Ignition Startup Accelerator
The focus of Ignition Startup Accelerator is helping founders to refine their value proposition and business model. There is a strong emphasis on a rigorous approach to problem and solution validation. Participants should exit the accelerator ready to build their minimum viable product.
Focus: Startup Accelerator (Design & Validate)
Delivery: 16 weeks part time; including 8 x in-person half-day sessions in Parramatta, 4 x virtual sessions
Timing: Starting 20 March 2024
Entry Criteria: Defined Idea (Business Model Canvas)
Important Dates:
Early-offered applications close: Sunday 4 February 2024
Final applications round close: Sunday 25 February 2024
Demo Day: Week 16
*$10,000
Grant Funding
As part of Launch Pad’s Women and Multicultural Program, you may be eligible for a $10,000 grant once you complete Ignition Startup Accelerator (*T&C apply).
Still unsure?
We recently held an engaging and informative VIRTUAL info session with our Entrepreneurs in Residence, to dive deeper into the Startup Accelerator programs offered at Launch Pad and how you can benefit from such opportunities.
If you were unable to join us live, do not worry! We got you covered.
JAN
31
Info Session
Online
The Benefits
Why complete a Launch Pad Program?
By submitting an application, you confirm that you have read and agreed to our terms and conditions and code of conduct.
Testimonials
Hear from our past cohort
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Megna Murali
Convert Dial
The Launch Pad program helped me go from an idea on a page and to MVP. The one-on-one mentoring and structured 6-month framework is personal and tailored to each founder. Unlike other programs that are short term, in 6 months you can achieve significant progress. There were plenty of opportunities to connect with the cohort and the mentors and I have made great friends through this program.
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Lucas Cox
GeoJob
The WSU team have provided invaluable guidance into the intricacies of problem and solution validation and capital raise preparation. GeoJob has gained many valuable contacts and resources from legal advice from Frank Law through to eligibility for start up discounts from the likes of HubSpot and AWS.
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Priyadarshini Das
OkayMate
The mentors came with rich experience in the start-up ecosystem and had an answer to every question.
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Belinda Chapman
Quantal Bioscience
The Launch Pad program has greatly expanded my understanding of business and start-up processes, introduced me to great mentors (who have introduced me to even more mentors), and opened my eyes to the idea of a long-term entrepreneurial career and better equipped me for this. In addition, the Launch Pad program has introduced me to an interesting group of founders, and a peer support network with whom I anticipate remaining in touch, continuing to learn from, and perhaps even collaborating with as we grow our business in Western Sydney.
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Andri Selamat
DigiCity for Kids
Launch Pad had equipped me with the skills on how to progress an idea into the next tangible steps, and be aware off the common pitfalls. It’s been a program where you can feel welcomed and share with like-minded people, at the same time supported by incredible team and guided by experienced mentors.
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Wayne Larsen
PT Blink
The WSU Launch Pad program was an integral part of the evolution of PT Blink. Throughout the program, we received valuable insights from the mentors and EIR team, which readied our business and founding team for acceleration. We also met and engaged with a community of other startups; the collective passion and enthusiasm was contagious. I would recommend the Launch Pad program to any startup.
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Sandra Pires
Yesterday Stories
Launch Pad gives you insight into the founder's journey from a deeply personal perspective and with founder well-being at the core. The emphasis on the scientific method for all experiments makes you accountable.
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Gemma Colbran
dARTbase
Launch Pad accelerator pushes founders through the startup ecosystem, as opposed to "pulling" them like other accelerators. They supply you with the support, knowledge and tools you need to validate (or invalidate), build and grow your business..
Learn More
Frequently asked questions
Haven’t found what you were looking for?
Contact us here or at launchpad@westernsydney.edu.au.
Do I need to be a WSU student or alumni?
No. We are proud to be one of a few university incubators that are open to the community, meaning you don’t have to be a WSU student or alumni to join our programs.
Can I apply with just an idea?
Yes, but be prepared to prove your idea is viable and demonstrate how you will be executing this.
What kind of startups should apply?
We support startups on a wide range of industries. While our selection criteria are not based entirely on your idea/startup but rather on you as a founder, you still need to have a clearly selected and defined product or service to join ‘Ignition’ Startup Accelerator.
Does it have to be tech?
No. Although we are more interested in the problem you’re solving than the technology itself, we are looking for businesses with high scalability and we recognise that this is difficult to achieve without leveraging technology.
Do I need customers to apply?
You do not need to have customers before applying. We are interested in what traction you’ve achieved though.
Do I have to pay to be part of the program?
No, the program is free for selected participants. Plus, once you’re in the program, you’d get access to the co-working space and some other membership benefits as part of the program. Find out more: https://launchpadlive.com.au/launch-pad-membership/
Will the program be in person?
The program will be delivered through a blend of in-person engagements at our Parramatta Incubator, as well as online.
I'm overseas/from interstate. Can I join?
Unfortunately, no. Unless you can make it to the monthly face-to-face sessions in Parramatta, NSW, you’re not eligible to join.
What does part time mean?
Our programs are flexible – meaning you can still keep your other full-time commitment while participating in the program and working on your startup/side-hustle idea. It’d be short regular online sessions each week throughout the program, and a few planned face-to-face sessions in particular weeks.
By submitting an application, you confirm that you have read and agreed to our terms and conditions and code of conduct.