Following the success of the University of South Australia’s Venture Catalyst startup program which began in 2014, the new Venture Catalyst incubation program combines key learnings with technical and business advisers and one on one mentoring to deliver a program that supports early stage startup founders to plan and successfully execute their journey towards building a globally scalable and investment ready business.
This six month incubator program is delivered by the Innovation & Collaboration with ICC Entrepreneur in Residence Kirk Drage and his company LeapSheep. After 12 years at Microsoft in roles such as Head of Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Relations for Asia Pacific (based in Singapore), Drage spent time in Silicon Valley developing Artificial Intelligence products and services before returning home to Adelaide in 2015 passionate about supporting committed entrepreneurs.
Please note, this program is available at the ICC in Adelaide and available at the ICC Whyalla (ICC Whyalla applications do not have to be connected to UniSA).
A series of capability workshops designed for founders (two per month).
One-on-one mentoring and group sessions.
Workspace in a modern co-working environment including access to meeting spaces, kitchen and Wi-Fi at the ICC in UniSA’s new $247m Cancer Research Institute.
Access to a pool of global expert advisers.
A series of capability workshops designed for founders (two per month).
One-on-one mentoring and group sessions.
Workspace in a modern co-working environment including access to meeting spaces, kitchen and Wi-Fi at the ICC in UniSA’s new $247m Cancer Research Institute.
Access to a pool of global expert advisers from the space industry.
There are many definitions of what a startup is. The ICC describe a startup as a company working to solve a problem or disrupt the market in some way, generally under condition of uncertainty. Disruption describes innovations that displace – or dramatically interrupt – how we think, behave, live and do business.
Generally speaking, Venture Catalyst will not fund applications for the following reasons:
Applications will be accepted on a monthly basis.
Applications should be submitted by the 15th day of each month.
It is anticipated that applications will take 6-10 weeks to review.
“By being located in the ICC, we have had access to world-class mentors whom we meet with on a regular basis. We [were] also exposed to business leaders and potential clients through the range of ICC events and this expanded our network and possible client base.”
Noelle Smit
Co-Founder, Teamgage
“What began as a mix of hobby-development just over five years ago, has now turned into a full-time commercial venture. Apart from giving us the support and resources to focus on product development, access to the working space and resources has been immensely helpful for us pre-cash flow, which has been so valuable.”
Tim Simon
Co-founder, Studio Buddy
“The Venture Catalyst program has allowed us to progress our idea from an early stage project to a working prototype (an online mental health platform) that we’ve recently piloted in South Australia and Europe (including the Netherlands and United Kingdom). It helped us refine our offering and learn how to market it. We’re still using the Business Model Canvas from a workshop 12 months ago and pitching to a life panel helped us identify areas for improvement.”
Joseph Skewes
Co-Founder, Secure Nest
“Since winning Venture Catalyst, we have had massive exposure to the entire UniSA faculty, which has aided in getting advice from various departments. The ICC has provided us with advice on getting investor-ready as well as giving advice on when it is a good time to take on an investor.”
Lindon Lark
Co-Founder, Blend Etiquette
Applications will be accepted on a rolling monthly basis. Submit yours by the 15th of any month.
If shortlisted, you are likely to be asked to attend a short (45 min) informal interview to expand on your idea and allow the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) to meet the key members of your team.
It is anticipated that applications will take 6-10 weeks to review and following this, you will be contacted.
The founder of the business must be based in South Australia and committed to establishing the business here.
The program is offered at the ICC Adelaide and the ICC Whyalla. Whyalla applications do not have to be connected to UniSA to qualify.
This program is based on individual support and mentoring to help you get your idea off the ground. This is not a grant program.
This program is 100% equity free. You retain any and all of your equity as a participant of this program.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer any support with visas. You should consult the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for information about possible visa options.
Download our Venture Catalyst Application Form (docx) and our Application Pack (pdf).
