Innovators FORGE ahead with new regional Victorian Pre‑Accelerator

Aspiring innovators across regional Victoria are being supported to turn early-stage ideas into viable start-ups through Federation University’s new Pre-Accelerator program, offering hands-on workshops, mentoring and access to specialist facilities.

The 14‑week program has welcomed its inaugural group of emerging founders into the classroom and is supported by LaunchVic, the Victorian Government’s startup agency.

Hosted at Federation’s SMB Campus, FORGE (Federation Opportunities for Regional Growth and Entrepreneurship) focuses on innovation that delivers real‑world impact for regional communities.

This first cohort includes a diverse range of innovations addressing regional challenges across health, wellbeing, advanced materials, digital health and agricultural science.

Projects include tools to help patients manage chronic kidney disease, rapid diagnostic tests to support farmers in identifying parasites in livestock, products to assist families supporting autistic children and the development of a new biodegradable fibre to replace natural and synthetic fibres.

Among the teams commencing the program are Federation alumni Kelly Thomas and Kim O’Neill, whose venture focuses on helping workplaces to better support the mental health of their employees.

The project will deliver training modules that emphasise the role of relationships in creating mentally healthy and resilient workplaces, rather than relying solely on individual interventions or crisis response.

While many mental health first aid training programs are concentrated in metro centres, this venture is specifically designed for the distinct challenges of regional workplaces, including smaller teams, limited access to services and the close personal connections that often exist between colleagues.

The inaugural cohort comprises 27 participants, including 12 women, reflecting the program’s strong focus on supporting under‑represented cohorts in regional innovation.

Throughout the program, participants will take part in tailored workshops covering market validation, intellectual property, commercial pathways and pitching, alongside one‑to‑one mentoring and access to co‑working and prototyping spaces.

At the conclusion of the program, selected teams will be awarded up to $20,000 in seed funding to support the commercialisation of their ideas.

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

“Programs like this enable us to back local innovators with the skills, confidence and connections they need to turn strong ideas into real‑world impact.”

“By investing in people and ideas from our regions, we’re helping to create solutions that are grounded in community need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We want bright ideas to be able to grow and succeed no matter where you live, and programs like this make sure people in regional Victoria have the same opportunities as those in Melbourne.” 

“By backing start-ups in regional communities, we’re creating local jobs, supporting local talent and building stronger local economies.”

Quote attributable to FORGE participant Kim O’Neill

“Knowing we’re going to receive the support, advice and mentorship that comes with the program is incredibly valuable as we take this idea to the next stage.”

Quote attributable to FORGE participant Kelly Thomas

“Being accepted into the program is a real vote of confidence in both our concept and experience, and it gives us confidence that what we’re building can make a meaningful difference.”