Ventures ilab Accelerator

Take your idea to the next level with our ilab Accelerator program.

ilab Accelerator runs for three-months each year and offers a $10,000 equity-free funding to each team. The program also includes workshops, mentoring, an Entrepreneur in Residence, partner incentives, desk space and introductions to investors. We welcome startups from all disciplines – from robotics to social enterprises.

Applications are now closed for the 2021 ilab Accelerator program

Video: Watch our ilab Accelerator startup founders pitch at our 2020 virtual pitch night.

ilab Accelerator 2021 program will run from early January to mid April

Weekly contact days include:

Founder updates to the cohort
Talks from industry experts, founders and Entrepreneurs in Residence e.g. IP, agreements, marketing, team building, partnerships, founders’ stories.
Structured program and mentoring with Entrepreneurs in Residence and industry mentors
Founder health and wellbeing

Throughout the program your team will have access to:

24/7 co-working space and makerspace
regular seminars supporting early-stage startups
mentors, our Entrepreneur in Residence and a network of professionals and potential investors
partnership benefits from Google, Microsoft, AWS, Hubspot, Matlab, Makerspace and more.

Each startup accepted into the program will receive $10,000 in equity-free funding.

Pitch Night event to be held in mid April to showcase founders to the ecosystem and investor network.

We are looking for passionate and committed founders who have validated their value proposition, an initial sustainable business model and a solution.

When you apply you will need to provide evidence of customer interviews, market research and business modelling. Having a minimum viable product is ideal, but is not required to join the program.

At least half of your team members must be part of the UQ community by either being a:

current UQ student
recent alumni of UQ (10 years or less)
UQ staff member or researcher

ilab Accelerator Program Overview and Terms and Conditions

ilab Accelerator Agreement

You will be required to sign the ilab Accelerator Agreement to participate in the program. Please review agreement. Participating in the Accelerator program is a full-time commitment.

Founders are expected to participate in at least 90 per cent of the provided workshops and accountability sessions. Lower participation may result in the team losing their funding and being removed from the program.

Applications are now closed for the ilab Accelerator 2021.

Application Process

Places in the Accelerator program are highly competitive. Founders must complete a four-stage application process to be accepted into the program.

Stage 1. Online application and video
You will be required to fill out an application outlining evidence of customer interviews, market research and business modelling. Your team will also be required to submit a short video introducing the team.

Stage 2. ilab Selections: First round interviews
Shortlisted candidates from Stage 1 will be invited to participate in a selection process of first round interviews. Founders will pitch their business to our selection committee of experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and judges. Followed by a series of interview questions.
Stage 3. ilab Selections: Second round interviews
The candidates from the first round of interviews will be narrowed down further and the successful candidates will be invited to the second round of interviews during the following week. These interviews are designed to probe further into your company and provide advice and feedback on how the founders might fit within ilab.
Stage 4. Successful startups notified
The selection committee will decide on the final cohort based on Stage 3. Startups will be notified on Friday 4 December 2020. Successful teams will be required to sign the ilab Accelerator Agreement prior to starting the program.