ACU Co-Lab Startup Pre-Accelerator Program ACU Co-Lab Startup Pre-Accelerator Program
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ACU Co-Lab Startup Pre-Accelerator Program

A fully subsidised 10-week program for ACU students, staff, and alumni to validate tech-driven ideas, build MVPs, and pitch for up to $15,000 in cash prizes.

Organizer: Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Deadline: February 15, 2026 (in a month)
Categories: Accelerator, Award/Prize, Funding
Country: Australia
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The ACU Co-Lab Startup Pre-Accelerator Program is a comprehensive 10-week initiative designed to bridge the gap between initial ideation and market-ready ventures. Delivered in strategic partnership with Startmate and supported by funding from LaunchVic, the program provides a structured framework for members of the Australian Catholic University community to transition tech-driven concepts into viable startups. By combining virtual masterclasses with localized networking and intensive mentorship, the program serves as a foundational platform for founders to develop the technical and commercial capabilities required to enter the Australian startup ecosystem.

Program Curriculum and Journey

  • Week 0: Onboarding: Comprehensive welcome and orientation into the ACU and Startmate ecosystems.
  • Week 1: Customer Obsession: Intensive focus on conducting customer interviews and validating market pain points.
  • Week 2: MVP Development: Hands-on guidance for building a Minimum Viable Product to test core hypotheses.
  • Week 3: Initial Traction: Strategies for acquiring first customers and establishing early-stage market presence.
  • Week 4: Investment Readiness: Sessions on thinking at scale and understanding the requirements for raising venture capital.
  • Week 5: Sprint Week: A dedicated period for rapid progress and technical development.
  • Week 6: Pitch Crafting: Technical workshops on narrative building and nailing the investor pitch.
  • Week 7: Pitch Practice: Iterative feedback sessions to refine public speaking and storytelling impact.
  • Week 8: Growth and Sustainability: Insights into building long-term startup success and applications for the Startmate Pitch Night.
  • Week 9: Demo Day: A culminating event where participants pitch to a panel of investors and industry leaders.

Participant Benefits

  • Financial Incentives: Participants compete for a share of $15,000 in cash prizes per cohort, with $10,000 awarded to the winner and $5,000 for the runner-up.
  • Expert Mentorship: Direct access to industry veterans and mentors from the Startmate network, featuring leaders with experience at global firms like Canva, Tesla, and Salesforce.
  • Resource Access: Full access to the Co-Lab coworking facilities located at ACU’s Melbourne Campus.
  • Subsidized Participation: The program is fully funded by LaunchVic and ACU, removing financial barriers for accepted participants.
  • Pathway Opportunities: Direct pipelines to further development via the ACU Co-Lab Incubator Series, Startmate Accelerator, or commercialization support through CSIRO ON and ACU’s Enterprise Clinic.
  • Professional Recognition: Successful graduates receive a digital badge to verify their achievement and developed startup capabilities.

Eligibility and Sector Focus

  • Community Affiliation: Applications are open to Victorian-based ACU undergraduate students, postgraduate students, Higher Degree Researchers, academic staff, and alumni.
  • Core Requirements: Applicants must possess a tech-driven idea and a commitment to building a functional startup; a pre-existing company structure is not required for entry.
  • Priority Sectors: While the program is sector-agnostic, there is a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, Health Tech, the Care Economy, EdTech, Sports Tech, and Social Impact ventures.
  • Selection Process: Enrollment is competitive and involves a multi-stage review, including a formal application and a 20-minute interview with the ACU Co-Lab team.

Logistics and Time Commitment

  • Format: The program utilizes a hybrid delivery model, with core content and masterclasses delivered virtually to ensure flexibility, complemented by in-person events at the Melbourne Campus.
  • Commitment Level: Founders should expect to dedicate approximately three to six hours per week to the program, totaling over 60 hours of development time.
  • Mandatory Sessions: Participants must attend Monday evening "all hands" sessions and complete a final pitch at the ACU Demo Day to remain eligible for cash prizes.

The ACU Co-Lab Startup Pre-Accelerator Program stands as a vital resource for emerging entrepreneurs seeking to professionalize their approach to business development. By aligning academic talent with the practical expertise of one of Australia’s most prominent accelerators, the program provides a high-stakes, supportive environment for turning ambitious ideas into investor-ready opportunities. Aspiring founders within the ACU Victoria network are encouraged to monitor the upcoming intake periods in March and September to secure their place in this competitive cohort.