ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Initiate Program
This dynamic program is designed to equip you with the fundamentals needed to launch your own startup when the time is right.
Applications open on Monday 13 October 2025, and close at 11:59pm on Monday 3 November 2025.
Master the fundamentals of launching a startup
Have you always dreamt of starting your own business venture? The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Initiate Startup Program offers the perfect foundation to help you turn that dream into reality.
By joining the Initiate Program, you'll be immersed in a supportive community of like-minded individuals. You'll gain access to weekly workshops with industry experts dedicated to helping you set your startup up for long-term success.
Key benefits of the Initiate Program
Personalised approach
Not all startups or founders are the same – limited number of participants ensures you're not just another number
Weekly workshops
Topics include entrepreneurial mindset and problem validation,
Pitch coaching sessions
An opportunity to deliver a compelling pitch to a live audience at the end of the program (for those who wish to)
Initiate Program
Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Initiate Program.
Not sure if the Initiate Program is for you?
The Initiate Program is designed for ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app University of Technology students, staff and alumni with an early-stage startup idea or an interest in learning the fundamentals of launching a startup.
Want to learn more?
Watch the information video now.
Have questions about the Initiate Program?
- Email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au
- Connect with us on for the latest program updates
- Sign up to
Schedule a session with us
You can also schedule a 15-minute session with our team to discuss your application and goals for the program. Simply email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au to lock in a time.
Frequently asked questions
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Monday 13 October 2025 |
| Applications close | 11.59pm, Monday 3 November 2025 |
| Program period | Tuesday 11 November - Tuesday 2 December |
- Round 2 (June): For those who are interested in a virtual option, the Innovation Studio hosts an online version of the Initiate Program (Round 2) every year.
- Round 3 (December): All workshops for the Initiate Program will take place in person at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app's Hawthorn campus and will not be recorded. Therefore, to take part in the program, in-person attendance for all workshops is required.
A maximum of 40 startup teams or individuals will be accepted into each round of the Initiate Program.
Yes, both solo founders and groups are invited to apply for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Initiate Program.
Certainly! Even if you don't have a startup idea yet, you are still welcome to apply for the program. The program is designed to teach you the fundamentals of launching a startup, including developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
There are no prerequisites for the Initiate Program. All ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app staff, students and alumni can apply regardless of their level of entrepreneurial or business knowledge.
The Initiate Program is designed for early ideation phase startups or individuals looking to learn more about the entrepreneurial journey.
If your startup company is advanced enough to have received funding for commercialisation and growth, please look at our other programs to help you on your way.
If your startup is based on research that has received funding for the basic science but not the commercialisation plan, you may apply for this program.
The Initiate Program is tailored for very early-stage startups or those interested in learning the foundations of launching a business venture, therefore no financial support, such as grants or prizes, is offered.
While a guaranteed workspace is not assured, participants have access to Level 1 of the Innovation Studio, which offers a variety of amenities, including tables, chairs, screens and a kitchen – available for everyone to use.
The Initiate Program does not offer free services as its primary focus is on providing foundational education for launching a venture. However, our later-stage startup programs, Luminate and Elevate, do include access to complimentary services.
Explore more of our programs
-
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Luminate Program
-
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Elevate Program
-
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Initiate Express (Virtual Program)
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, need more information or you're wondering how ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Innovation Studio can help turn your big idea into a real thing, contact us via email at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.