Applications are now open for the next round of ON Accelerate, a national program that helps Australian research teams turn their science-based projects into startup ventures. Run over three months, the free program is designed for research teams that are ready to explore the commercial potential of their work.
The process starts long before the main program begins. Up to 20 teams will be selected to attend a two-day Bootcamp in November 2025, where they’ll test their assumptions, refine their pitch, and receive blunt feedback from peers, investors and commercialisation experts.
Teams that show promise during Bootcamp are then invited to a week-long Immersion in February 2026. This face-to-face session gives selected teams time to build new skills, strengthen internal alignment, and develop a clearer sense of how their venture could function in the real world.
The final cohort will begin the full ON Accelerate program in March 2026, meeting regularly in a mix of face-to-face and virtual sessions until June. Each team receives tailored coaching, access to a national expert network, and support to build the commercial, legal and operational foundations of a viable company. All intellectual property remains with the team or their institution, and participants sign confidentiality agreements to protect their ideas.
Who can apply
ON Accelerate is open to teams of 3–6 people based in Australia. At least one member must be a researcher from an Australian university or publicly funded research organisation (PFRO), or a PhD student or recent graduate. Teams from Australian startups or SMEs that have licensed research IP are also eligible, provided they include a representative from the originating PFRO.
Applicants must commit the equivalent of one full-time person to the venture across the program, and at least three members must attend all in-person sessions. The program is best suited to teams that already have some form of commercial interest, product traction, or a clear customer need.
Teams will be assessed based on their proposed solution, evidence of the problem they’re solving, understanding of the customer, team skills, traction so far, and whether launching a business is the right path to impact. Only the most prepared teams will progress to Bootcamp.
What’s offered
The program supports up to 10 teams in its final intake, offering:
- Personalised coaching in areas such as performance, IP, investor relations and team development
- Group sessions on pitching, business modelling, customer discovery and market validation
- Introductions to deep tech investors and commercial mentors
- Support with capital raising
- Ongoing coaching for up to six months post-program
ON Accelerate is free to join, with an estimated delivery value of more than $150,000 per team, including:
- $20,000 provided to each team’s tech transfer office at the end of Immersion
- Up to $80,000 in non-dilutive funding per team, awarded to high-performing participants
The program is designed to help teams validate whether launching a startup is the right path, and, if so, to build the skills and connections needed to succeed.
How to apply
Applications are open until 31 August 2025. Teams are strongly encouraged to attend an applicant briefing to understand the program requirements and application process.
Upcoming briefing sessions:
To register or ask questions, contact the ON Accelerate team at on@csiro.au. You can also subscribe to be notified of future program rounds here.
