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Opportunities for regional growth and entrepreneurship

Have an idea that could make a difference in your community?  Federation's opportunities for regional growth and entrepreneurship (FORGE) pre‑accelerator program will help you test and shape it with support from experienced staff and industry mentors.

Program dates

The 2026 program closed with a final pitch night on 25 May. Expressions of interest will open soon, ahead of the pre-accelerator returning in February 2027.

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. 

Our 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. Each team will receive ten mentorship sessions tailored to their startup journey and domain. Then at the end of the 14‑week program, up to three teams will each receive $20,000 to help get their idea off the ground.

The pre-accelerator is open to anyone, with some travel required for in‑person sessions. In 2026, this meant coming to our SMB Campus in Ballarat.

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 (EOI) form which will be open in August 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

Up to $20,000 will be awarded to the top two or three teams at the end of the program to help move their idea toward commercialisation. Rather than upfront funding, the pre-accelerator focuses on giving you the support and guidance to build something real.

Funding will be awarded based on the progress the teams have made throughout the program and how far their idea has developed. The funding must then be used to directly support their project and can’t be used for personal expenses or unrelated activities. Eligible expenses may include activities such as product development, prototyping, market validation and customer discovery, as well as legal and compliance costs. All spending is managed through Federation University’s invoicing processes.

Our industry partners