Curtin University Accelerator

Curtin University Accelerator, primarily represented by its flagship Curtin Accelerate program, is a leading entrepreneurial initiative based in Western Australia. Established in 2013, Curtin Accelerate is a free, 12-week program meticulously designed to nurture and transform innovative products and services into thriving, scalable businesses. The accelerator is a cornerstone of Curtin University's extensive entrepreneurial pipeline, which has been fostering innovation in Western Australia for over two decades.

The program serves a diverse cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs, academics, corporate innovators, Curtin students, staff, and alumni, providing them with the essential skills, networks, and resources needed to navigate the commercial landscape. A key differentiator is its 'founders first' strategy, offering personalised mentorship from a robust network of local and global innovators, including prominent figures like venture consultant Larry Lopez, Kanopy founder Olivia Humphrey, and angel investor Bill Tai.

Curtin Accelerate distinguishes itself by offering participants a $5,000 equity-free grant to support their milestones, alongside access to Curtin's cutting-edge Venture Studio, which provides infrastructure, tools, talent, and facilities. Furthermore, it is an ATO-recognised accelerator for Early-Stage Innovation Companies (ESIC), which can provide investors with a 20% tax offset, enhancing the attractiveness of startups emerging from the program. There is also a chance for participants to be considered for a $50,000 Safe Note investment through Curtin's Kickstart+ Program, and up to $100,000 in AWS credits to aid in scaling their innovations.

Over more than a decade, Curtin Accelerate has made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem. It has supported over 180 founders, with alumni launching more than 70 successful ventures and collectively raising over $41 million in funding. The broader suite of Curtin's entrepreneurship programs has facilitated the formation of more than 440 businesses, generating $215 million in product and service sales and securing $201 million in follow-on funding. [cite: 4 from previous search] These achievements underscore Curtin University's long-term commitment to building a vibrant entrepreneurial pipeline and diversifying Western Australia's economy.

Leadership within Curtin's entrepreneurship ecosystem includes Danelle Cross, Director of Entrepreneurship, and Rohan McDougall, Executive Director Commercialisation. Larry Lopez chairs Curtin's Commercialisation Advisory Board, and Marvin Liao serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence, bringing invaluable Silicon Valley expertise to the programs. [cite: 14 from previous search]