Ventures’ Empower Pre-Accelerator and ilab Accelerator programs are once again open for applications.
But what exactly are these programs, and how can they help you? Let’s dive in.
What are Pre-Accelerator and Accelerator Programs?
Traditionally, both pre-accelerator and accelerator programs support high-growth, early-stage startups with mentoring, resources, and funding to help them scale rapidly. The key difference lies in the stage of development.
Our ilab Accelerator fits this traditional model. Innovative startups with a hyper-growth focus receive Venture Capital (VC) funding through a SAFE note from UniQuest Extension Fund and are supported to accelerate their growth in-market over 3 months.
Our Empower Pre-Accelerator, however, is a little different. Rather than focusing only on hyper-growth, VC-backable startups, Empower supports very early-stage businesses and social enterprises to build strong foundations and explore a range of funding options. While there is still a focus on scalable business models, we work with a broader range of ventures, including those that may not follow a hyper-growth trajectory.
Who are Empower and ilab for?
The ilab Accelerator isn’t for everyone. It’s for startups aiming for the stars, who want to go big, run fast, scale quickly, and explore venture capital funding to make it happen. If that excites you, ilab may be the perfect fit for you and your startup.
Teams entering ilab need to be “ready to rev.” They should already be in market, or ready to go-to-market within the program timeframe. They also need to be a registered company before the program begins to be eligible for the SAFE note investment from UniQuest.
“ilab is designed to help startups move fast, make smart decisions, and grow with purpose — and for MyHive, it delivered exactly that."
- Nicholas, co-founder of MyHive
Empower is designed for those earlier in their journey, or for founders with business models that may not align with a hyper-growth, VC-funded pathway. Teams should have validated their idea and be committed to building it into a business. However, no traction, revenue, or company registration is required to join.
“What I’ve learned and achieved in such a short time is staggering. I’ve been sitting on this program [Empower] for years, unsure whether it was even a good idea or what it would ultimately look like. To now have such clarity, and even a little confidence that I might actually pull this off, is incredible.” - Naomi, Founder of reMYnd
What can Empower and ilab participants expect?
Community. Mentorship. Expertise. Growth.
Across both programs, there is a strong focus on community. Some of the most valuable connections you’ll make are with the people in your cohort. These relationships often become a key source of support as you navigate the highs and lows of startup life.
“I joined Ventures Empower because I realised I couldn’t continue building my startup in isolation. I needed to be alongside other early-stage founders and gain access to the network of brilliant entrepreneurs operating here in South East Queensland.” - Jenna, founder of Lilo Living
Both Empower and ilab are supported by expert Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, who bring a wealth of experience and coach participants throughout the program and often beyond.
The amazing networks we have at Ventures also can’t be overstated. Each program features experts across areas such as law, finance, marketing, and branding, alongside guest founders who have ‘been there, done that’ and return to the programs to share their insights and lived experiences.
“ilab was critical in helping us develop the fundamentals of building a company. We worked with some of the best mentors and had access to amazing resources, which helped us move faster and grow.” - Adeep, Co-Founder of Pollinate
What if I don’t have my own business idea but want to get involved?
If you’re a UQ student without your own business idea, but with skills and experience to contribute, consider applying for the Empower Aspiring Entrepreneur Pathway.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs will be matched with a startup in the Empower Pre-Accelerator and will learn alongside and support the founder(s) for the duration of the 10-week program.
“I got to take my knowledge from my courses and actually apply it to help a startup with planning, research, pitch structure, and design. I also learnt a lot from the group discussions in each session. This program helped me understand how all the moving parts come together. I feel much more confident to start my own venture because I now have those insights.” - 2026 Empower Aspiring Entrepreneur
Find out more
If you’ve been working on an idea or building your startup, apply now or join an information session to learn more:
> Empower Pre-Accelerator
> ilab Accelerator