Google reviews badge
Innovation Victoria – Grants for Scaling Accelerator Programs

Innovation Victoria – Grants for Scaling Accelerator Programs

  • Up to $5 million available in this round
  • Up to $3 million per accelerator program
  • Innovation Victoria expects to award up to three grants
  • Applications close 9 November 2026
Get In Touch

This is Innovation Victoria's first grant round since it was formed in July 2026 by combining LaunchVic and Breakthrough Victoria. It funds new accelerator programs that help established Victorian innovation-led companies build the capability, connections and confidence to scale.

The round targets the next stage of support after the startup and pre-accelerator stages. Funded programs should support companies that have completed customer validation and moved beyond proof of concept, with some revenue or investment readiness.

The round is aimed at experienced operators with strong networks, including international connections, that can help Victorian companies reach new markets, customers, expertise and capital. LaunchVic previously funded 14 accelerators delivering 18 programs to more than 600 companies.

Key Requirements

Program requirements

  • Must be an accelerator that supports established companies beyond the pre-accelerator stage
  • Participating companies must have completed customer validation and moved beyond proof of concept
  • Programs can focus on a Victorian area of strength or be sector agnostic
  • Must be a new program. Programs previously funded by LaunchVic or currently funded by Innovation Victoria aren’t eligible

Applicant requirements

  • A proven track record delivering an accelerator, or a comparable program that helps established companies scale
  • Established networks, including global connections
  • Must be an Australian registered company with a Victorian headquarters or office, or an Australian or international company that agrees to set up an office in Victoria

Participant definitions

  • A Victorian company has at least 50% of its founders and team based in Victoria
  • An established company has an ABN or equivalent, an active website, at least one full-time founder, and has moved beyond proof of concept

Caretaker period
The Victorian State election is on 28 November 2026. Approval and notification timelines may be affected by caretaker conventions.

Applicants should review the Grants for Scaling Accelerator Programs guidelines and the sample Grant Agreement before applying.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding supports the operating costs of a new scaling accelerator program, including:

  • Staff salaries
  • Rent and event costs
  • Insurance, accounting and legal costs
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Reasonable travel
  • Grants to participating companies
  • Other reasonable operating costs

Programs can be fixed-term and cohort-based, or staged and milestone-based. They usually end in a demo day or investor showcase.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Australian registered companies headquartered in Victoria or with a Victorian office, and Australian or international companies that agree to establish a Victorian office.

Individuals, sole traders, incorporated trusts, not-for-profits and universities can’t be the lead applicant.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.