Startup Sprint

APPLICATIONS FOR STARTUP SPRINT ARE NOW OPEN!

⭐ APPLY NOW! ⭐

Startup Sprint is a high-intensity, venture-building program designed to help you transform your idea into a market-ready prototype.

Over four fast-paced sprints, you’ll build, test, and prove your concept, progressing through a dynamic, competitive journey that rewards traction, clarity, and execution, with a $15,000 prize pool up for grabs in the final Pitch-Off.

Not sure if you're ready for Startup Sprint this time around?  Or want to know more about what the Generator has on offer? Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter with all news, events and workshop details delivered to your inbox.

WHO'S IT FOR

This is for founders who:

• Are a current Monash student  or recent alumni (graduated after 2024)
• Have a startup idea they want to explore
• Have a problem that they are passionate about solving
• Are curious about building something

You can join as an individual or as a team.

Staff and alumni (graduated before 2024) are also eligible to apply and participate in the program but are ineligible for prizes.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Turn your idea into a real prototype
• Learn how to test ideas with real customers
• Build a clear value proposition + business model
• Pitch your idea in front of mentors, founders, and judges
• Compete for a $15,000 prize pool
• Work alongside a cohort of driven, like-minded students
• Access mentors, coaching, and future pathways

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• This is a fast-paced, high-commitment program - Startup Sprint is MORE ADVANCED than the Validator
• Progression is competitive (you earn your way through each stage)
• You’ll be working with real customers, not just ideas
• The biggest rewards go to teams who test, learn, and adapt quickly

WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT?

• A full weekend bootcamp (all teams)
• A full day Sprint (Sprint 2 teams)
• A full day Marketplace (Sprint 3 teams)
• Afternoon Pitch-Off event (Sprint 4 teams)
• Online learning

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Apply to Startup Sprint with the Application Form before 11:59pm 21st June 2026

STARTUP SPRINT FORMAT:

Startup Sprint runs across 4x one week sprints, combining hands-on workshops, online learning and most importantly, real-world testing.

Sprint 0 (Onboarding) and Sprint 1 (Bootcamp) - all teams

All teams will participate in Sprint 0 (Onboarding) and Sprint 1 (Bootcamp).

At the end of Sprint 1 (Bootcamp), teams will need to enter their live prototype into a Showcase, where they’ll be judged by a panel of mentors and a select number of teams will be chosen to progress to Sprint 2.

Sprint 2 (Business to Brand) - 40 teams

The teams that make it to Sprint 2 (Business to Brand) will continue to work on turning their prototype into a market-ready product for the Startup Sprint Marketplace. Teams progressing to the Marketplace will receive $100 to go towards their Marketplace stall.

Sprint 3 (Marketplace) - 20 teams

Here you'll show off your shiny brand and prototype to the Monash community, engage with potential new customers and get direct feedback. During the Marketplace, you will be selected by our ‘mystery shoppers’ to secure your place in the final Sprint to the Pitch-Off.

Sprint 4 (Pitch Off) - 10 teams

The Pitch-Off will showcase the top 10 Startup Sprint teams on stage in front of a live audience, competing for a piece of the $15000 prize pool.    

Teams  who do not progress through each stage are still warmly invited to attend the Marketplace, Pitch-Off, and post-program celebration - remaining part of the community and continuing to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Online Learning (Throughout)

You’ll be supported with short, practical modules via Guroo:

• Pre-Bootcamp: Idea + customer fundamentals
• Pre-Sprint: Business model + positioning
• Pre-Marketplace: Testing + engagement strategies
• Pre-Pitch-Off: Storytelling + pitching

Funding & Support

You don’t need funding to start—but you can earn it as you progress:

• $100 Marketplace funding (for selected teams)
• $15,000 Pitch-Off prize pool
• Access to mentors (founders, operators, investors)
• Opportunity for post-program coaching (3 months)
• Access to Monash Generator co-working space

KEY DATES: