The ACU Startup Pre-Accelerator Program is a 10-week initiative designed to help participants transform an idea into a viable venture. Delivered in partnership with Startmate and funded by LaunchVic, the program guides participants through validating their idea, building a minimum viable product (MVP), acquiring initial customers, and developing an investor-ready pitch deck. It combines online masterclasses, in-person networking, and hands-on startup development, providing practical skills and access to industry insights from mentors and leaders from companies such as Canva, Tesla, eBay, and Salesforce.
Program Benefits
• Validate your idea and understand customers through industry-led workshops.
• Receive mentorship from ACU and Startmate experts.
• Collaborate with a supportive cohort on a weekly basis.
• Sharpen your pitch and present to investors for a chance to win up to $10,000.
• Gain free access to Co-Lab's coworking space at ACU's Melbourne Campus.
• Network with founders, venture capitalists, and innovation leaders across Victoria.
• Unlock pathways to scale through programs like the ACU Co-Lab Incubator Series or the Startmate Accelerator.
• Access opportunities for commercialisation support via ACU's Enterprise Clinic or CSIRO ON.
• Conclude the program with an investor-ready pitch, transferable skills, and a digital badge.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
• The program is open to Victorian ACU community members, including current undergraduate or postgraduate students and ACU alumni.
• Applicants are not required to have a fully formed startup but should possess a strong, venture-scalable idea and the motivation to pursue it.
• Ideas must be tech-driven. Startups from all sectors are encouraged to apply, with a focus on areas such as AI and productivity tools, health tech and the care economy, education tech and sports tech, and social impact and purpose-driven ventures.
• Please note that the application process is competitive, and only the most promising applicants will be selected for each cohort. If an idea or research is already funded, the program may not be able to provide investment.
Application Process and Key Dates
• Stage 1: Submit an application via the designated page.
• Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 20-minute interview with the ACU Co-Lab team.
• Stage 3: Successful applicants will receive an official offer letter and a Startmate onboarding link.
• Applications Close: 26 July 2026
• Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis.
• Offer Letters Sent: 31 July 2026
• Cohort Program Dates: 31 August - 8 November 2026
• ACU Demo Day: Week commencing 2 November 2026 (TBC)
Program Structure
• Week 1: ACU - Welcome and Onboarding (On Campus)
• Week 2: Startmate - Customer Obsession and Interviews (Virtual)
• Week 3: Startmate - MVP Development (Virtual)
• Week 4: Startmate - Get Your First Customers (Virtual)
• Week 5: Startmate - Think Bigger and Raise Investment (Virtual)
• Week 6: Startmate - Sprint Week - Make Progress (Virtual)
• Week 7: Startmate - Nail Your Pitch (Virtual)
• Week 8: Startmate - Practice Your Pitch (Virtual)
• Week 9: Startmate - Building a Successful Startup, and apply to present at Startmate Pitch night (Virtual)
• Week 10: ACU - Demo Day (On Campus)
Program Cost and Contact Information
• The program is fully subsidised by LaunchVic and ACU, making it free for all accepted participants.
• For questions regarding the application, contact Shirley Pham at co-lab.melbourne@acu.edu.au.
• To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the third cohort starting in March 2027, please email co-lab.melbourne@acu.edu.au.
This program offers a structured pathway for members of the ACU community to develop their entrepreneurial ventures with significant support from industry leaders. The collaboration between ACU, Startmate, and LaunchVic provides a comprehensive framework that includes mentorship, practical workshops, and networking opportunities, culminating in a pitch event with potential for seed funding.