customer segmentation & personas

Week 5

Building a startup pitch deck • Creating a compelling story • Marketing yourself • Communicating with impact • Knowing your audience

Week 6

Finish up the Unit by delivering a confident, customer-focused pitch that engages and persuades the audience
END RESULT?

Still you, just amplified.

When students complete HEX High Accelerator, they emerge with:

High-demand skills employers want
An answer to every possible job interview question
A validated plan to launch a startup or social impact project
The option to get a whole subject in credit from Uni (AQF7 level), and
A network that will support them as they grow

Best of all, students will have more confidence in their unique value, know what lights them up, and have a clearer path to their future.

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I loved every bit of my course with HEX Ed because it let me put my creative ideas into an actual potential business. I get to engage with amazing industry mentors that I aspired to be one day. Highly recommend the program to anyone who dares to dream.

Sheena Ma Diaz
Student - HEX Ed Alumni

What makes HEX Ed different?

We believe in doing things we’re passionate about.

When we’re doing things we don’t want to do, we’re not doing our best. So our goal is to stick to the stuff we’re passionate about. No taking on work that doesn’t thrill us.
Building features that actually make a difference
Letting employees take active ownership over their work
No burn-out from back-breaking work

Communicate Strong relationships are built on communication.

We don’t leave things unsaid. Because unsaid is often just another word for misunderstood. We over-communicate so everyone stays on the same page.
Letting everyone hold the mic
Honest, open communication
Even about the hard things

People first, profits later Building an environment people like working in.

By honest, we don’t mean harsh. We put kindness and empathy at the centre of our business, so we, our employees and our customers enjoy working together.
Unlimited paid leaves
Health insurance for all
Flexible work hours

Stay fresh Take action. Do unique, fun things.

We’ll admit: we’re not over-thinkers. We believe in action. We want to make things. Fast. We’re always about innovation.
Try new things
Even if that means failing a bit
Get to execution faster

Keep your feet on the ground Be confident, but down-to-earth.

As our lord and saviour Kendrick Lamar says, sit down, be humble. We don’t want to be another Valley tech bro (no offense). We want to remember our roots.
Being an active listener
Constantly learning
Adapting to all social groups and situations
Work alongside your mentors

Meet some of your industry faculty.

With over 50 mentors across all HEX Ed Units, rest assured that you'll be joined by the best minds. Meet some of them here!
Dom Pym
Co-founder of UpBank
Dom’s been involved in numerous start-ups and large scale technology projects since the 1990's, in Australia and overseas. Australian Fintech Leader of the Year 2022. Dom sits on the board of directors at Fintech Australia, and the advisory Board at Bendigo Bank.
Judy Anderson-Firth
CEO at Euphemia
Judy is a former CEO at Startup Victoria (The Startup Network), Australia’s largest startup community. She continue to contribute to the entrepreneur community aspart of several advisory boards around Australia.
Matthew Gadsby
Industry Manager at Google
Matt is committed to helping Australian companies deliver outstanding business results. He has a proven track record of defining strategy and delivering business outcomes within the retail and utilities industries worked at Telstra and Brightstar Corp.
Jaclyn Benstead
CXO & Co-Founder at HEX
Jac has helped over 500 startups with their first pitch and sits on advisory boards of several. She's also a CEO of Gorillacom an ecommerce and product development company that develops unique and niche targeted online retail properties
Asami Koike
Founder at Shapes and Sounds
The founder of Shapes and Sounds which is a social enterprise that works to destigmatise and promote mental health in Asian communities. She is experience in trauma-informed therapy, program development, training and implementation and creative and somatic therapies.
Will Richardson
Managing Partner at Giant Leap
Giant Leap - Australia's first 100% impact venture capital investment firm. Will has over 15 years experience in investment management predominantly within venture capital and private equity. His strengths include coaching and supporting founders, forming and leading investment teams, sourcing deals and funds, and connecting people and groups.
Jeanette Cheah
CEO & Co-Founder at HEX
Jeanette is an award-winning tech and business leader based in Melbourne. Top 100 Innovators 2 years in a row. She's dedicated to transforming young people into the innovators the world needs tomorrow.
Nathan Gold
Chief Coach at The Demo Coach
The renowned Demo Coach. Specialising in high-stakes communications, Nathan transforms individuals worldwide by helping them speak more confidently and enthusiastically while conquering speaking anxiety. He does this for TED talks, SharkTank appearances, investor pitching, customer presentations, and workshops, both live and remote.
Emma Ferguson
Chief of Staff at Luna
Emma develop strategy for key people & culture initiatives to create a work environment where team members can thrive. She also act as LUNA’s in-house legal counsel providing legal advice to the CEO and Business Unit leaders on contracts, employees, partnerships and legal risk and manage external investor and shareholder relations.
Jodie Imam
Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Tractor Ventures
Jodie is passionate about helping businesses start and grow. Tractor Ventures exist to help founders unlock possibilities. She also a non-executive Director at Private Media Group (Smart Company, Crikey and The Mandarin).
Bri Johnstone
Senior CX Manager at Telstra
Bri had a 15 + year winding career across program management, learning design, facilitation, innovation & entrepreneurship, service design and now, customer experience strategy. She loves working with big ideas and making them a reality.
Lisa Teh
Serial Entrepreneurs & LinkedIn Top Voice
Co-Founder of Mooning (Web3 Marketing Agency). Founder CODI Agency (Digital Marketing). 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian. Lisa has wide-range of experience under her belt building multiple businesses.

2024 intakes now open

Next enrolment for HEX High Summer Accelerator closes on Wednesday 10 July 2024
Starts on Monday 22 July 2024

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Application Open Now!

2024 HEX High Term 3 Accelerator

July 22 - August 30

Join the final term of HEX High Accelerator program for 2024 and give your students an advantage for their next moves.

2025 HEX High Term 1 Accelerator

Coming Soon

Plan ahead and get ready foto start 2025 with a bang. We're taking interest now for 2025 cohorts.

Connected with over 5,000+  alumni around the world.

What our hexies are saying

It all clicked when I found an entrepreneurship program like HEX.
This was a canvas where I could create the change I wanted to see in the world. HEX is really great at delivering the content in new and exciting ways.
Nathaniel
CEO, Future Minds
The program was very solid.
I learned a lot about how best to present myself and my idea. The program really helped me cement my idea and taught me a lot about presentation skills, which is something I'll absolutely use in the future.
Ben
Student
A program like no other!
Every school and student should definitely go through this. An opportunity for hands-on learning, growth and gaining insights into entrepreneurship.

These things cannot be learnt from books!
Beulah
Student
Thank you so much for experience that I will treasure for life.
This has been an experience I do not regret! Despite being anxious about coming in with a minimal business background I think I was able to gain so much more.
Angela
Student
I don’t need to wait to make my impact in the chosen space.
Out of the entrepreneurial extracurriculars I’ve taken, HEX was the first arena that enabled me to explore my own idea. Often, I’d do team based work or work on someone’s case idea.
Joshua
Student
Would recommend this course to anyone and everyone.
The program is just so useful and everyone should do it regardless of if you are an aspiring entrepreneur or not. It makes you look at things differently and consider alternatives to the norm.
Ben
Student
Let's chat

Get in touch today

Join the HEX revolution and help build the next pathway for you and your students today.

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Thank you

Thanks for reaching out. We will get back to you soon.
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Want to reach out directly?

If you're looking to chat with some of our team or alumni directly, send us an email or join our Slack community.

WHICH JOURNEY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

HEX Ed vs  Other education providers

Since 2017, HEX has built partnerships with awesome universities in the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. We're handpicked for projects by government agencies like Global Victoria and the City of Melbourne. We hang out and learn from tech giants like Culture Amp, Google, and Zendesk. Whatever your next move, start with HEX.

vs
HEX ED Features :
Award-winning program with off-ramps to alternative careers
Academic Credit with School of Record
Content relevancy updated monthly
Exclusive network access
Get mentored by leaders in their fields
Super-fun global community
Employability focused
Learn your way (online or in-person, onshore or international!)
OTHER EDUCATION PROVIDERs:
Non-disruptive learning. Creating the traditional career pathways
Not eligible or recognised for Academic Credits
Lagging content relevancy
Not providing networking opportunity
Intructor, one-to-many learning style
Intimidating, excludes community
Graduation and assessment focused
Classroom based. Boring and outdated lessons
Essential reading

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JOIN THE HEX REVOLUTION

This is your golden ticket to the future

You're invited to create the pathway of your dream.
‍‍
With HEX, we bring the industry's exclusivity to you. Our programs are not only designed to enhance your mindset and skills, but we also connect you to the experience you need, the right mentor or, maybe even your future employer.

Anything you need to get you ready to take the next step!

98%

Customer satisfaction

5K

Alumni worldwide

70+

Mentors

50+

University & industry partners

Frequently asked questions

Do not worry, here are some questions we always get for our program.

How much does HEX High Accelerator cost?

The HEX High Accelerator costs AUD $990 per student. However, if you wish to purchase HEX High Accelerator in bulk you are eligible for an exclusive discount per learner. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Are there any additional funding opportunities for HEX Ed program?

HEX is a proud partner of the Atlassian Foundation and some scholarships may be available for need-based schools and students.

What are the assessments like?

We don't believe in exams, so assessments (which we call checkpoints) have been designed to be practical so we can equip you with the right mindset, skillset, and toolset!

Our checkpoints, regardless of the unit,  can range from reflective or research focussed (i.e. asking you a series of questions so you can explore your relationship/attitude/behavior with money and set some financial goals), and others will be practical (i.e. creating a business plan or completing a business case project).

Each checkpoint will be graded by our team of assessors, so you will get feedback as you progress through the course. Checkpoints are a hurdle requirement and are graded in P/F. You will be required to submit all checkpoints within the program dates in order to receive your credit. (That's about 5-6 checkpoints in 6 weeks).

Can I receive academic credit for the HEX Ed program?

Yes! HEX Ed comes with a Certificate of Completion issued by an accredited university. This Certificate is recognised by most universities for credit equivalency. However, this isn't guaranteed and you'll need to check with your own university about how much credit you can get, and which subjects you can get it for. We recommend you get in touch with our team at hello@startwithhex.com, who will be able to help you navigate this with your course advisor.

The dates don't suit me. What do I do? 

This can happen! If you have any suggestions of when is a better time for you and why, let us know at hello@startwithhex.com. Or, if you're okay with no academic credit, join HEX Ed Go instead so you can have a completely asynchronous and self-paced experience!

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