Pre-accelerator a regional Victorian first

A NEW pre-accelerator program by Federation University Australia will be the first of its kind in regional Victoria.

The program, which is supported by LaunchVic, will assist inspiring entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life over 14 weeks.

It will be held at the SMB campus and participants will have access to one-on-one mentorship, co-working and prototyping spaces, and workshops about market validation, intellectual property and pitching strategies.

“Federation University is very proud to host regional Victoria’s first ever pre-accelerator,” pro vice-chancellor of research and innovation Iven Mareels said.

“It reflects our commitment to empowering researchers and entrepreneurs to explore the commercial potential of their ideas without needing to relocate or compromise their community ties.

“Long term, this program is about building capability, confidence and connection – not only for participants, but for the broader regional ecosystem.”

At the end of the program, three teams will be awarded $20,000 each to help commercialise their ideas.

These teams will also mentor future cohorts.

The program will focus on the areas of health and wellbeing, education technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology (AgTech), circular economy and renewable energy.

Priority will be given to teams of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, or members of the Federation University community.