Swinburne Initiate Program
This dynamic five-week course is designed to equip you with the fundamentals to launch your own startup.
Applications for the Initiate Program are now closed
Stay tuned by following us on LinkedIn and subscribing to the Innovation Studio Newsletter for upcoming program announcements to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Master the fundamentals of launching a startup
Have you always dreamed of starting your own business venture? Equip yourself with the foundations to successfully launch a startup with the Swinburne Initiate Program.
Through participating in the five-week Initiate Program, you’ll be surrounded by a valuable community of like-minded individuals, gaining access to weekly workshops and mentors to set your venture up for long-term success.
Key benefits of the Initiate Program
Personalised approach
Not all startups or founders are the same – limited number of participants ensures you're not just another number
Weekly workshops
Topics include entrepreneurial mindset, problem validation, path to MVP and storytelling framework
Guest speakers and networking opportunities
Connect with like-minded individuals, gain mentorship and guidance from startup founders with knowledge and experience
Pitch coaching sessions
Access to expert coaches to help you create, refine and deliver a compelling pitch to a live audience at the end of the program
Not sure if the Initiate Program is for you?
The Initiate Program is perfect for Swinburne University of Technology students, staff and alumni with an early-stage startup idea or an interest in learning the fundamentals of launching a startup.
Have questions about the Initiate Program?
- Email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.
- Subscribe to the Innovation Studio Newsletter.
- Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest program updates.
Schedule a session with us
You can also schedule a 15-minute session with our team to discuss your application and goals for the program. Simply email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au to lock in a time.
Frequently asked questions
Activity | Date |
---|---|
Info Night | Wednesday 24 January 2024 |
Applications open | Wednesday 24 January 2024 |
Applications close | 11.59pm, Sunday 4 February 2024 |
Program period | Tuesday 13 February – Tuesday 12 March 2024 |
All workshops for the Initiate Program will be held in person at Swinburne University of Technology's Hawthorn campus.
A maximum of 25 startup teams or individuals will be accepted into the Initiate Program.
Yes, we encourage solo founders to apply for the Initiate Program.
The Initiate Program is designed for early ideation phase startups or individuals looking to learn more about the entrepreneurial journey.
If your startup company is advanced enough to have received funding for commercialisation and growth, please look at our other programs to help you on your way.
If your startup is based on research that has received funding for the basic science but not the commercialisation plan, you may apply for this program.
The Initiate Program is tailored for very early-stage startups and focuses on teaching fundamental skills for launching a business venture, therefore no financial support, such as grants or prizes, is offered.
While a guaranteed workspace is not assured, participants have access to Level 1 of the Innovation Studio, which offers a variety of amenities, including tables, chairs, screens and a kitchen – available for everyone to use.
The Initiate Program does not offer free services as its primary focus is on providing foundational education for launching a venture. However, our later-stage startup programs, Luminate and Elevate, do include access to complimentary services.
Stay tuned on the Innovation Studio website for more info on our programs designed for founders at all stages of the entrepreneurial journey.
Explore more of our programs
-
Swinburne Luminate Program
-
Masterclasses
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, need more information or you're wondering how Swinburne Innovation Studio can help turn your big idea into a real thing, contact us via email at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.