Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) VIC

Purpose and Program Overview

The Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), powered by the University of Melbourne, supports high-growth startups through equity-free funding, mentorship, and resources. It aims to accelerate the growth of innovative ventures, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Victoria and driving economic prosperity through scalable businesses.

The program provides $20,000 per startup and access to a robust network of mentors, alums, and industry leaders. It supports the broader startup ecosystem by nurturing talent, promoting innovation, and creating high-value jobs in sectors like health, AI, and sustainability.

Since its inception in 2012, MAP has supported over 100 startups, raising $250 million in investments and creating 1,500+ jobs. It aligns with Victoria’s $132 billion startup sector, enhancing Australia’s global competitiveness through programs like the flagship Accelerator and Velocity pre-accelerator.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $20,000 equity-free per startup.
• Application open and close dates: Closed for 2025; 2026 applications expected to open early 2026.
• Eligible industries or business types: Early-stage startups (for-profit and not-for-profit).
• Required co-contributions: No.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Victoria (in-person participation required).

Priority Sectors

Melbourne Accelerator Program prioritises health, AI, sustainability, mobility, and social impact startups, with a dedicated stream for climate-focused ventures.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: $20,000 per startup.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Accelerator Program: Equity-free funding, mentorship, and office space.
  • Velocity Program: Workshops for customer discovery and market validation.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Accelerator (5 months, June–October); Velocity (3 months).

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool for the 2025 MAP Accelerator Program is $220,000 for 11 startups.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Early-stage startups with high-growth potential.
• Registered business location: Must relocate to Melbourne, Victoria, for program duration.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified; pre-revenue startups eligible.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Active ABN required; GST registration if applicable.
• Additional requirements: University of Melbourne affiliation, social impact focus, or climate crisis focus; in-person participation.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Product or service development and refinement.
• Market validation and customer discovery activities.
• Business strategy and leadership development.
• Networking and pitching opportunities to investors.

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Competitive, four-stage selection process.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Innovation and scalability of the business model.
  • Potential for market traction and growth.
  • Alignment with MAP’s focus areas (health, AI, sustainability, social impact).

Recent Program Updates

In March 2025, LaunchVic provided funding to Melbourne Accelerator Program to deliver its 5-month Accelerator Program. The 2025 cohort included an 11th spot for a climate-focused startup, supported by Melbourne Climate Futures. The Velocity Program received a $222,000 grant to expand, doubling intakes and offering online delivery. Applications for 2025 closed; 2026 details are pending.

Application Tips

• Highlight alignment with MAP’s priority sectors in applications.
• Prepare a compelling 3-minute pitch for the selection process.
• Engage with MAP’s office hours to refine your application.
• Demonstrate scalability and potential for sustainable revenue.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial eligibility assessment and project alignment review. Visit themap.co or for program details and application guidance.