Validate

Validate your venture and take the first steps to make it a reality.

We address the main reason why most startups fail — a product or service that does not solve a big enough problem for the right customer.

Whether you are working on a for-profit, a social enterprise or a not-for-profit, through talking to your potential customers you will understand the market needs and devise a sustainable business model with Ventures Validate.

After the ten-week program, your team will pitch to a judging panel for a share in $10,000 in cash prizes.

Applications are now closed for Ventures Validate.

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Ventures Validate

Validate is designed to help you and your team develop a validated business model in an interactive learning space over a period of 10 weeks. In the workshops, you will focus on key skills and processes to enhance the likelihood of your startup's success. 

Many business leaders today are focused on how they can consciously contribute to the world and use business as a vehicle for positive impact. Whether your idea is focused on social, environmental, or bottom-line impact, it is essential to incorporate specific knowledge that can help position you for long term success. You will find Impact specific topics covered in Sessions 3, 5, and 7.

Session 1. Wednesday 9 August 2023, 4-6pm
Team Building

Session 2. Tuesday 15 August 2023, 4-6pm (Due to Show Holiday)
Problem, Solution and Market Research

Session 3. Wednesday 23 August 2023, 3-5pm
Theory of Change 

Session 4. Wednesday 30 August 2023, 3-6pm
Market Validation and Mentoring Session*

Session 5. Wednesday 6 September 2023, 3-5pm
Systems of Scalability 

Session 6. Wednesday 13 September 2023, 3-6pm
Panel and Mentoring Session*

Session 7. Wednesday 20 September 2023, 3-5pm
Impact Measurement 

Session 8. Wednesday 4 October 2023, 3-6pm
Pitching and Mentoring Session*

Session 9. Wednesday 11 October 2023, 3-6pm
Pitch Semi-Finals

Session 10. Wednesday 18 October 2023, 4-6pm
Pitch Showcase

*These workshops will be delivered from 4-5pm and you will be assigned a mentoring session before the workshop (3-4pm) or after the workshop (5-6pm) based on your availability. Further details will be provided at the first session of the program.

Semester 2 Program
Program starts Wednesday 9 August 2023, 4-6pm
Program ends Wednesday 18 October 2023, 4-6pm
Applications close Monday 7 August 2023, 12pm

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Ventures Validate is an intermediate program and is open to all UQ students, staff, and recent alumni at UQ. The program requires prior experience or knowledge regarding entrepreneurship and innovation. 

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • be a current UQ student, staff member or young alumni (graduated in the last 10 years)
  • commit to attending all sessions over ten weeks
  • agree to our Terms and Conditions
  • have relevant prior learning or experience in entrepreneurship (such as a course at University, participation in a Hackathon, Ventures Curiosity etc.)
  • have an idea for a venture and be ready to validate it through a research process or committed to joining a team to work on another student's idea
  • be committed to taking your idea to the next level

Semester 2 Program

Applications are now closed for Ventures Validate.

Join our newsletter to stay up-to-date for our next program dates

Ventures Connect

Want some advice on where to get started? Ventures Connect is your chance to come together with Ventures staff, student innovators and industry experts. 

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