LaunchPad Program Structure
We meet founders where they are. Whether you’re developing an early-stage idea and looking to refine and validate it, or scaling a more established startup plan and ready to accelerate growth, our program content supports you.
Structure
12 weeks of La Trobe University curriculum.
During the program, you'll move from idea to execution through a practical, founder-focused journey. You'll learn how to research and validate your market, engage potential customers, analyse insights, build and test an MVP, leverage AI capabilities, master the art of pitching, understand startup finance, design a scalable business model, and lay the foundations for growth and investment. Along the way, you'll connect with fellow founders, receive expert guidance, and put your learning into action.
The program culminates in LaunchPad Lift-Off, La Trobe's premier networking and pitch showcase event, where you'll have the opportunity to present your startup and compete for a share of $5,000 toward your venture.
Overview: Topics and Schedule
Week 1 (hybrid)
Kick-Off Bootcamp
Meet the LaunchPad cohort and touch on topics including Founder Mindset, Business Fundamentals, Understanding the Care Economy and Human-Centred Design, Value Proposition and Design Thinking, and Storytelling
OPTIONAL: Clinical Trials Pre-Reading Module (online)
Week 2 (online)
Customer Discovery
OPTIONAL: Clinical Trials Discovery – Part 1 of 2
Week 3 (online)
Analysing the Data and Founder Case Study
BREAK
Observing week of Victorian public holiday - AFL Grand Final
Week 4 (online)
Business Model Canvas
Week 5 (online)
Product Development: Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Building and Testing
Week 6 (online)
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Refinement with AI-First Capabilities
OPTIONAL: Clinical Trials Discovery – Part 2 of 2
Week 7 (online)
Building Company Foundations: Legal and Intellectual Property (IP)
Week 8 (online)
Finance Fundamentals
BREAK
Observing week of Victorian public holiday - Melbourne Cup
Week 9 (online)
Securing Capital and Funding Pathways
Week 10 (online)
Regulation, Risk and Impact Measurement
Week 11 (online)
Go To Market Strategy
Week 12 (hybrid)
LaunchPad Lift‑Off
La Trobe’s premier networking and pitch showcase event. Includes participant 'knock-out' rounds and a pitch finale - with the chance to compete for up to $5,000 toward your venture.
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.