We are looking for global-thinking, talented and motivated students, researchers and alumni.
INCUBATE is The University of Sydney’s Flagship Accelerator Program designed to take startups from their first MVP to their first investment, customer or dollar figure. The 14-week, internationally-recognised program supports startups to iterate their offering through skill-building masterclasses, 1:1 mentoring, industry connections and free collaborative workspace for the duration of the program.
One full day weekly in-person programming session.
Weekly guest speakers and frequent networking events.
5-minute Business Pitch at Demo Day to 250+ key industry stakeholders.
Access to INCUBATE’s community of dedicated mentors, investors and industry professionals.
$5000 Equity-Free grant upon successful completion.
2026 Key Dates
Class 22 – 2026
Applications Open: TBC
Applications Close: TBC
Interviews: TBC
Cohorts Announced: TBC
Program Dates: TBC
Eligibility
This criteria is for the Co-Curricular Accelerator Program, for information on the Startup Year BUSS4909 subject please refer to this page.
We welcome startups of all sizes - at least one founder must be a student, alumni, staff member or researcher at The University of Sydney.
Must have a working MVP or currently be in market.
Working full-time in your startup.
Revenue under $1M
On the pathway to finding product-market fit
Application and Interview Process
All applications will be judged by the INCUBATE team and our mentor panel of experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs who have founded or funded successful startup businesses.
The stages of the judging process look like:
Screening
Applicants will be screened online and selected for an interview if they meet the selected eligibility criteria.
First InterviewYou’ll have a 45-minute interview with one of the INCUBATE Team to chat through your startup and suitability for the Program.
Second Interview Your second interview will be a call with one of our mentor panel who will chat through further questions in regards to your startup idea and feasibility.
Selection
Those who are you successful will be advised of their acceptance into the Program. Upon your written commitment to the Program, you’re officially in!
The INCUBATE team are looking for global-thinking, talented and motivated students, researchers and alumni.
INCUBATE funds up to 10 high-potential startup teams. This means your business idea will:
Help solve a problem.
Be a scalable solution.
Have a big impact on your target market.
You will be required to develop your idea into a first-version product or platform, and obtain your first customers within the 3-month program period – all in time to pitch at our Demo Day. Check out our previous startups for an idea of what we have funded in the past and remember: the crazier your idea, the better. Both early-stage and later-stage startups are welcome to apply.
Applicants will ideally be able to define:
The problem you are trying to solve.
The technology or process you will use to solve this problem.
Who you think your customers will be.
The competition and market size, in Australia and around the world.
How you will go-to-market and what you will achieve in the 3 month period
