Accelerators, delegations & other programs: currently open
If you're an Australian startup, there's no shortage of opportunities to find the kind of support you need to grow and scale. Even if you're very early stage, with little more than an idea and a whole lot of enthusiasm, an accelerator program might be just the thing you need to get to MVP.
But there's nothing worse than hearing about these opportunities after they've closed :(.
Well, Spark Festival is at your service. We maintain the listing below and add new opportunities as we find them. We also include reminders in Weekly Sparks, our Monday-afternoon email listing of all the startup and innovation events. And remember, sharing is caring, so make sure you send this on to friends and colleagues who might be good candidates.
HARVEST 2020
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / PERTH
Working on an innovation in the agriculture and food industry? Looking to grow your business, access new markets or attract funding? HARVEST 2020 is WA’s leading business development program for businesses looking to innovate in the agrifood industry.
Applications currently open: closing February 17
Plus Eight Accelerator
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / PERTH
An initiative of WA's leading startup hub, Spacecubed, Plus Eight provides you with the connections, support and programming to help scale your startup. The 6 month program includes trips to Singapore and the US.
Applications currently open: closing February 17
HCF Catalyst
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / SYDNEY
A Slingshot project, HCF Catalyst is Australia’s leading health-technology scaleup accelerator, designed to accelerate enterprise ready businesses towards a potential partnership with HCF.
Applications currently open: closing February 20
NSW-India Advanced Manufacturing Trade Mission
TRADE MISSION / INDIA
Successful participants will take part in a curated and intensive program designed to give them an introduction to the Indian advanced manufacturing sector, providing access to potential clients, R&D collaboration partners. Support staff from NSW Government and Western Sydney University will provide guidance to help participants gain an understanding of the Indian market and potential opportunities.
Applications currently open: closing February 24
Peter Farrell Cup
ADVISORY PROGRAM / SYDNEY
Helping UNSW students and Higher Degree by Research candidates take their ideas from that initial light bulb moment, the Peter Farrell Cup gives students the necessary tools, skills, guidance and support, to test, pitch and potentially launch a real business.
Applications currently open: closing February 26
Genesis
ADVISORY PROGRAM / SYDNEY
Applications currently open: closing February 27
SparkLabs Cultiv8
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / LOCATION AGNOSTIC
SparkLabs Cultiv8 is a tight-knit community of farmers, investors, entrepreneurs and executives focused on transforming Australia’s agricultural sector by supporting world-changing start-ups. Successful applicants receive up to $100k AUD in funding, with the program running from March to September each year. After a one week introduction at SparkLabs' headquarters in Orange, participants access resources and receive ongoing mentoring and support from wherever they are geographically located.
Applications currently open: Program Commences in March
Urban Futures Property Industry Accelerator Program
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / SYDNEY
Do you have a property industry technology idea for a startup business, or are you working in the property industry on a project that can improve the urban living experience for communities? This program is looking to seed and grow innovation within the property development industry in support of Landcom and Western Sydney Uni's strategic priorities and aspirations for enhanced urban living in Western Sydney, NSW and Australia.
Applications currently open: closing March 2
HATCH
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / SYDNEY
Taronga Zoo are calling on innovators, thought leaders, disruptors, developers, passionate individuals and everyone in between to help develop and implement brilliant ideas for the planet. With one finalised receiving up to $50,000, HATCH will inspire, support and launch innovative ideas and actions to help address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges currently facing our planet. Find out more and register your interest here.
Applications currently open: closing March 24
Future Minds Accelerator
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / LOCATION AGNOSTIC
Can your startup prepare young people to thrive in the jobs, workplaces and careers of the future? Do you address challenges facing the education ecosystem? Future Minds Accelerator will help you overcome your biggest barriers to scaling. You will receive a significant grant, access to customers and new markets, and expert training and mentorship to build your business and train your executive team.
Applications currently open: closing March 25
Elemental Excelerator
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / HAWAII (Open to Asia Pacific Applicants)
Elemental Excelerator accelerates solutions to climate change and deploys them in the communities that need them the most. Based in Hawaii, but open to applicants across Asia Pacific, the program identifies companies that best fit their mission and fund them company up to $US1 million to improve systems that impact people’s lives: energy, water, food & agriculture, and mobility.
Applications currently open: closing March 26
EdTech Trade Mission USA 2020
TRADE MISSION / USA
In partnership with Global Victoria, NSW Trade & Investment and Austrade, EduGrowth brings to delegates a USA EdTech Trade mission to build deep understanding of the USA EdTech Innovation Ecosystem within the context of the world’s leading EdTech event – ASU GSV.
Applications currently open: trade mission commences March 29
Antler
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / SYDNEY
Antler’s six-month program provides founders with funding from day one, access to a global network of advisors, and a clear path to raising capital. You’ll find the right co-founder, have your ideas validated, and grow your startup to a point that normally take years to achieve.
Applications currently open: closing end of April
Denver Global Landing Pad
Denver, Colorado is widely recognized as one of the world's most exciting innovation hubs for entrepreneurism. This is an exciting free program for scaling Australian startups who are ready to expand to the US. Head to Denver for the nine day program in September, and then stick around for Denver Startup Week the following Monday - with 20,000 attendees you never know who you will meet!
Applications currently open: closing end of April
Health 10x
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / SYDNEY
UNSW Founders and The George Institute for Global Health have partnered to deliver a unique accelerator program for health startups whose product or service addresses a challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCD) or injury in underserved markets, particularly in the developing world.
Applications currently open: closing May 1
Founders 10x
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / SYDNEY
Open to startups with a co-founder who is a UNSW student, staff or alumni, this industry agnostic accelerator is tailored for founders who are ready to accelerate their startup and explore global opportunities. The program offers 10 weeks of intensive programming plus 6 months incubation.
Applications currently open: closing May 2020
EnergyLab Pre-Acceleration Program
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM / LOCATION AGNOSTIC
An opportunity to refine your clean energy startup idea, achieve customer validation and map a path to launching your company, EnergyLab's Pre-Acceleration Program will help you refine your business idea, gain some traction and get ready for their full Acceleration Program.
Applications currently open: closing May 2020
SBE Life Sciences
Designed for healthcare and life science industries, Springboard Enterprises program assists companies in seeking seed and growth funding, while establishing expert connections and resources. Emerging, high-growth companies with women in key senior leadership positions and with significant equity stakes are invited to apply for this program, which serves as the on-ramp to SBE's alumnae network.