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Federation opportunities for regional growth and entrepreneurship

Our FORGE pre‑accelerator program helps entrepreneurs and innovators develop ideas that could make a real difference in their communities.

Apply for our 2027 program

We're now taking applications for our 2027 program. If you'd like to get involved, submit the expression of interest form by 12 October.

Transform your idea into real-world impact  

The Federation opportunities for regional growth and entrepreneurship (FORGE) pre-accelerator is a startup program for early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators to explore the commercial potential of their ideas. It’s a supportive, low-risk way to test and develop your concept, with a focus on turning it into something practical that makes a difference in regional communities across Victoria. 

Each team will receive ten mentorship sessions tailored to their startup journey and domain. At the end of the 14‑week program, four teams will receive up to $20,000 to help get their ideas off the ground. The pre-accelerator is open to anyone, with some travel required for in‑person sessions.

The program has been made possible thanks to funding from LaunchVic. We also have a network of entrepreneurs, industry experts and start-up founders, ready to support you and help guide your idea towards market.

What to expect

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14-week program from February to May
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Support from experienced industry mentors
Access to co-working and prototype spaces
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Sessions on market validation, revenue models, IP and more
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Build your pitch and present at pitch nights
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$20,000 for the most promising ideas

Areas of focus

Advanced manufacturing is one of our key focus areas, designed to meet the needs of regional communities across Victoria. In 2026, one team developed an idea for digital tools to support chronic disease management.

Agricultural technology is one of our key focus areas, designed to meet the needs of regional communities across Victoria. In 2026, one team developed an idea for rapid diagnostic tests to help monitor livestock health.

Circular economy and renewable energy is one of our key focus areas, designed to meet the needs of regional communities across Victoria. In 2026, one team developed an idea for biodegradable fibre alternatives.

Cybersecurity is one of our key focus areas, designed to meet the needs of regional communities across Victoria. In 2026, one team developed an idea for AI assistant tool to preserve privacy online. 

Education technology is one of our key focus areas, designed to meet the needs of regional communities across Victoria. In 2026, one team developed an idea for mental health and resilience workplace training. 

Health and wellbeing is one of our key focus areas, designed to meet the needs of regional communities across Victoria. In 2026, one team developed an idea for a product to support families of autistic children.

Do you have a different idea? 

You can still apply if your idea sits outside of these focus areas. We welcome strong ideas from any sector, with a focus on regional impact. 
The support, advice and mentorship is incredibly valuable as we take this idea to the next stage."
Kim O’NeillFORGE participant
Our responsibility is not only to educate, but to translate knowledge into real outcomes for the regions we serve."
Professor Duncan BentleyVice-Chancellor, Federation University
Programs like this enable us to back local innovators with skills, confidence and connections."
Professor Iven MareelsPro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation and the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability
Programs like this make sure people in regional Victoria have the same opportunities as those in Melbourne."
Juliana AddisonMember for Wendouree

How to apply

Everyone is welcome to apply for the pre-accelerator. While we prioritise Federation staff, students and alumni – including teams that include women and First Nations peoples – you don’t need to be affiliated with Federation University to apply. We also welcome external applicants with strong ideas and an interest in regional innovation.

You can apply as a team of two to three people or as an individual, as long as you’re able to attend all in-person sessions.

No, you don’t need a fully developed business idea to apply for the pre-accelerator. We support early‑stage ideas and help you explore their potential.

No, participation in the pre-accelerator is free. Time commitment is essential, however. At least one team member will need to attend each masterclass session and delivery of a final pitch on Pitch Night. 

Start by completing an expression of interest form by 12 October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application, followed by a pitch and interview. We also run drop‑in information sessions to support you throughout each stage. 

Funding opportunities

At the end of the program, four teams will receive funding for their projects. There will be:

  • 2 x $20,000 FORGE Innovation Advancement Awards presented by a panel of external and internal judges
  • 2 x $10,000 FORGE Consolation Awards presented by the core FORGE team.

This financial backing is designed to help move ideas toward commercialisation, so awards will go to the teams that have made the most progress throughout the program. The funding must be used to directly support projects (not for personal incidentals or unrelated activities). Eligible costs include product development, prototyping, market validation and customer discovery, as well as legal and compliance costs. All spending must be managed through Federation University’s invoicing processes.

Our industry partners