I2N Accelerator

Accelerator

Expressions of Interest open!

I2N All-Industries Accelerator is designed to provide a guided experience to quickly and cost-effectively validate your business idea or solution and get you investment ready. Over the course of this program founders will experience hands-on learning and high-quality support including:

  • Startup insight workshops from subject matter experts to help validate your idea or solution
  • Mentoring from industry experts and founders
  • Weekly coaching from a dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence
  • Peer network development
  • I2N perk partner benefits

Did you miss the I2N Pre-Accelerator Information Session? Catch up on what happened with the recording.

Founders do not need to be affiliated with the University of Newcastle to be eligible for the I2N All-Industries Accelerator. However, pre-startups/startups need to be headquartered in the Central Coast or Hunter Region.

Program schedule

This program is delivered in four phases

  1. Application phase: Mon 29 Jan - Sun 7 Apr
  2. Pre-accelerator phase: Wed 1 May - Wed 19 Jun
  3. Accelerator phase: Wed 21 Aug - Wed 13 Nov
  4. Incubator phase:  Nov 2024 - Mon 30 Jun, 2025

Pre-accelerator Phase participants get access to:

  • Deep dive workshops from subject matter experts to help validate your idea or solution
  • Weekly coaching sessions with a dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence.
  • Peer network development
  • I2N perk partner benefits

Check out the I2N Pre-Accelerator webpage for more information

Accelerator Phase participants get access to:

  • Weekly workshops covering Milestones, Storytelling, Marketing & Branding, Product Strategy, Growth Hacking, GTM & Sales & Negotiation, Startup Financials, Capital Raising & Grants, Pitching, Leadership, Culture & Hiring
  • Weekly Lunch & Learn Sessions with experienced startups founders on weekly content topics
  • Demo Night
  • Weekly coaching sessions with a dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence
  • Weekly mentoring sessions with dedicated mentor
  • Coworking at I2N Hub Honeysuckle for duration of program and 6-months post-program
  • Discounted tech platforms valued at over $400k

Program participants benefit from hands-on peer-to-peer learning with the cohort companies sharing the challenges of their own individual journeys throughout the program. Founders will experience access to a supportive professional network and community and have the opportunity to connect with industry experts to build, refine or scale their business model and become investment ready.

Who should apply*
  • Your pre-startup/startup is headquartered in the Central Coast or Hunter Region 
  • You are leveraging technology to deliver a new-to-market product or service
  • Your company is at the pre-series A funding stage
  • You are a committed and growth-oriented founder/founding team
  • You can attend weekly workshops, office hours, and mentoring sessions
  • You have the ambition to scale
  • You are open to feedback and are coachable

*Agencies and consultancies are excluded.

Prepare you application in advance via this word document

Submit your EOI I2N Accelerator

Need support completing your application or just want a question answered? Book a 15-minute Zoom check-in with us to discuss all things I2N Accelerator.


Frequently Asked Questions

The program will take place at I2N Hub Honeysuckle, Q Building, 16 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle.

We are looking to support founders who are at pre-startup stage through to the early-stage startup stage. Indicators include having a clear and meaningful target and direction over the next 1-3 years; having the ability to develop a prototype without having to depend on external funding, or already have a product in the market that may be generating sales.

Teams can consist of between 1-3 founders.

No. Founders do not need to be affiliated with the University of Newcastle to be eligible for the I2N Accelerator. However, pre-startups/startups need to be headquartered in the Hunter Region.

We would like all program participants to be playing from the same position of knowledge throughout the entire program. There is always space for validation work within every business model and getting that right in the beginning will serve as a great platform from which to enter the Accelerator program.

The I2N Pre-Accelerator is optional, however all teams must complete the Boot Camp in July to be considered for the I2N Accelerator.

For Pre-Accelerator attendance requirements please see the Pre-Accelerator webpage.

I2N Accelerator workshop requirements are up to 8 hours each Wednesday 9AM – 5PM for 10-weeks.

Entrepreneur In Residence (EIR) meetings are 1 hour weekly at a time that suits.

Lead Mentor meetings are 1 hour each week at a time that suits.

Attendance by all team members at the workshops, EIR meetings and Lead Mentor meetings is mandatory. Exceptions will be considered only in exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.

There is an expectation that founders will undertake a minimum of 10 additional hours per week to put into practice the workshop and coaching learnings. Carefully consider your capacity to commit to the program before making an application.

Applications are reviewed before offers are made to teams or individuals who address essential criteria. That is, the problem you are trying to solve, the potential solution you have in mind, and who the end-users/beneficiaries you have identified. Your application doesn't have to be 'right', it just needs to demonstrate that you have thought about the problem you are trying to develop a solution for, the insight, invention, or idea you are taking advantage of, and have provided your best possible 'guess' about what that might be and who would most benefit. We also consider what has motivated the team to apply and what you hope to achieve in addition to team member profiles and their potential contribution to the team.

As part of your application you are required to supply a 3-minute video answering:

  • Who you are
  • What is the problem you are you solving
  • What is the potential solution you have in mind
  • Who are the end users or beneficiaries
  • Why you and your team are the best to solve it

Please feel free to book a 15-minute Q&A Zoom session via this link

Absolutely. The questions are saved in this word document for your review.


Intellectual Property (IP)

The University of Newcastle makes no claim over the intellectual property (IP) generated by participants as part of the I2N Accelerator (subject to the University’s IP Policy and Procedure) provided your use of the IP acknowledges that the IP was developed as part of the I2N Accelerator (unless it is unreasonable to do so).

If a team member is an employee or student of the University of Newcastle, they agree and acknowledge that ownership of the IP will be in accordance with the University IP Policy and Procedure, as amended from time to time. IP Policy found here. IP Procedure found here.

Testimonials

"I know I would not have developed my business, launching our website and making our very first preorders available if I hadn't been a part of the Accelerator. By the end of the program I had very tangible evidence of progress and felt incredibly proud to have achieved what I had for Hey Zomi. I am so thankful for this program and the professional opportunities that are now coming my way as I feel like I have traction and a plan to grow from here". Mikaela Koelma, Hey Zomi

"I2N Accelerator Program has been able to take my business from just working on orders to the ability to set back and work on the business. It has allowed me to learn tricks and tips from those who have been through it or help people who are start ups. I am so excited for the future with all my added knowledge gained from the program". Jess Hodge, Resourceful Living

Why I2N?

The University of Newcastle's I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunities. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, the I2N cultivates entrepreneurial mindsets behind many of the region's most innovative businesses and leaders.

Our programs are more than theory. They are about action and equipping you with practical tools and strategies necessary to have an immediate impact on your innovation journey.


Submit your EOI I2N Accelerator