Validate

Making sure you have a product you can sell.

Validate is the next step for those progressing from the Ventures Curiosity program or for students already working on a project. This program is designed to bring together student founders from all faculties, providing the tools and insights needed to refine, test, and validate their ideas. Validate sessions are available in-person and online.

As a key feeder into our Hustle, Empower, and ilab Accelerator programs, participants in Validate will have the opportunity to either be invited or selected through an application process to take their ventures to the next level. With $10,000 in prize money and additional financial and mentoring support from our industry partners, Validate equips founders with the network, skills, and resources they need to take the next steps along their journey.

Apply to Ventures Validate

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Key dates and times:

Kick-off Wednesday 26 March 2025

Program 1 (in-person): Wednesday (12-2pm)
Program 2 (online): Wednesday (5:30-7pm)

Session 1. Introduction and Team Formation
The first step towards your success is to connect with like-minded individuals and find your co-founders. Build the foundation of your team to continue building your product.

Session 2. Curiosity x Validate Mixer
Experience the Ventures core program community firsthand! Meet potential teammates and recruit talented individuals to strengthen your team.

Session 3. Mentor Session
Gain valuable insights from mentors in your industry and refine your team’s focus. Define your plan to make the most of your time in Validate.

Session 4. Competitors and Why it's Important to Start Talking to Customers
Identify the players in your industry, uncover gaps, and learn how to make what you're building useful, and stand out from the rest. Find your competitive edge and define your unique value.

Session 5. Getting Traction
Discover why traction matters. Learn how to pace your startup's growth, build credibility, and prove you’re a team worth backing.

Session 6. Mentor Session
Work with your mentor to solidify your strategy and steer your team toward achieving your Validate goals. Maximise your progress as the program wraps up.

Session 7. Pitching and Storytelling
Master the art of pitching and storytelling. Learn how to captivate your audience, clearly communicate your vision, and inspire them to take action.

Session 8. Pitching Practise
Present your pitch to aspiring VCs, investors, and industry experts. Receive constructive feedback to refine your presentation ahead of Industry Finals and Demo Day.

Session 9. Industry Pitches
Pitch to a panel of industry judges for the opportunity to be part of the Demo Day. Show your progress, showcase your value, and share why you're the team to tackle the problem.

Session 10. Demo Day
Celebrate the achievements of the Validate cohort. Hear the strongest startup teams pitch for their chance to take home part of the $10,000 prize money.

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 prior experience or knowledge regarding design thinking, and entrepreneurship and innovation
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 1 2025

Apply to Ventures Validate

Semester 2 2024

Applications for Ventures Validate are now closed.

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Validate

Key dates and times:

Ventures Connect