Top 10 Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Australia

Step into Australia’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Here, accelerators and incubators spark innovation and propel entrepreneurial dreams.

These programs go beyond mere support—they act as catalysts for growth. These startup accelerators and incubators in Australia offer mentorship and funding, along with invaluable networking opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to disrupt industries or scale your startup, these initiatives serve as your pathway to success. 

Join us as we explore the top 10 startup accelerators and incubators in Australia. Discover how these influential programs are reshaping entrepreneurship. Find out how they can empower you to turn your ideas into thriving businesses. 

Antler Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

Antler, driven by the belief that innovation is key to a better future, partners with exceptional founders across six continents.

They help launch and scale startups addressing significant opportunities and challenges. Recognizing that great founders can come from any background, Antler has established offices in 27 cities worldwide.

These cities include Austin, New York, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Bangalore, Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and Sydney. 

Since 2018, Antler has invested in over 1,000 companies that tackle meaningful challenges.

The founders supported by this exceptional startup accelerator and incubator in Australia are visionary, determined, and diverse, representing over 145 nationalities. Notably, 32% of these companies have at least one female founder.  

Antler’s global community of builders, investors, operators, experts, and partner organizations supports founders from the very start of their journey—whether pre-team or pre-idea. By 2030, Antler aims to back more than 6,000 startups across various industries and technologies. 

Ideal for:

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups across various industries. 

Programs:

Provides funding, mentorship, and support from idea stage to building a scalable business. 

Notable Features:

Global presence with a focus on pairing co-founders and turning ideas into companies. 

H2 Ventures Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

H2 Ventures, founded in 2013 by brothers Ben and Toby Heap, invests in founding teams and top emerging talent from the very beginning. They become lifelong venture partners, offering more than just capital.

H2 Ventures provides networks, mentoring, and operational guidance to bold early-stage entrepreneurs with transformative ideas in Fintech, Data, and AI. 

Their portfolio reflects a fearless approach to investing. H2 Ventures takes the riskiest leaps with founders at the earliest stages, without needing to see anything built, developed, or launched.

They believe it’s never too early to invest. By bringing together smart, passionate, and daring individuals from day one. 

This startup accelerator and incubator in Australia aims to help more startups succeed faster.

H2 Ventures backs founders who possess purpose, ingenuity, and instinct. These entrepreneurs are typically energetic, insightful, eager to learn, and respectful of others. 

Ideal for:

Fintech and data-focused startups. 

Programs:

Offers a 20-week accelerator program, including seed funding, mentorship, and access to a network of investors and industry experts. 

Notable Features:

Specializes in fintech, data, and AI sectors with a strong focus on innovation. 

Remarkable Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

Remarkable was launched in 2016 as an initiative of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA). Inspired by global competitions hosted by CPA, which led to innovations like a solar-powered wheelchair, and a hackathon inviting people with disabilities to develop cutting-edge technology, Remarkable aimed to drive similar advancements. 

Since its inception, this startup accelerator and incubator in Australia has grown to offer a variety of startup acceleration programs.

These include a fellowship for entrepreneurs with disabilities, a podcast series, industry events, and a thriving global ecosystem. 

 The initiative expanded to the US by partnering with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) to drive the Disability Tech market.

The progress made so far is a testament to the continuous support from CPA and CPARF. Together, they push boundaries, innovate, and make a significant impact. 

Ideal for:

Startups creating technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities. 

Programs:

Offers a 16-week accelerator program with seed funding, mentorship, and access to a network of disability sector experts. 

Notable Features:

Focuses on social impact and innovation in assistive technology. 

DevX Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

DevX Accel helps tech-driven, B2B-focused startups secure the capital needed for rapid expansion. As a digital accelerator, it empowers young entrepreneurs with transformative ideas, minimal traction, and high growth potential. 

DevX Accel not only catalyzes the growth of various startups but also partners with emerging ventures to help them achieve their goals.

By collaborating with this startup accelerator and incubator in Australia, you can access funding from their investor community to propel your business to the next level.

It provides business development support to accelerate your growth, including connecting you with potential customers for your products and services. Their team also facilitates connections with industry leaders, offering a comprehensive understanding of business complexities. 

To support your startup operations, it helps you create an optimal workspace with top-tier infrastructure and amenities.

As one of the leading startup accelerators and incubators in Australia, it combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to assist startups in sectors such as SaaS, Mobility, RealTech, Healthcare, Fintech, Manufacturing 4.0, and Cloud Computing. 

Ideal for:

Tech startups and entrepreneurs looking for growth opportunities. 

Programs:

Offers acceleration programs focused on scaling startups through mentorship, networking, and access to funding. 

Notable Features:

Located in multiple cities, provides a supportive environment for tech-driven innovation. 

The Founder Institute Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network for transforming ideas into fundable startups and startups into global businesses. Since its founding, FI has launched over 7,000 companies in more than 200 cities across six continents. 

Established in 2009 by serial entrepreneur Adeo Ressi and his colleague Jonathan Greechan, the program was inspired by their experiences with TheFunded.com.

They noticed that many early-stage entrepreneurs lacked the necessary structure, feedback, and support network. Initially announced on TechCrunch, the first program’s methodology was crowdsourced by over 10,000 CEO members of TheFunded.com.. 

This startup accelerator and incubator in Australia helps pre-seed entrepreneurs and teams achieve traction and secure funding.

They do this by creating a robust support network of local startup experts committed to their success. The program offers a structured, challenging business-building process that has enabled alumni to raise over $1.75 billion. 

Ideal for:

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups across various industries. 

Programs:

Provides a structured four-month program with mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. 

Notable Features:

Global network with a strong curriculum focused on startup development. 

WSU Launch Pad Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

WSU Launch Pad Startup Accelerator is open to all entrepreneurs, not just Western students. Participants benefit from world-class mentors, including experienced Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs), who provide a playbook of best practices.

The program offers a part-time schedule, allowing participants to maintain their day jobs while attending virtual sessions and in-person workshops at the Parramatta Engineering Innovation Hub. 

 The accelerator emphasizes holistic founder care, offering personalized support for both personal and business growth.

Participants also gain access to cutting-edge facilities like Makerspace, VR/AR studios, podcast studios, and micro-factories, along with a network of industry experts, fellow founders, and over $200k worth of partner perks. – Write another para to join it  

This startup accelerator and incubator in Australia fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.

By connecting with university experts, researchers, and students, participants can leverage a wealth of knowledge and resources to advance their ventures.  

Ideal for:

Startups and entrepreneurs associated with Western Sydney University. 

Programs:

Offers acceleration programs, mentorship, office space, and access to university resources. 

Notable Features:

Strong ties to Western Sydney University, providing access to research and academic expertise. 

Slingshot Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

Craig Lambert and Trent Bagnall bring over 60 years of combined experience in driving innovation across various industries in Australia and overseas.

Their complementary skills, knowledge, and expertise have shaped Slingshot’s growth and evolution. Together, they form the yin and yang that continuously propel Slingshot forward. 

The Slingshot team mirrors the founders’ experience and diversity. Built on the values of hard work, honesty, respect, and inclusion, the team is committed to supporting each other and embracing tough conversations and decisions when necessary. 

 This startup accelerator and incubator in Australia values every team member, past and present, recognizing their contributions to the company’s success.

Focused on impactful innovation, Slingshot has been a leading provider of corporate innovation programs in Australia since 2013, collaborating with prominent organizations such as HCF, News Corp, Qantas, Lion, Clubs NSW, and Caltex. 

Ideal for:

Startups in various industries, particularly those looking to collaborate with corporates. 

Programs:

Offers accelerator and incubator programs, including funding, mentorship, and corporate partnerships. 

Notable Features:

Focuses on corporate innovation and scaling startups through industry connections. 

Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

Powered by the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) has supported over 100 startups. These startups have collectively raised over $250 million in funding, generated more than $250 million in revenue, and created over 1,500 jobs. 

Each year, 11 teams are chosen for the five-month MAP Accelerator Program. They receive mentoring from Australia’s top business minds, access to a global network of advisors, channel partners, and investors, and $20,000 in funding with no equity taken.

Since 2022, an additional 11th spot in the program has been dedicated to the Social Impact Sustainability and Climate Stream, thanks to Melbourne Climate Futures. 

This startup accelerator and incubator in Australia also offers the MAP Velocity Program for early-stage founders, the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre Fireside Chat and Masterclass series, and various events and festivals in collaboration with Melbourne Connect.

Committed to diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and impact, MAP is one of the few accelerator programs with a full-time social impact manager. 

Ideal for:

Early-stage startups with high growth potential. 

Programs:

Provides a five-month accelerator program, including mentorship, office space, and access to funding. 

Notable Features:

Associated with the University of Melbourne, offering strong ties to academia and research. 

Cicada Innovations Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

Cicada Innovations champions the most ambitious deep tech ventures dedicated to solving critical global issues. They prioritize groundbreaking opportunities in climate, energy, agriculture, medicine, manufacturing, and space.

With a commitment to fostering innovation, Cicada Innovations is at the forefront of addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. 

In the realm of climate and energy, Cicada Innovations supports startups developing sustainable solutions to combat climate change and promote renewable energy sources.

These ventures aim to reduce carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and create a cleaner, greener planet.  

In agriculture, this exceptional startup accelerator and incubator in Australia backs technologies that revolutionize food production, increase crop yields, and promote sustainable farming practices, ensuring food security for a growing global population. 

Ideal for:

Deep tech startups in fields like medtech, agtech, and advanced manufacturing. 

Programs:

Provides incubation and acceleration programs, lab space, mentorship, and access to funding. 

Notable Features:

Focuses on science and engineering-based startups with a strong emphasis on innovation. 

Innovyz Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Australia 

Founded in 2009, Innovyz has evolved beyond a mere commercialization company to encompass roles as an accelerator, incubator, venture capitalist, and management consultancy.

The team boasts extensive business expertise, industry-specific network connections, and access to funding crucial for tackling global challenges through essential innovations. 

Innovyz operates collaboratively with individuals, universities, and research organizations across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (through Innovyz USA).

Constantly scouting for cutting-edge technologies, this startup accelerator and incubator in Australia integrates them into its commercialization platform to establish and nurture profitable enterprises. 

By partnering with universities and research organizations, Innovyz identifies promising technologies and provides the necessary resources and support to transform them into successful businesses.

This strategic alignment enables Innovyz to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth by commercializing impactful innovations that address pressing global challenges. 

Ideal for:

Early-stage startups with innovative products and technologies. 

Programs:

Provides acceleration programs, mentorship, office space, and access to funding opportunities. 

Notable Features:

Emphasizes commercialization and scaling of innovative technologies. 

Conclusion

Startup accelerators and incubators in Australia play a crucial role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial success.

From providing mentorship and funding to offering access to networks and state-of-the-art facilities, these programs empower founders to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

Whether through specialized support for deep tech ventures or inclusive programs for diverse entrepreneurs, these accelerators are pivotal in driving Australia’s startup ecosystem forward and shaping the future of business and technology innovation in the region.