About this programme
iAccelerate is the University of Wollongong's startup hub, based at the university's Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, NSW. It describes itself as Australia's largest university-backed startup hub, running pre-accelerator, accelerator and residency programmes for founders at different stages, from a first idea through to a scaling business.
The hub is built around purpose-built collaborative space at the Innovation Campus, mentorship from industry experts, structured education programmes, access to University of Wollongong students and graduates, and a dedicated seed fund for resident startups. It supports several founder cohorts specifically, including women, regional founders, and First Nations entrepreneurs.
The 'Support' listing on this directory refers to iAccelerate's programme suite as a whole, since applicants choose between the Activate pre-accelerator and the Accelerate/Advance residency track on the same apply page depending on their stage.
How it works
Activate is a 3-month pre-accelerator combining online modules and in-person sessions, aimed at people with an early idea. It covers customer discovery, validation, business model development, branding, competitor analysis, and pitch training, run twice a year as a cohort.
Accelerate is an in-residence incubation track for startups ready to launch, giving access to the physical Innovation Campus space, mentorship, and training in product management, MVP building, digital marketing and sales, plus a path to the resident-only seed fund.
Advance is the scaling track for startups already established and expanding nationally or internationally, with residency and mentoring focused on business valuation, investment readiness, term sheets, HR, finance and due diligence.
A $10 million seed fund sits alongside the residency programmes, delivered through an external investment manager (Artesian) and open only to iAccelerate resident startups making seed and follow-on investments; the official pages do not publish equity terms or cheque sizes.
Who can apply
Activate is open to anyone with an early-stage business idea; the official pages describe it as being for founders who have not yet built or validated a business.
Accelerate is for startups that are starting up and ready to launch, and Advance is for startups already scaling or expanding — the official pages do not publish a formal points-based eligibility test for either track, and applicants are directed to contact iAccelerate to discuss fit.
There is no explicit residency or citizenship restriction stated on the official pages; the programme runs from the Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, NSW, and several tracks (regional founders, First Nations entrepreneurs, UOW student/graduate scholarships) target specific founder groups.
How to apply
- Choose a track on the apply page — Activate (pre-accelerator) or Accelerate/Advance (residency) — based on where the business currently stands.
- Activate applications open twice a year, in December and June, for cohorts starting in March and August; Accelerate and Advance accept applications year-round.
- Contact the iAccelerate team by phone, email, or by booking a consultation via the 'Talk to us' option on the apply page; the official pages do not publish a numbered online application form or a self-service submission process.
Frequently asked
What is iAccelerate?
iAccelerate is the University of Wollongong's startup hub at its Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, NSW, running pre-accelerator, accelerator and scaling programmes plus a resident-only seed fund.
What does the Activate programme cost?
The official apply page lists Activate at $990 (inc GST) for the 3-month programme; limited scholarships are available for eligible founders.
What does Accelerate or Advance residency cost?
The official apply page lists Accelerate/Advance residency at $120 per week (inc GST).
When can I apply?
Activate applications open twice a year, in December and June, for cohorts starting in March and August. Accelerate and Advance applications are accepted year-round.
Is the seed fund open to anyone who applies?
No. The $10 million seed fund, run through external manager Artesian, makes seed and follow-on investments only in iAccelerate resident startups — it is not a separate open application.
Do I have to be based in Wollongong to take part?
The residency programmes run from the Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, NSW. iAccelerate also runs regional and fully online delivery for founders based at other University of Wollongong regional campuses.
Are there scholarships to cover the fees?
Yes — iAccelerate publishes named scholarships including up to three $10,000 residency scholarships for Activate graduates, scholarships for recent UOW graduates starting a business, and scholarships for female entrepreneurs. Scholarships are nominated for as part of the main application, not applied for separately.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.