Open Grants
Grants For programs
Grants for Pre-accelerator Programs
LaunchVic has opened a new grants round offering up to $400,000 for programs that support early-stage founders building AI and DeepTech startups.
Timings for this grant round:
| Round launched: | Wednesday 19th November 2025 at 10am (AEDT) |
| Information Session: | Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 11am by webinar (AEDT) |
| Round Closes: | Wednesday 28th January 2026 at 5pm (AEDT) |
| Communications: | to unsuccessful and applicants moving to Stage 2 by 12th February 2026 |
| Q&A Session: | Thursday 19th February 2026 |
| Communications: | to unsuccessful and applicants moving to the next stage late Feb |
| Contracting: | Contract execution with recipients expected in April 2026 |
| Announcement: | An announcement will follow once contracts are executed |
Overview
The Victorian startup ecosystem has undergone significant growth in the past 8 years, with the number of startups increasing over three times from around 1,000 to over 4,300. However, globally leading startup ecosystems support many more startups, which in turn contribute to economic growth through job creation. It is therefore imperative that we continue to support the creation of new startups in Victoria.
Pre-accelerator programs have proven to be one of the most effective ways to stimulate startup creation. These programs provide aspiring founders with the early-stage support, mentorship, and networks needed to turn ideas into viable businesses, strengthening Victoria’s pipeline of innovative companies.
Building on the success of 30 previously supported pre-accelerator programs across a range of sectors, LaunchVic is now seeking to fund new pre-accelerators that support early-stage founders focused on building AI and DeepTech Startups.
Encouraging more early-stage founders to develop AI and DeepTech Startups will help strength Victoria’s position as a leader in emerging technologies.
LaunchVic welcomes pre-accelerators targeted on the Victorian Government’s priority sectors including health technologies, circular economy, agribusiness, digital technologies including AI and quantum, and advanced manufacturing and defence. Sector agnostic pre-accelerators may also apply, however they should demonstrate a strong AI or DeepTech component in their service delivery.
Grants For Investors
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Grants for startups
Looking for a direct startup grant? LaunchVic primarily funds programs, accelerators and investment groups. While startups may receive funding through these initiatives, LaunchVic does not offer open, direct grant applications for individual startups.
Other funding opportunties for your startup
Types of funding
Explore non-dilutive and dilutive options and the pros and cons of both with this explainer article.
Investor Directory
View a list of venture capital funds, angel networks, and venture debt providers actively backing local startups.
Preparing to raise funding
A brief introduction to venture capital and how to get ready for a capital raise.
Program Directory
LaunchVic funds a variety of startup entrepreneurship programs, or accelerators, for startups seeking funding.
Unsolicited Proposals
LaunchVic may in rare circumstances accept unsolicited proposals for grant funding outside of its published grant rounds or re-funding of high-performing programs. Please see here for programs previously funded.
While we don’t fund startups directly through these proposals, the programs we support are designed to help early-stage and scaling startups succeed.
We endeavour to review unsolicited proposals quarterly; however, LaunchVic is under no obligation to do so or provide feedback.
Proposal Assessment Criteria
All unsolicited proposals must demonstrate strong alignment with the following principles:
- Alignment with strategy – The proposal clearly aligns with LaunchVic’s strategy 2024-2028.
- Uniqueness – The applicant is uniquely positioned to deliver the program. i.e. there is no other organisation that could do what you are proposing.
- Expertise – The applicant demonstrates the professional expertise and capability to deliver a successful outcome with minimal risk.
- Impact – The proposal responds to a genuine need and will deliver tangible benefits to the Victorian startup ecosystem.
- Need for funding – There is a credible and compelling case for LaunchVic investment.
- Value for money – The proposal represents a sound return on investment for the Victorian startup ecosystem.
- Sustainability – The program includes a clear pathway to sustainability—either by becoming self-sufficient or by strengthening ecosystem resilience.
Proposals that do not meet all of these criteria will not be reviewed.
If your proposal is deemed appropriate for funding, it will be subject to further assessment and due diligence in line with LaunchVic’s established grant processes.