LaunchPad Stream Two: La Trobe Discovery
For early-stage founders who have an idea and are ready to apply the tools needed to refine and validate it.
In your application, you may nominate your preferred stream; however, program organisers will ultimately place you in the stream that best aligns with your startup’s stage and needs.
This approach ensures you receive the most tailored and effective support - whether that’s rapid acceleration or structured idea development.
Structure
- 12 weeks of La Trobe University curriculum.
If you're in the early exploration phase - with a promising idea but uncertainty around market fit, customer needs, or technical feasibility - the La Trobe Discovery Stream offers comprehensive guidance to shape and validate your startup concept.
You’ll progress through the 12-week La Trobe University curriculum, building foundational skills and testing key assumptions before joining the full LaunchPad cohort for the final push toward LaunchPad Lift Off, a premier networking and pitch showcase – and a chance to compete for $5000.
Ideal for: Emerging founders who want structured guidance to turn an early idea into a validated, investment‑ready concept.
Session content and timing
Kick Off and Bootcamp (hybrid)
Meet the LaunchPad cohort, align on goals, and establish your startup foundation.
Week 1 (online)
Conduct market research (quantitative and qualitative)
Week 2 (online)
Conduct market research (tools, platforms, software, and techniques)
Week 3
Grand Final Week
Integrated Break
Week 4 (online)
Engaging potential customers - role playing and shared journey of experience
Week 5 (online)
Analysing the data
Week 6 (online)
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) building and testing
Week 7 (online)
MVP with AI first- capabilities
Week 8 (hybrid)
Pitching 101 Masterclass: Sharpen your pitch, develop your storytelling techniques, and practice
Week 9
Melbourne Cup
Integrated Break
Week 10 (online)
Finance fundamentals
Week 11 (online)
Building company foundations
Week 12 (hybrid)
- Business model design and securing capital
- LaunchPad Lift‑Off! La Trobe’s premier networking and pitch showcase event – a chance to compete for $5000.
Contact and support
For general program enquiries and application support
Nadia Foti
LaunchPad Program and Community Coordinator
n.foti@latrobe.edu.au
Waitlist for 2027
Interested in LaunchPad but the upcoming intake doesn’t suit your timing? Join the waitlist to be notified about future cohorts.
Join the waitlist.