San Francisco Startup AdVenture

Students participating in a Startup AdVenture can expect to:

• Gain first-hand experience of life in a startup 
• Gain valuable insights into a global startup ecosystem
• Network with global startups and leaders in innovation
• Develop their entrepreneurial skills through attending events, workshops and activities organised by UQ Ventures, program partners and other program contributors 
• Collaborate with peers and build connections through team building activities and social activities 
• Build resilience and step outside their comfort zone to learn new skills and test your limits 
• Undertake a project (agreed with your startup) to extend their learning experience

Participation in a Startup AdVenture enables students to:

• Develop cross-cultural awareness, communication and digital work capabilities
• Build their understanding of a global startup ecosystem
• Complete a real-world, international business project that you can add to their portfolio
• Develop and apply entrepreneurial skills highly valued by employers across industries globally
• Gain confidence in presenting and pitching
• Grow their global networks and connections
• Form new friendships with fellow participants 

Successful applicants will have the cost of their participation in the program covered by a UQ Grant. 

Successful applicants who are invited to join a Startup AdVenture program do not need to do anything in relation to the funding - the UQ Grant will be automatically applied by the UQ Ventures team. 

Funding through the New Colombo Program (NCP) Grant scheme, for participation in the Startup AdVenture program, is currently not available.

San Francisco is an expensive city.

You MUST research the cost of living in San Francisco, including groceries, eating out, Uber fares for common routes, etc. and ensure you are prepared and have adequate funds to cover your food, drink, meals, transportation and other expenditure for the duration of the program.

Check out cost of living resources such as:

• Budget Direct Insurance: Cost of living compare Brisbane vs San Francisco
• Numbeo: Cost of living San Francisco

Ensure the following steps have been completed: 

• Eligibility verification: Confirmed eligibility to apply for and participate in the Startup AdVenture program.
• Review the Terms & Conditions: Read and understand the program’s requirements, expectations, and participant obligations outlined in the Startup AdVenture Terms & Conditions document.
• Application preparation: Provided clear, concise, honest, and meaningful answers that directly address the selection criteria.

Reviewed resources from UQ Careers and Employability for guidance on writing a strong application, if assistance was needed.

"The Startup AdVenture Program has been the best program of my life - it was truly an experience that is not offered anywhere else in the world! You get to level up 100x in your way of thinking, experience things you never thought you'd be able to, discover incredible career possibilities, make connections with the most ambitious people in the world, and get to explore the biggest companies right in the heart of their headquarters. There is not a single reason as to why you wouldn't join this life-changing program!"

Quianna, 2nd year Bachelor of Business Management student

"The Startup AdVenture program was an amazing opportunity to gain leadership skills and startup expertise that I’ve now translated to my own deep tech company. I am also so grateful for the experience as I’ve gained new life-long friends who share a mission for innovating for a better future. I highly recommend this uniquely immersive experience that cannot be accessed elsewhere."

Naomi, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Psychology & Neuroscience graduate