RMIT Activator presents LaunchHUB, its flagship Pre-Accelerator program designed to empower early-stage, impact-driven startups. The initiative is crafted for entrepreneurs, including RMIT students, staff, and alumni, who are looking to gain momentum, accelerate growth, and enhance their business readiness. Over an intensive 12-week period, participants are guided by dedicated facilitators and coaches, leveraging experiential learning and mentorship to find product-market fit and develop their potential as founders.
Program Overview and Benefits
• Program Duration: A 12-week intensive program designed to accelerate startup growth.
• Resource Access: Startups gain access to approximately $200,000 worth of resources, which includes RMIT’s world-class technology and researchers.
• Weekly Growth Sessions: Participants engage in sessions to deepen customer understanding, define and test value propositions, and learn effective pitching techniques.
• Coaching and Support: The program includes weekly accountability check-ins and continuous support and feedback from the cohort and mentors.
• Residency Program: Graduates receive ongoing support through the Residency program, which includes access to co-working spaces, continued mentorship, and more.
Funding Opportunities
• Activator Capital Fund: Startups have the opportunity to pitch for up to $20,000 in equity-free and interest-free pre-seed funding, with expert advice from the Activator Capital Fund Board.
• The Jacques Nasser Fund for Innovation: An additional funding avenue offers scholarships worth $15,000 each to founders who meet the criteria of a Jacques Nasser Fund for Innovation recipient.
Eligibility Criteria
• Impact Focus: The program seeks mission-driven founders focused on creating positive social or environmental change, ideally aligned with one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• RMIT Affiliation: RMIT-affiliated founders must hold an equal or combined majority stake in the startup.
• Founder Commitment: At least one founder must commit to participating in all sessions over the 12-week period.
• Startup Stage: Applicants should have a clear understanding of the market opportunity, an identifiable problem with a viable solution, early customer validation with user feedback, and at least a low-fidelity prototype that has been tested.
• Founder Mindset: A curious mindset with a willingness to ask questions, embrace feedback, and support fellow founders is essential.
Application Process and Key Dates
• Application Stage 1: Applications open on 2 June 2026 and close on 26 July 2026, at 11:59 pm AEDT.
• Application Stage 2: Bootcamp sessions for selected applicants will be held on 3 and 5 August 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the RMIT Activator City Campus.
• Program Start: The program commences on 25 August 2026, with weekly sessions on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
• Mid-Program Presentation: A mandatory presentation for all participants is scheduled for 7 October 2026.
• Program End: The program concludes on 10 November 2026.
• Activator Capital Fund Pitch: By invitation only, selected startups will pitch on 1 December 2026.
Program Alumni and Success Stories
• Notable Alumni: The program has supported a diverse range of ventures, including laGuapa, a circular fashion brand, and Grounds for Grounds, a venture transforming coffee grounds into biodegradable golf tees.
• Pitch Night Winners: Previous showcase events have recognized startups for their innovation, with awards such as the Most Investible Award for Circular Kitchen Core and the Circular Excellence Award for No Offence Wines.
• Community Impact: Over two years, related programs like [Re]Launch have supported over 100 entrepreneurs and provided $150,000 in grant funding, demonstrating a strong track record of fostering impactful businesses.
LaunchHUB serves as a springboard for talented founders aiming to build ventures that contribute to a better future. The program offers a comprehensive support system, from funding and mentorship to community and resources, designed to help impact-driven startups launch and scale. Interested parties can find more details and application guides through official RMIT Activator channels.