Startup Sprint
STARTUP SPRINT
Hit the ground running with Startup Sprint!
Applications for Startup Sprint closed. Please keep an eye on our website and newsletter for future applicaiton dates.
Startup Sprint is a fast-paced, two-week program designed to help founders refine their business model, test assumptions, and strengthen their MVP. Whether you're launching your first version or iterating based on customer feedback, this program provides the structure, support, and momentum to get your startup accelerator-ready.
With guided sessions, group office hours, and a focused environment, you’ll have the time and space to build with purpose and gather the insights needed to scale.
You’ll also be part of a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs and gain access to The Generator’s co-working space, where you can collaborate, connect, and grow.
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 SHOULD APPLY TO STARTUP SPRINT?
We're on the lookout for founders from talented startup teams who...
- have a Monash affiliation (at least one founder that is a Monash student, staff or alumni)
- have a solid idea of the problem you’re solving...
- have interviewed customers and know their pain and gain points…
- AND can articulate a crystal clear unique value proposition.
WHAT WILL I DO IN STARTUP SPRINT?
MAKE SOMETHING GREAT (THAT PEOPLE WANT)
It’s one thing to have a great product or service, but it’s another thing to have a great product or service that people want (and want to pay for!). Beyond validating your idea, we’ll take you through the next steps towards product-market-fit, giving you frameworks and tools to assess and test the desirability of your startup in a target market and build and iterate on your prototype, MVP or solution!
MAKE IT ACTUALLY HAPPEN
Everyone loves a plan! And as the captain of your startup ship, you’re going to plot out a plan for what’s possible and practicable to make it happen. You’ll learn to assess your available resources, potential opportunities and challenges, as well as the practical nuts and bolts of delivering and sustaining your solution.
LAUNCH WITH SUPPORT FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Learn from people who have been there, and done that. During the program seasoned entrepreneurs will be there to support and challenge you, sharing their experience and wisdom.
JOIN A LIKE MINDED COMMUNITY OF DISRUPTIVE THINKERS
There’s nothing we love more than a get-together of innovators! Startup Sprint is where you’ll find your people - creative, motivated disruptors with a drive to make a change in the world!
The program is in person, and brings the cohort together in our exclusive co-working space, and you’ll work side by side with your fellow sprinters to make the startup magic happen!
GET ACCELERATOR READY
Startup Sprint does what it says on the tin - the program is designed to get you up to speed and get a head start when applications for our Accelerator program open.
ALL THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
New dates will be uploaded when applicaitons open again.
PROGRAM FAQS
Startup Sprint is a fast-paced, two-week program at Monash University designed to help founders refine their business model, build and test an MVP, and strengthen their Lean Canvas. Through hands-on experimentation and structured feedback, founders will validate key assumptions, sharpen their value proposition, and prepare for acceleration.
The Monash Generator provides essential resources, connections, and expertise. External experts are available to connect with early-stage teams to foster growth and development.
You will have access to The Generator’s coworking space, and structured workshops focused on rapidly testing and refining your business idea.
Founders are expected to actively engage by attending all sessions, interact with mentors and peers, contribute to peer learning, and set and achieve goals throughout the program.
Startup Sprint will run between the 5th May - 16th May 2025.
Week 1: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Week 2: Wednesday and Friday
If you own the IP of your idea, then no - our programs are equity free for startups.
If you’re a researcher and Monash owns the IP - the answer is more complicated. We assist you in collaborating with our colleagues in Monash Commercialisation for specific guidance.
The Generator prioritises diversity and inclusiveness, offering tailored resources and mentorship to support unique challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs and diverse teams. This not only enhances the startup ecosystem, but also ensures a variety of perspectives are represented and valued.
If you want to apply for The Accelerator, we strongly recommend that you get involved in Startup Sprint. Startup Sprint is our Pre-Accelerator and does what it says - it will prepare you for The Accelerator. In fact, IF you want to apply for The Accelerator, your end of Startup Sprint program event will be part of your Accelerator application. There will be one full week off between Startup Sprint and The Accelerator. These two programs WILL support you to really get your startup off the ground!
This does not mean that if you participate in Startup Sprint that you have to apply for The Accelerator, but rather that it will be a smooth transition. Be sure to let us know during Startup Sprint if you aspire to be one of the 10 elite teams that makes it into The Accelerator.
ELIGIBILITY FAQS
Startups that have at least one founder with a Monash affiliation (student, staff, alumni or researcher) AND rights to intellectual property or a clear management plan within the program timeline.
We are also looking for founders who demonstrate coachability and have either industry or technical experience.
Yes, we accept applications from solo founders
Participants are expected to dedicate 50% of their time to working on their startup.
This means: completing the digital content, participating in the in-person sessions at The Generator, Clayton campus, and doing the work outside of sessions.
Your startup should have a:
- clear problem statement,
- defined and validated customer segments through customer interviews, and
- a unique value proposition
For the application, be prepared to provide details about your startup idea, team, and what you hope to achieve.
The application form will be live soon.
Nope! Our programs are open to any Monash student, staff and alumni no matter where they are in the world and from which country they are residents.
Of course. The program is open to both international and domestic students, just note you need to be based in Melbourne for the duration of the program, so if you graduate before the end of the program, you need to be able to stay in Melbourne until the program concludes in July. Currently, the program only runs in Melbourne, so if you’re studying at an overseas location, unfortunately you won’t be eligible to participate.
Unfortunately due to the time commitments (of both programs!) it’s unlikely that you’re going to get much value from participating in two programs at once, whilst also trying to grow and scale your business. For that reason, we won’t be able to accept teams that have been accepted into an accelerator program that runs at the same time.
Yes. Each cohort has companies that have already raised. We think we can be helpful for any company that hasn’t yet raised a Series B.
We fund and support all kinds of businesses, irrespective of industry or domain. This includes not-for-profits, social enterprises, commercial enterprises - we even had a charity participate last year.
Not necessarily. At least one founder needs to be based in and working on the startup in Melbourne for the duration of the program to attend the compulsory elements of the program, in order for you to get the most out of the program. If you have any concerns about this, reach out to us for a chat.
Of course! We accept all different types of ideas - it doesn’t need to be tech based to come through the program and we’re not just looking for technical founders. If your idea is technical but you don’t have the skills, don’t worry, apply and we can help you figure that out along the way.
