Curtin Accelerate is a “concept development program” run by Curtin University. This year Matt MacFarlane is running it, and it’s tying into the OzApps event early next year. Read on for details.
Curtin University has launched its annual business concept development program, ‘Accelerate’, to help first time entrepreneurs convert their business ideas into reality.
Four teams will be selected in a competitive process and provided with $5,000 in seed funding, access to co-working space and a 10 week structured mentoring program to help them build and launch their business. Successful applicants will also be provided with access to industry contacts and networks including commercialisation experts, investors and potential partners.
Mr Rohan McDougall, Director of IP Communalisation at Curtin said he was excited to announce that prominent local venture capitalist, Matt MacFarlane will lead the program, giving participants the opportunity of working with one of Australia’s most respected early stage venture capital managers.
“Applications are now open for the program and I encourage people from the Curtin community with a new business idea to apply,” Mr McDougall said.
Matt MacFarlane said he was excited by the opportunity to work with Curtin entrepreneurs on developing business concepts and wanted to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs to build successful tech business in Western Australia.
Key program features
- a $5,000 equity-free grant
- access to co-working space and facilities
- access to networks including commercialisation experts, investors and potential partners
- business start-up workshops designed and delivered by Matthew Macfarlane – Investment Director at Yuuwa Capital
- 10 weeks personalised mentoring
- starts 18th January 2016
- ends 25th March 2016
- Demo Day in April 2016
Eligibility criteria
- one core member of the team is a Curtin staff, student or graduate
- an early-stage business idea
Selection criteria
- Novelty of the idea
- Commercialisation potential
- The team
How to apply?
To apply, please complete the application form accelerate 2016 application form [.pdf 2 MB] and email to [email protected].
Applications close on Friday 13th November 2015.
Launch Event
Matt held a lecture on Lean Startup methodology on Monday to launch the program. You can view it online via iLecture.
Applications close on November 13th, for more information head here
