La Trobe University Startup Year
A transformative 12-week program designed for aspiring founders and change-makers.
Open to La Trobe students, alumni, and members of the public with industry experience, La Trobe University Startup Year (Startup Year) is a program designed for aspiring founders with a viable business idea.
The initiative offers a structured 12-week pathway for participants to develop ideas toward making a viable business, facilitated through a series of masterclasses, workshops, and 1:1 coaching on subjects including:
- Product validation and design
- Market fundamentals & strategy
- Business development
- Ethics, Governance, & Sustainability
- Legal & Finance fundamentals.
Startup Year will explore Market Validated Product (MVP) construction and technological development pivotal to transforming an innovative concept into a market-ready product. This starts with rigorous market validation, which involves extensive customer discovery and feedback collection to ensure the product aligns with market needs.
At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas and showcase their new skills at Startup Fest. They will have the chance to win $5,000 for 1st prize, $2,000 for 2nd and $2,000 for 3rd place.
Program Details
- Duration: 29 July to 22 October
- Location: Hybrid
- Time Commitment: 6 hours per week, plus additional independent assignment work.
Participants gain essential skills to lead with integrity, innovate sustainably, and shape the future of entrepreneurship. The program includes validation and conception of prototypes, 1:1 mentorship, and potential academic credits (La Trobe SCEMS students only).
Additionally, you will learn how to:
- Validate your idea through market research fundamentals
- Construct your business model
- Market and manage an online presence
- Pitch to investors and/or customers
- Understand business fundamentals including IP, Legal, Finance, and Governance
- Develop a go-to-market strategy
- Understand and embrace the importance of culture, ethics, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).
Designed by La Trobe Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the School of Computer Engineering & Mathematical Sciences (SCEMS), the program supports you in the validation and conception of your prototype, as well as the potential opportunity to receive accreditation for two subjects*:
* Counts as credit towards CSE5003 (elective available to all SCEMS students engaged in a Master's program with completed 60 credit points)
*Counts as credit towards CSE3PPE and/or CSE3CAP (only available to SCEMS students enrolled in an undergraduate).
Cost: $2,950
Startup Year is an Australian government initiative. Eligible domestic students and recent graduates can gain access to a new form of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) assistance, via STARTUP-HELP loan and participate in Startup Year with no up-front costs.
Students selected for STARTUP-HELP loan places will also be eligible for income support, where they meet other eligibility requirements. For more information visit the STARTUP-HELP loan website.
Program Schedule
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Applications close: Friday 5 July at 11.59pm.
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Phase 1: Monday 29 July - Friday 6 September
Participants engage in intensive workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions. -
Mid-Program Break: Monday 9 September - Friday 13 September
Intermission for reflection, networking, and refining ideas.
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Phase 2: Monday 16 September - Thursday 18 October
Participants focus on business model development, market research, and refining their startup concepts.
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Startup Fest (Pitch Day):Tuesday 22 October
Exclusive opportunity for participants to present their startup ideas to La Trobe University's investor network.
FAQs
Applications close: Friday 5 July at 11.59pm.
- 1 x 2-hour Masterclass
- 1 x 2-hour workshop
- 1-2 hours of 1:1 coaching
- Additional time for variable networking events.
Startup Year is open to graduates, current students, and individuals with industry experience, who are passionate about entrepreneurship and have a viable business idea they wish to pursue.
Current domestic students and recent graduates (no longer than 36 months from graduation) may be eligible for the STARTUP-HELP provided by the Australian Government.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) can be submitted via the button at the top of this webpage, or here. You will need to provide information about your background, education, entrepreneurial experience, and details about your business idea.
We will assess applications and invite successful candidates to participate in an interview in which we will assess your aptitude for the program.
Following the interview, the panel will review and be in contact regarding the outcome of your participation prior to the July start date.
Selection criteria may include the viability and innovation of your business idea, passion and commitment to entrepreneurship, potential for leadership and collaboration, and ability to benefit from and contribute to Startup Year.
Participants have access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, workshops, and training sessions on various aspects of entrepreneurship, co-working spaces or incubator facilities, networking opportunities, and potential funding or investment support.
Startup Year runs for 12 weeks from Monday 29 July to Tuesday 22 October 2024.
Participants may have the flexibility to balance their involvement in the Startup Year program with other commitments such as studies or work. However, a considerable time commitment (6 hours per week) is usually required to benefit from the program fully.
Upon completion of Startup Year, participants are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to continue developing and growing their ventures independently. Some may choose to seek further support through incubator programs, accelerators, or additional funding opportunities.
Contact Us
For more information about Startup Year, reach out to the Innovation & Entrepreneurship team at accelerator@latrobe.edu.au.
Can't make it? To stay up to date with future La Trobe entrepreneurship activities and opportunities, submit a general Expression of Interest.