Global Fintech Airwallex has introduced an nitiative called Latitude 37 aimed at nurturing Australia’s emerging cohort of artificial intelligence entrepreneurs. Announced on April 30, 2026, from Melbourne, the program seeks to empower young founders in the critical early phases of their ventures by injecting vital resources into the local innovation / startups landscape.
The name Latitude 37 draws directly from Melbourne‘s geographic coordinates, the city where Airwallex originated in 2015.
Through this effort, the Fintech company plans to support more than 10 early-stage AI-driven startups annually.
Each selected venture will receive AUD $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, eliminating the pressure of immediate equity concessions. Beyond capital, participants gain entry to Airwallex’s extensive international connections and exclusive immersion experiences in key tech centers like San Francisco and Singapore.
This move underscores Airwallex‘s dedication to fostering Australia’s tech scene from its roots. Co-founder and CEO Jack Zhang emphasized the personal significance, noting how Australia provided him with the foundational education, connections, and chances to create a worldwide enterprise from Melbourne.
He highlighted AI as the defining technological transformation of our era and stressed the need for aspiring builders to access similar pathways without relocating abroad.
“Australia possesses a distinctive blend of skilled individuals, an outward-looking mindset, and closeness to Asian markets, creating an ideal foundation for developing major global enterprises,” Zhang remarked.
The initiative aims to equip the upcoming wave of creators with the tools to compete on the international stage right from the outset.
President Lucy Liu has described Latitude 37 as an extension of the firm’s ongoing support for inventive endeavors, with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable startup phase.
“The program delivers more than financial backing—it offers tangible entry to worldwide opportunities, experienced professionals, and growth catalysts that can speed up development,” she explained.
By addressing gaps in initial capital, networks, and encouragement, the effort helps founders overcome common early hurdles.
Industry professionals have acknowledged the development. Lucinda Longcroft, interim leader at the Tech Council of Australia, pointed out that such programs bolster the nation’s position as a hub for forward-thinking ideas. She noted that Australian AI creators bring substantial capability and drive to construct impactful businesses globally.
Key elements like funding access, strategic alliances, and routes to international audiences prove essential at inception. Longcroft added that Latitude 37 will help fast-track promising talent and expand the roster of competitive firms ready to thrive overseas.
Australia’s tech environment has shown robust progress, with investment in startups rising 31% compared to the previous year and over 40% of new companies integrating AI as a core component.
The country has already generated more than $100 billion in value from scaled technology firms and produced over 30 unicorns, such as Canva, Atlassian, and Afterpay.
Despite these achievements, early funding often relies heavily on foreign sources, with nearly 40% of capital originating overseas.
Latitude 37 seeks to fill this void by complementing traditional venture and angel investments, providing direct, timely assistance that strengthens the domestic pipeline.
Financed via Airwallex Impact under the global Pledge 1% framework, the program builds upon prior contributions, including over $5 million directed toward the University of Melbourne.
It reflects a worldwide trend where regions vie to cultivate AI-focused startups outside established centers, elevating the Asia-Pacific area’s role as a dynamic technology corridor.
Applications for the first cohort are set to open in late May 2026. Selected participants will benefit from funding alongside guidance and integration into Airwallex’s broad operational footprint.
As a provider of cross-border financial solutions, Airwallex serves over 250,000 organizations globally with tools for payments, accounts, cards, and expense oversight, backed by more than 80 regulatory approvals across markets.
This launch from Airwallex signals a strategic bet on local talent amid AI’s evolution, positioning Australia to play a larger part in shaping the next generation of transformative companies. By prioritizing equity-free support and global exposure, Latitude 37 could help retain and amplify innovative potential within the country.