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Federation University launches first ever Pre-Accelerator for regional Victoria

20 October 2025
Aspiring entrepreneurs will be given the chance to turn their ideas into real-world outcomes, thanks to Federation University’s new Pre-Accelerator – the first of its kind for regional Victoria.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will be given the chance to turn their ideas into real-world outcomes, thanks to Federation University’s new Pre-Accelerator – the first of its kind for regional Victoria. 

Backed with funding from LaunchVic, the Pre-Accelerator offers a structured 14-week program that will help early-stage start-up entrepreneurs develop their idea and bring it to life.

Hosted at Federation’s SMB campus, participants will benefit from one-to-one mentorship, co-working and prototyping spaces, as well as tailored workshops covering market validation, intellectual property and pitching strategies.

At the conclusion of the program, up to three teams will be awarded $20,000 each to support the commercialisation of their ideas. These teams will also commit to mentoring future cohorts, creating a sustainable cycle of innovation and support.

The program is focused on key areas critical to the future of regional Victoria, including health and wellbeing, education technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology (AgTech), circular economy and renewable energy.

Expressions of Interest are open until 26 October 2025, with interested applicants able to apply via the Pre-accelerator website, at www.federation.edu.au/pre-accelerator

Priority will be given to teams that include women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, or members of the Federation University community – staff, students (TAFE, higher education or higher degree by research) or alumni.

For further information, contact the FPRV team at preaccelerator@federation.edu.au.

Quotes attributable to Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation Iven Mareels

“Federation University is very proud to host regional Victoria’s first-ever Pre-accelerator.”

“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.”