I2N Pre-Accelerator
The I2N Pre-Accelerator helps ambitious founders quickly and cost-effectively validate market pathways for their ideas, inventions, or research projects.
This program helps founders build strong, impact-driven businesses by providing key support. We can help get you access to customers, coaching, community, and funding, all while keeping your product aligned with real needs. You'll gain clarity and be ready to take the next step into an I2N Accelerator program.
In 2025, we are offering a Healthtech stream, Cleantech stream, and All-Industries stream for I2N Pre-Accelerator participants.
Pre-Accelerator applications are now closed.
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Program details
Over 10 weeks, you'll get hands-on experience and these bespoke benefits:
- The I2N Community: there's a reason I2N is the most recommended regional Accelerator program in Australia (Startup Muster, 2024). For almost 10 years we've built a vibrant community of founders, experts, mentors and investors. By taking part in an I2N program you'll have the ability to tap into the exact support you need when you need it.
- Deep expertise: our carefully selected program mentors, experts, and entrepreneurs in residence work alongside founders to build their capacity as venture builders and problem solvers. Together, we're supporting our region to diversify its economy and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.
- Dedicated Program Partners: It takes a village to build a startup, and our programs connect you with some of Australia's best resources. Cleantech founders gain access to the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy's networks and funding programs. Healthtech founders connect with the Central Coast Living Lab's extensive network of partners, experts, and funding opportunities. All founders receive initial intellectual property and trademark support from Davies Collison Cave.
Locations
Newcastle
Newcastle
- Where: I2N Hub Honeysuckle
- When: Wednesdays
Gosford
Gosford
- Where: Central Coast Living Lab
- When: Thursdays
Is this right for me?
- Your venture is, or plans to be, headquartered in the Hunter or Central Coast regions
- You have 1-3 committed founders on your team
- You're building an innovative, tech-enabled product or service
- You're ambitious and ready to scale
- You can fully commit to weekly workshops and mentoring sessions
- You're eager to learn and open to feedback
- You're interested in joining our All-Industries, Cleantech or Healthtech Accelerator in late 2025
- You're pre-Series A stage
Note: agencies and consultancies are not eligible for this program
No university affiliation required - we welcome all eligible founders from our regions!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Newcastle cohort
The program will take place at I2N Hub Honeysuckle, Q Building, 16 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle.
Gosford cohort
The program will take place at Central Coast Living Lab, Level 10/77a Holden St, Gosford
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; that you've identified specific needs within a market and have hypothesised a potential business model.
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 Pre-Accelerator. However, pre-startups/startups need to be headquartered, or plan to be headquartered, in the Hunter or Central Coast regions.
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 I2N Accelerator program.
The I2N Pre-Accelerator is optional, however all shortlisted teams must complete the Boot Camp in July to be considered for the I2N Accelerator.
I2N Pre-Accelerator workshop days for Newcastle are Wednesdays.
I2N Pre-Accelerator workshop days for Gosford are Thursdays.
Pre-accelerator participation requirements are up to 8 hours each workshop day 9AM – 4PM.
Entrepreneur In Residence (EIR) meetings are 30-minutes weekly at a time that suits.
Attendance by all participants at the workshops and EIR 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 ongoing customer discovery scheduling and interviewing throughout the week. 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 20-minute Q&A Zoom session via this link.
Absolutely. The questions are saved in this 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 Pre-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 Pre-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.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.