The Validator

How do I enter? And how does it work?

Validator: Startup Idea Competition is open to all students, staff and alumni. Grant funding is available to current Monash students, with funding awarded to two outstanding alumni ideas/business cases. Alumni and staff who submit successful business cases will also receive one-on-one coaching with our startup and industry experts.

Please read the full Terms and Conditions below for further details.

Complete the EOI form to enter the competition.  After you fill out the EOI, you will receive a link to access to the online learning platform within 1-2 business days (excluding weekends).

Once you are added to the online platform, you will need to complete 100% of the The Validator online learning which you can work through at your own pace.

As part of the program, we’ll have a range of social learning opportunities, kicking off with our  Validator Launch event, as well as the option to attend online group coaching to get feedback on your idea.

NOTE: if you are interstate/overseas and still want to be part of the Validator: Start-up Idea Competition, don't fret! You won't miss any of the valuable online learning needed in order to submit your business case. Please note that the in-person events won't be accessible online (i.e. no zoom links).

How do I apply for funding and coaching?

Your entry to the competition is submitted in the form of a Business Case and where relevant, should be for a value of up to $500. This is 2-4 pages and should explain:

• The Problem: Describe the core problem, who experiences it, and why it matters.
• The Customer: Share insights from research or customer interviews.
• The Value Proposition: Explain your solution, how it meets customer needs, and what makes it unique.
• Validation Plan: Outline how you’ll test your assumptions, how this looks as a budget and what success looks like.
• Team & Next Steps: Introduce your team (if applicable) and the key next steps for your idea.

Business Case submissions should focus on clarity, evidence, and insight, and all detailed guidance will be available on the online platform.

ALL THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Please note that Validator is closed for Semester 1 - use the below dates as a reference.

VALIDATOR LAUNCHES ON MONDAY 23RD FEBRUARY - SUNDAY, 12TH APRIL

1. ENTRIES OPEN

Fill out the Validator EOI form.

You can submit an EOI to the competition at anytime before 5pm, Friday the 10th April.

After the Launch Party on the 24th March, we will grant you access to the online content. After the 24th March, you can submit an EOI at any time and you will be granted access to the platform within 1-2 business days (excluding weekends). You will need to complete the online modules and submit your business case for grant funding.

2. LAUNCH + ACCESS OPENS TO THE VALIDATOR ONLINE LEARNING

Attend the Launch on the 24th of March to learn about the Competition and how to enter.

Gain access to the required online learning modules in:

• problem definition and ideation,
• customer empathy and validation, and;
• uncovering a unique value proposition.

This should take you between 3-5 hours and can be done at your own pace.
You must complete 100% of the online content to be eligible to win the competition.

Access to the online platform is only via the EOI form, and will close at 5pm on Friday 10th April.

3. SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS CASE

Submissions close on 11:59 on Sunday 12th April.

KEY PROGRAM DATES

Note:

- In Person events held at the Monash Generator, Clayton Campus

- Group Office Hours are presented in an interactive format online

- Online learning is self-paced and should be completed in your own time before you submit

VALIDATOR ONLINE LEARNING

Module 1: Define the Problem

Purpose: Clarify the core problem you’re solving.
Focus: Problem statements, assumptions, root causes, and market gaps.

Module 2: Understand Your Customer

Purpose: Develop deep customer understanding.
Focus: Empathy mapping and qualitative insights through customer interviews

Module 3: Value Proposition Canvas

Purpose: Align what you offer with what customers truly value.
Focus: Customer jobs, pains, gains, and your product’s fit.

By the end of the Validator program, you will have:

• Clearly defined a problem worth solving and identified your target audience
• Conducted customer research using interviews, surveys, and empathy mapping
• Developed a tested value proposition that addresses real customer needs
• Validated key assumptions through experimentation and early testing
• Communicate your idea effectively through a business case
• Understand the next steps for further development

Still have questions?

Below you'll find some of the frequently asked questions about the Validator and if we still haven’t answered all your questions, send us an email at entrepreneurship@monash.edu and we’ll get back to you.

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WHO CAN ENTER

• Anyone who has completed 100% of the online modules and submits a business case that fits the competition guidelines is welcome to apply (solo or in a team).
• Validator: Startup Idea Competition is open to all students, staff and alumni, however only current Monash students and two outstanding alumni ideas/business cases are eligible for grant funding.
• Alumni and staff who submit successful business cases will win one-on-one coaching with our startup and industry experts.

FUNDING AVAILABLE

• Student winners can receive up to $500 to help bring their idea to life.
• The exact amount will depend on your proposal and the judges’ decision.

HOW THE FUNDING CAN BE USED

• The money should go towards the activities and costs outlined in your business case.
• If you need to change how you spend it, just check in with us first.

SHARING YOUR PROGRESS

Winners agree to:

• Send us a short report on how the funds were spent.
• Write an “impact story” about what you achieved, learned, and the difference the funding made and share it on social media, tagging the Generator (Linkedin and/or Instagram)
• We’ll use your story to inspire others and showcase your success.

OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF

• The judges’ decision is final.
• We may feature your name, project, and story in our communications (social media, newsletters, reports, etc.).
• If the terms aren’t met, we may hold back or request the return of funds.

FAQS