Transform your research into real world impact
Final pitch night
This milestone event will showcase early-stage ventures pitching their ideas to investors, industry leaders, and the regional innovation community.
Are you a budding entrepreneur?
Hosted at our SMB campus, you'll benefit from sessions on market validation, intellectual property, legal considerations and pitching.
Teams will also receive personalised guidance through mentorship sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, helping them to accelerate their path to market.
At the end of 14 weeks, up to 3 teams will be awarded $20,000 each to help kick-start their commercialisation journey and commit to mentoring future cohorts.
Federation’s Pre-Accelerator is made possible with funding from LaunchVic.
About the Pre-Accelerator
The first Pre-Accelerator hub will be based at Federation University’s SMB campus in Ballarat.
Yes, it is mandatory for all teams to attend the sessions. However, since some sessions may be held online, there is some flexibility to attend remotely in these instances.
The program runs over 14 weeks, commencing in February 2026 (Cohort 1) and February 2027 (Cohort 2).
You will be matched with experienced mentors from our network of entrepreneurs, industry experts and start-up founders. Each team will receive a minimum of ten dedicated mentorship sessions tailored to their startup journey and domain, ensuring guidance that aligns as closely as possible with your domain specific goals and challenges.
No, the Pre-accelerator does not provide upfront funding to develop your projec
Areas of focus
How to apply
The Pre-Accelerator is open to small teams of between two to three participants.
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.
Yes. While the program prioritises Federation University staff and students, it is open to external applicants with strong ideas and a commitment to regional innovation, and a willingness to collaborate with Federation University.
Each team can have two to three participants. You can also enter as an individual, as long as you are able to attend all the sessions required by the program.
No. The Pre-Accelerator supports early-stage ideas and helps you explore their potential.
No, participation is free. However, time commitment is essential, with mandatory attendance of at least one team member at each masterclass session, and delivery of a final pitch on Pitch Night.
Yes, you can still apply. While the Pre-accelerator prioritises ideas that align with regional innovation and entrepreneurship focus areas, applications from all sectors are welcome.
Selection will consider the strength of your team, the potential impact of your idea, your level of commercialisation, and your commitment to progressing through the program.
If you're ready to apply - fill out our Expressions of Interest form. Expressions close Friday, 7 November 2025.
How funds are awarded
The top two or three teams will each receive $20,000, based on their performance in the program and the stage they have reached in their commercialisation journey. This funding is intended to accelerate the most promising ventures toward market readiness.
The $20,000 must be used to advance your project toward commercialisation. Eligible expenses may include product development, prototyping, market validation, customer discovery, legal and compliance costs, or other activities directly supporting your venture’s growth. The funding cannot be used for personal expenses or activities unrelated to the project. All spending must be approved through Federation University’s invoicing processes.
A maximum of three teams will be awarded $20,000 each to help kick-start their commercialisation journey.
All Pre-Accelerator alumni are encouraged to stay engaged, return as mentors and continue their entrepreneurial journey with support from the Federation University innovation ecosystem.
Got another question? Get in touch.