In the race to become the next global startup hub, Melbourne is setting itself apart through inclusion. Over one-third of Melbourne’s startup founders are women; a mark that far surpasses other tech cities, and another one-third of its founders were not born in Australia. Melbourne is attracting founders from around the world, and that wouldn’t be possible without a strong entrepreneur support system.
While LaunchVic encourages entrepreneurs to get started on the public side, other resources have sprouted up as well. Numerous incubators and accelerators now aid entrepreneurs in Melbourne, providing expert advice, along with resources to build and scale their companies.
Below, we’ve compiled an alphabetized list Melbourne’s startup accelerators and incubators:
1. BlueChilli
- Description: "We're a global company focused on empowering entrepreneurs to do awesome things."
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- BlueChilli Requirements: They are looking for disruptive early-stage founders who look to build and scale global startups.
- BlueChilli Deal Terms: Startups receive up to $100,000 in investment for an equity of 15%; plus, the opportunity of an additional investment of $500,000. Participants also receive mentorship from entrepreneurs-in-residence, training programs, corporate partnerships, access to a coworking space, etc.
- Notable BlueChilli Alumni: Alixir, Guide App, Parachuute, Rental Heroes, Sittr, TalkiPlayTheratrak, Trajectory, Triiyo, Yodel.
2. CoM X
- Description: “City of Melbourne has partnered with RMIT Activator and Hub Australia to present CoM X - a 12 month accelerator program for retail and hospitality focused startups.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Hospitality and Retail.
- CoM X Requirements: Startups with innovative ideas looking to contribute to Melbourne’s economy.
- CoM X Deal Terms: It’s a 12-month program where startups receive educational resources, workshops, access to the RMIT Activator’s online platform and sessions with startup coaches. Also, membership to the Hub Collins Street and upon completion, startups will have access to networking opportunities with other Melbourne businesses.
3. CyRise
- Description: “CyRise is on a mission to be the number one cyber security accelerator in the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Melbourne, we’re a partnership between Deakin and Dimension Data that’s dedicated to supporting the local ecosystem for the long term.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Cyber Security.
- CyRise Requirements: Startups who are working on cyber security innovations and solutions. They welcome founders from the entire Asia-Pacific region.
- CyRise Deal Terms: It’s a 6-month program where participants have access to mentoring sessions from industry leaders and receive support from partners. Startups receive $50,000 as part of a capped SAFE note, access to Deakin University researchers; plus, trips to Israel and the US to gain a fresh perspective on the cyber security landscape.
- Notable CyRise Alumni: Aiculus, Cyber Citadel, Cydarm, Cynch Security, Dekko, Detexian, Scram Software, SecureStack, Serinus Security.
4. Founder Institute Melbourne (pre-seed accelerator)
- Description: The Founder Institute works with entrepreneurs and teams in the pre-seed stage, typically before they are advanced enough to gain acceptance into a seed-accelerator program. The program helps you build an enduring business by providing Melbourne startup experts that are invested in your success, and a structured business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.75BN.
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Founder Institute Requirements: Both solo founders and teams at the pre-seed stage are welcome, including those at the idea or very early-stages of a company (including pre-incorporation). If your company has significant funding, traction, or revenue, then you are probably too advanced for the Founder Institute and should consider applying to the seed-accelerators on this list.
- Founder Institute Deal Terms: To create a strong support network, participants join an "Equity Collective" where they contribute 4% of their company to a shared pool. Any financial returns to this pool are then shared equally with each cohort's alumni, the program mentors, Local Leaders, and Founder Institute.
- Notable Founder Institute Alumni: Udemy, Acudeen, Appota, Ovamba, Realty Mogul, TravelCar, and more.
5. Hatch Quarter
- Description: “Hatch Quarter is a business incubator and coworking for startups.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Hatch Quarter Requirements: innovators with a global mindset who want to build and scale their startups.
- Hatch Quarter Deal Terms: Hatch Quarter provides entrepreneurs with different programs and bootcamps to start their business, mentorship and guidance to scale their startups, workshops and networking events; plus, access to a coworking space.
6. LaunchHUB
- Description: “LaunchHUB is a free and immersive 12-week accelerator program designed to support RMIT startup teams develop skills, grow networks and gain traction.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- LaunchHUB Requirements: Participants must be committed, collaborative and hardworking. Startups must have a working MVP and proof of customers.
- LaunchHUB Deal Terms: It’s a 12-week accelerator program where participants have access to masterclasses, 1-on-1 advisory sessions, office hours, networking events, a fixed team desk at RMIT Activator, etc. Plus, startups have the opportunity to apply for funding to the Activator Capital Fund (up to $25,000).
7. Melbourne Accelerator Program
- Description: “The startup accelerator powered by Australia's leading university. A home for brilliant minds, where world-changing ideas become a reality.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Melbourne Accelerator Program Requirements: High impact startups are welcome to apply. It’s important to note that founders must commit to working full-time in the MAP office during the program. Also, it’s not necessary to have an affiliation with the University of Melbourne.
- Melbourne Accelerator Program Deal Terms: It’s a 5-month program in which startups receive $20,000 equity-free seed funding. As well as workshops, masterclasses, networking events and a coworking space. Plus, access to investor and partner networks, etc.
- Notable Melbourne Accelerator Program Alumni: Acusensus, Atticus, BajaBoard, Carbar, CNSdose, FirstStep, Hypetap, Nebula Health, Onolytics, Shacky.
8. Melbourne Health Accelerator
- Description: “As one of the largest hospitals in Victoria, The Royal Melbourne Hospital is inviting healthcare start-ups to participate in Australia's first hospital 'in-situ' accelerator program.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Healthcare.
- Melbourne Health Accelerator Requirements: Startups who are working on innovative healthcare solutions. One of the founders must be based in Melbourne and have a commitment of 2.5 days a week for the duration of the program.
- Melbourne Health Accelerator Deal Terms: It’s a 13-week program in which startups receive a tailored education, mentorship and a dedicated desk in the MHx shared workspace; plus, the opportunity to participate in the MHx Demo Day and access to medical and industry-leading networks.
- Notable Melbourne Health Accelerator Alumni: Adyuvo, Click Dietitian, Consentic, Geneseq Biosciences, GLIA Diagnostics, MedApps, Medtasker, myBeepr, praxhub.
9. Melbourne Innovation Centre
- Description: “As a business incubator, Melbourne Innovation Centre provides space and services to accelerate small business growth. We strive to support the growth and success of entrepreneurs and startups through the delivery of world-class incubation and acceleration programs.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Melbourne Innovation Centre Requirements: Entrepreneurs who want to scale their startups.
- Melbourne Innovation Centre Deal Terms: MIC offers a coworking space, mentoring, support and access to a knowledge-rich community.
- Notable Melbourne Innovation Centre Alumni: Farmwall, Gourmet Lovers, Klei, La Sirène, Luescher Teknik, Scan-Xpress, STAR Architecture.
10. MKTPlace Ventures
- Description: “Australia’s leading startup incubator.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- MKTPlace Ventures Requirements: Innovators with pre-seed and/or early stage startups.
- MKTPlace Ventures Deal Terms: Entrepreneurs are offered support in building an MVP, creating financial models and business plans, establishing sales and marketing strategies, achieving scalability to attract funding, etc.
- Notable MKTPlace Ventures Alumni: Detector Inspector, JCurve Solutions, LithodomosVR, Vollie.
11. muru-D
- Description: “We’re a startup accelerator running programs in Australia that helps tech founders scale their business smarter and faster. And we’re backed by Telstra, a world-class technology company.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- muru-D Requirements: They are looking for entrepreneurs who want to solve global problems.
- muru-D Deal Terms: The accelerator is held in four different locations. It’s a 6-month program with access to masterclasses, mentor and alumni networks, funding via a SAFE note or equity, investor connections, etc.
- Notable muru-D Alumni: Absolute VR, Airguides, Cuberider, Divvito, Farmbot, Neuromersiv, Pixc, Skygrow, Wallsync Capture.
12. Rocket Seeder
- Description: “Rocket Seeder is an accelerator for early stage startups in the Food and Agriculture sector in Australia.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Food and AgTech.
- Rocket Seeder Requirements: Early stage startups who want to scale and take their venture to the next level.
- Rocket Seeder Deal Terms: It’s a 2-3 month program which offers Lean Startup coaching, access to mentors, etc.
- Notable Rocket Seeder Alumni: Bake It Box, Feastively, Farmwall, Tamu, Wilderbean.
13. Runway HQ
- Description: “A 6 month, intensive launch-pad for your early-stage startup where you will gain exclusive access to an architecturally designed co-working space, introductions to the right people, coaching by real entrepreneurs, and a proven pathway to launch success.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled companies.
- Runway HQ Requirements: Early stage startups who are passionate about the problem that they're solving, and are open to coaching and feedback.
- Runway HQ Deal Terms: A 6 month program that offers space, coaching, perks, and a custom plan to address every startup's needs.
- Notable Runway HQ Alumni: Smartsnugg, Wevour, Trusted Food Group.
14. SheStarts
- Description: “An accelerator program like no other. SheStarts is Australia's only venture-backed startup program designed to help women entrepreneurs build big tech businesses.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- SheStarts Requirements: Women-led startups using technology to find solutions to worldwide problems.
- SheStarts Deal Terms: An initial investment of AUD$38,000 with the opportunity of an additional investment of up to AUD$500,000 for an equity of 15%. Participants will have access to a coworking space, mentorship from entrepreneurs-in-residence and experts, educational resources; plus, assistance in creating an MVP.
- Notable SheStarts Alumni: Airloom, BindiMaps, bron.tech, Longevity App, Neighbourlytics, Otlet, She's A Crowd, TalkiPlay, The Neighbourhood Effect, Theratrak, Vetchat.
15. Slingshot
- Description: “Since 2013, Slingshot have run 21 corporate innovation programs with some of Australia’s leading organisations like HCF, News Corp, Qantas, Lion, Clubs NSW and Caltex. Through a repeatable and scalable engagement model, Slingshot programs combines the scale, resources and access of Corporates, with the agility and innovation of Startups, Scaleups and intrapreneurs to drive commercial outcomes.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Slingshot Requirements: Innovative entrepreneurs who want to scale their ideas and build successful startups.
- Slingshot Deal Terms: They offer both incubation and acceleration programs. Participants will receive educational resources, a coworking space, mentorship, access to networking events, startup ecosystem exposure, investment funding, etc.
- Notable Slingshot Alumni: 40 Weeks, Adepto, Chemo At Home, Conpago, Evergen, Evrima, Moneytech, MyScoreIt, Respia.
16. SPARK Deakin
- Description: “We're empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- SPARK Deakin Requirements: Being an ambitious, hard working entrepreneur with a scalable startup.
- SPARK Deakin Deal Terms: It’s a 12-week program where startups receive $10,000 equity-free funding. Participants have access to a coworking space, workshops, legal advice and mentorship, networking opportunities with corporate partners and experts, etc.
- Notable SPARK Deakin Alumni: OrderHub, Spelloo, Trefiel, Vollie.
17. Startmate
- Description: “At Startmate, we help exceptional people build iconic companies, and we're powered by the most successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in Australia.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Startmate Requirements: Ambitious founders whose startups show significant growth potential.
- Startmate Deal Terms: It’s a 12-week program where startups receive a $75,000 investment for an equity of 7.5%. Participants also receive 1-on-1 coaching, mentorship, content sessions, access to a coworking space and a week-long trip to San Francisco.
- Notable Startmate Alumni: amber, Bring Me Home, Bullet, HackHunter, Hampr, Hecate, JigSpace, Josef, Leo Aerospace, Mindset, Shiftsimple, Swoop Aero.
18. Startupbootcamp EnergyAustralia
- Description: “Our program is the leading global accelerator for innovative startups solving problems in Energy Efficiency, Energy Independence, Digitisation, and Analytics.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Energy Technology.
- Startupbootcamp EnergyAustralia Requirements: They are looking for innovative startups who are working to solve energy-related problems.
- Startupbootcamp EnergyAustralia Deal Terms: It’s a 3-month program which includes office space, masterclasses, mentorship from industry experts, seed funding, access to corporate partners and a global network of investors. Startups will also have the opportunity to participate in Demo Day.
- Notable Startupbootcamp EnergyAustralia Alumni: Cognitum, Elemize, OXTO Energy, SavvyPlus, STRIX, WePower.
19. STC Australia
- Description: “Since 2005, STC has been an incubator of small tech companies and has administered several grant and voucher programs. These programs enable STC to promote commercialisation and entrepreneurship around next-generation innovations.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Biotechnology, IT, Life Sciences and Medical Devices.
- STC Australia Requirements: Startups working on innovative technology and who want to be a part of the Australian high-tech revolution.
- STC Australia Deal Terms: They provide incubation and acceleration programs to build and scale disruptive startups.
20. Swinburne Innovation Precinct's Accelerator Program
- Description: “The Swinburne Innovation Precinct’s Accelerator Program is an intensive program supporting startups to gain early traction in their markets.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Swinburne Innovation Precinct's Accelerator Program Requirements: The program seeks startups who already have product and are looking to scale. It’s important to note that at least one member of the team must be a Swinburne student, staff or an alumni.
- Swinburne Innovation Precinct's Accelerator Program Deal Terms: It’s a 12-week program where startups receive $30,000 equity-free funding. Participants have access to a coworking space, workshops and will receive mentorship from industry leaders.
21. The Actuator
- Description: “The Actuator is Australia’s first national seed-to-series A accelerator for MedTech startups.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: MedTech.
- The Actuator Requirements: They are looking for innovators who want to make a significant change in the healthcare industry.
- The Actuator Deal Terms: It’s a 15-week program where startups receive up to $200,000 in funding (1% of equity for every $10,000 provided). Participants also receive assistance with product development, mentorship, access to global and investor networks, etc.
22. The Good Incubator
- Description: “Doing Good For You, Your Venture And Your Community. Supporting startups working in the disability, health and wellbeing sectors to grow their business and increase their impact.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Disability, Health and Well-Being.
- The Good Incubator Requirements: Scalable startups with a proven MVP who look to make a positive impact in their communities.
- The Good Incubator Deal Terms: It’s a 12-week program where startups have access to mentorship, business education and resources to scale, etc.
- Notable The Good Incubator Alumni: Health Delivered, Strong Brother Strong Sister.
23. YBF Ventures
- Description: “YBF Ventures helps startups to scale, scaleups to succeed, and corporates to innovate.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- YBF Ventures Requirements: Startups who are pushing the limits by working on innovative technology.
- YBF Ventures Deal Terms: They have different programs available where they provide startups with mentorship, networking opportunities, educational resources, events, business support, a coworking space, etc.
