Victorian researchers can get $150k to launch startups
A $7.5 million Innovation Victoria program funds university researchers and recent graduates. Each person gets $150,000 to turn their research into a business.
Victorian university students, graduate researchers and recent graduates can apply for funding. They want to start new companies based on their research.
The Innovation Victoria program gives $60,000 to $90,000 as personal salary. The rest pays for company costs like hiring and product development.
Total per person is about $150,000. The program backs research in advanced manufacturing, agri-food, digital technologies, health and life sciences, and the clean economy.
Applications close on 2 April 2027. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in May.
The program starts in July 2027. Recipients must finish their studies before the program begins.
They must be able to work in Australia. They must serve as company directors.
They also get mentoring from university teams during their first month. The 2026 group includes a researcher developing sensors for plastic recycling.
Another person has software that predicts medicine shortages.
- $7.5 million
- Program total
- $150,000
- Per fellow funding
- April 2, 2027
- Application deadline
- 3
- 2026 fellows
Why it mattersFunding and support remove major barriers for researchers. They can turn discoveries into real businesses. Early money at the critical start helps. It increases the odds a startup survives.
AustraliaDirect support for Victorian innovation and job creation. Builds the state's startup ecosystem and helps translate university research into commercial products Australians can use.
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