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Breakthrough Victoria: Fellowship Program – Victoria funding opportunity

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Opportunity for

  • Victorian undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates seeking to commercialise their research into startup ventures.

Opportunity for

  • Victorian undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates seeking to commercialise their research into startup ventures.

Opportunity description

Industry challenge

Despite a growing interest in entrepreneurship among Victorian students and researchers, many aspiring founders face significant financial and structural barriers when transitioning their research into startup ventures. This lack of early-stage funding and pathways for research commercialisation limits the potential for groundbreaking ideas to transform into impactful businesses.

The Breakthrough Fellowship Program, a $7.5 million multi-year initiative, bridges this gap by fostering research entrepreneurship across Victoria. Investing up to $150,000 per startup in pre-seed funding, the program provides researchers and innovators the resources and financial stability to focus on commercialising their research.

Current opportunity

Breakthrough Victoria is seeking applications for its inaugural Fellowship Program.

Key features include:

  • Funding Structure: Investment of up to $150,000 per startup. Fellows receive a salary of $60,000-$90,000, with the remainder allocated to hiring or product development.
  • Applicants will gain:
    • Mentorship and support to bring their research to market.
    • Access to a robust ecosystem of universities, industry leaders, and investors.
    • A pathway to join Victoria’s next generation of impactful startups.
  • Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates from Victorian universities.
  • Focus: Startups must commercialise research conducted by the founders or their associated university professors.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Innovation Potential: The ability to commercialise research and generate a viable business.
  • Entrepreneurial Experience: Startup experience or participation in accelerator programs.
  • Support Commitments: Co-investment from university or industry partners.
  • Feasibility: A clear research commercialisation plan with critical investment milestones.

To learn more about this opportunity go to “Enquire now” or to apply, go to “Visit website”!

Opportunity background

The Breakthrough Fellowship program builds on insights from global research, highlighting the significant role of STEM founders in attracting investment and creating high-paying jobs.

Supported by government and university stakeholders, the program seeks to transform groundbreaking ideas into successful businesses, positioning Victoria as a global leader in research entrepreneurship. It is projected to establish 50 startups and create 50 jobs, driving innovation and economic growth.

EVOKEAG17FEB2026

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