Announced 18 June 2026 at the Victorian Startup Gala, the Victorian Government is splitting $3.5 million across nine pre-accelerator programs, each receiving up to $400,000 to help aspiring founders test concepts and prepare to commercialise. Providers include Cicada Innovations (supporting up to 45 deeptech startups), MedTech Actuator, Boab AI, HEX, RMIT's DiscoveryHUB and the AI-native VICTOR:AI eight-week program offering tools, co-working space and milestone-based grants.
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Victoria funds nine AI & deeptech pre-accelerators with $3.5M, up to $400k each
Why this matters for founders
Victoria-based early-stage AI, deeptech and medtech founders should apply directly to whichever of the nine pre-accelerators fits their sector to access free milestone grants, mentorship and customer connections before raising. Pick by focus, e.g. MedTech Actuator for medical devices or Cicada for hard-tech.
Source: Australian Manufacturing
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