Applications for Curtin University’s Accelerate 2023 cohort are open until October 28, with organisers announcing a number of key improvements aimed at making it the most competitive program of its kind in Australia.
Established in 2013, Curtin Accelerate has long been one of WA's leading start-up programs, building business ideas for commercial success under the guidance of specialist mentors.
More than 60 companies and 100 founding team members have participated in the intensive, free program, many going on to launch successful products, win awards, and receive investment funding.
Newly appointed Curtinnovation Programs Manager Geremy Farr-Wharton says the team has improved the 2023 program even further, with a view to boosting entrepreneurial capability development.
To help achieve this Accelerate 2023 has been extended from 10 to 12 weeks, allowing more time for participant mentoring and support from the program’s facilitators, which in the past have included such high-profile experts as Perth-based venture consultant Larry Lopez, Kanopy founder Olivia Humphrey and Silicon Valley–based investor Bill Tai.
“The 2023 iteration of Curtin Accelerate will support start-up founders in addressing fundamental aspects of building an early stage company – everything they need to make great products and great businesses,” Mr Farr-Wharton says.
In other major changes, the Program has gained Early Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) eligibility, through a private ruling by the Australian Taxation Office, meaning participating companies will now receive 50 of the 100 points required to qualify as an ESIC.
Mr Farr-Wharton says the ruling is timely, with the establishment of Curtin’s Venture Studio enabling participating companies to gain access to the institution’s infrastructure, facilities, and services to further develop their innovation, making an Accelerate alumni even more attractive to investors.
This is in addition to other Curtin Accelerate benefits which include a $5,000 equity-free grant, consideration for Curtin’s $50,000 Kickstart fund, free registration to the 2022 West Tech Fest Conference, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket and entry into phase one of Spacecubed’s Leap Founder Bootcamp program based in Perth – the precursor to the Plus Eight Accelerator program.
“Through Accelerate, our ambition is to grow the entrepreneurial capabilities of the Curtin community whilst supporting them to transform their innovative product or service into a thriving scalable business,” Mr Farr-Wharton says.
“With the ESIC qualification, it has never been easier for our start-ups to attract investment, helping them to grow and scale their businesses faster and more sustainably.”
