The Accelerator
The Accelerator
THE ACCELERATOR
A THREE-MONTH INTENSIVE PROGRAM TO SCALE UP A VENTURE TO ACHIEVE GREATER IMPACT AND FINANCIAL VIABILITY
THE GENERATOR’S ACCELERATOR PROGRAM IS A THREE-MONTH INTENSIVE TO ACCELERATE THE GROWTH AND IMPACT OF YOUR STARTUP.
Once a year we provide up to $20,000 funding, dedicated co-working space and tailored mentoring to 8-12 early stage startups, researchers or social enterprises affiliated with Monash. We take no equity in the startups that come through the program.
This program is intensive and focused on helping startups to gain early traction. Successful startups are based in the Generator’s dedicated co-working space located at Monash University Clayton Campus, alongside the Generator team and in-house entrepreneur-in-residence.. As a Founder on the program, you’ll have access to some of the best mentors in the ecosystem who have founded and scaled startups, and support from professional services including law firms, accountants, creative agencies and technology platforms.
The program culminates in a showcase, a public event where startups pitch to a diverse crowd.
Applications for the 2019 program will open mid-March. Sign up to our mailing list to be notified when applications open for the 2019 program.
WHAT YOU'LL GET OUT OF IT
Mentoring from entrepreneurs
Be guided by those that have done it before. From weekly catch-ups to founder dinners, you’ll build your network of experienced Founders who are here to support you and your startup.
Expert advice and guidance
Attend workshops and receive tailored advice from experts, such as accountants and lawyers, who are actively involved in the startup space.
Space and funding
Receive dedicated co-working space on campus for the duration of the program along with $10,000 of seed funding, with the chance to receive up to another $10,000 at the conclusion of the program.
MEET YOUR EXPERTS
Be guided daily by the Generator team, which includes a full-time Entrepreneur in Residence, who are on-hand to provide advice, connect you with experts and guide you along the entrepreneurial journey.
- The Generator team
- Mentors
- Expert advisors
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
ELIGIBILITY
To apply to the Generator’s Accelerator Program, at least one (1) founder* of your startup team must be one of the following:
- A currently enrolled student at Monash University
- A current researcher of staff member at Monash University
or - An alumnus of Monash University
*We define a founder as someone with minimum 10% equity in the startup. The rest of your team can be composed of whoever makes sense and do not need have an affiliation to Monash University.
In addition to this, your startup company must have, or is able to obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) prior to the start of the program.
AVAILABILITY
You are your team must also be in a position to attend all core components of the program between July and September. We try to keep these to a minimum and all are designed to benefit your business.
The program is designed for startups who are at a point of committing to building their business full-time. While we understand there is a need to continue to study and work, we want to see at least one (1) founder in the co-working space at least three days per week. In our experience this is the minimum level of commitment required of a startup team that is serious about accelerator growth. If you have concerns about your capacity to commit in time or energy please have a chat with us. We want to help startups succeed and are open to creative solutions.
IDEAS AND FOUNDERS
The Generator will fund up to 10 high-potential startup teams in the 2019 program, which includes both early-stage and later-stage startups, that help to solve a problem with a scalable solution. We’re looking for big impact and want to see this reflected in your vision for your business.
Applicants will ideally have:
- Already launched and have users and/or early stage customers
- Defined the problem they are trying to solve
- How they are going to solve this problem
- Identified who their customers are, potential market and competitors in the space
- A complementary team to help achieve their vision
- A plan about what they want to achieve over the three months of the program
- Passion and commitment to making their idea successful
PROGRAM DATES
The Accelerator runs once a year from July to September and teams are selected via a competitive application process. The application process involves a number of stages, with each stage judged by the Generator team as well as mentors, advisors and experts involved in the program.
Mid-March 2019 | Applications open |
|---|---|
Tuesday 9 April | Info Night - Clayton |
Tuesday 16 April | Info Night - Caulfield |
| Sunday 5 May 2019 11.59pm | Applications close |
| Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 May | Final interviews: You will be notified as to whether you have been invited to an interview by COB Monday 20th May |
| Week starting Monday 27 May | Successful teams notified |
| Monday 1 July | Program Commences: Induction Day |
Mid September | Program Concludes: Showcase |
SO HOW DO I APPLY?
The application process includes three stages:
- Round one: online application form plus a video introducing yourself and your co-founders. Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 5 May 2019.
- Round two: detailed form completed by each founder.
- Round three: team interviews with key founders in the week of Monday 27 May.
Still have questions?
Find some frequently asked questions about the Accelerator Program and if we still haven’t answered all your questions, send us an email to entrepreneurship@monash.edu and we’ll get back to you.