University Pre-accelerator Programs

The below definitions apply to this Grant Round:

Pre-Accelerator is a new program targeted at Startup Entrepreneurs who have a technology-based idea for a startup, want to establish a business and develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The program runs for a designated period (a minimum of 6-weeks), and participants ‘graduate’ from the program having followed a set methodology to establish a startup. A Pre-Accelerator program can provide a pathway to an Accelerator program.

Startups are defined by LaunchVic as an innovative, technology-based business that can scale rapidly and capture mass markets. Examples of technology-based businesses include: software and application development (Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data analytics, e-commerce or marketplaces, augmented or virtual reality, Software as a Service (SaaS)), hardware, advanced manufacturing, sensor technology, robotics, autonomous vehicles, quantum technology, deep tech, and genomics and life sciences (including biotech & medtech). Once a startup has demonstrated accelerated growth sufficiently it becomes a scaleup.

Startup Entrepreneurs are individuals who have an idea for a technology-based Startup and are seeking to launch a Startup and register their new Company via ASIC in the State of Victoria.

Victorian University Students are studying at a Victorian University and currently reside in the state of Victoria. A student completing their degree online who resides outside of Victoria is not considered a Victorian University Student.

Operating Costs include staff salaries, rent, event costs, insurance, accounting and legal costs, marketing and promotion costs, reasonable domestic travel costs, grants to startups and other reasonable operating costs.

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criterion:

Program Focus The proposed program must be a new Pre-Accelerator program. The program must primarily support Victorian University students and research teams who are aspiring Startup Entrepreneurs (over the age of 18). We are not providing funds directly to Startups or Startup Entrepreneurs through this Grant Round.

Applicant Experience Applicants that are eligible include a delivery team that has proven expertise in supporting early-stage technology startups to launch and grow. Where there is no current delivery team, applicants must outline a clear plan to recruit these key personnel or intended collaborations with experienced delivery teams/partners.

Type of Organisation Applicants must be a Victorian University as listed on the Live In Melbourne website: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/live/education-and-childcare/victorian-universities

While dual-sector universities are eligible to apply, dedicated TAFE and other research institutes are not eligible to apply.

Grant Amount Applications up to $400,000 (exclusive of GST) over a minimum of two years are eligible.

Matched contribution is required for the program with a minimum expectation of cash or in-kind funding from the lead applicant to match the Grant.

Application submission must be via the LaunchVic online application system before the closing date and time to be eligible.

All applications will be assessed for eligibility by LaunchVic. Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be assessed.