BETA 2022 Pre-accelerator Program

BETA: A pre-accelerator for the planet by Victoria University.

VU RISE proudly presents BETA. BETA is a pre-accelerator program dedicated to supporting the next generation of researchers, students, industry and founders contributing to positively impacting people, place and planet. 

This program, run over 5 weeks, is here to accelerate your research, startup or idea through inspiration, connection and a healthy dose of action.

Applications are currently closed.

 

Who the program is for

You're invited to apply if you have an idea to create impact and are a:

  • researcher
  • startup founder
  • industry partner
  • student
  • staff member
  • community member.

You may have a startup, an idea or a research project – this program gives you a boost over a collaborative, intensive, 5-week period.

For more information, download the BETA program FAQs & information booklet (PDF, 468.28 KB).

Innovation themes

The BETA pre-accelerator program focuses on the VU RISE Innovation hubs. You are invited to submit your idea addressing one of the four innovation hub themes of:

  • Sustainable Futures
  • Stronger Communities
  • Education
  • Jobs & Skills.

To learn more about these hubs, visit the VU RISE page.

Program highlights

  • Learning content and mentoring from innovators in residence
  • Connections to industry and the university
  • Connections and collaboration to a cohort of like-minded projects/people/startups
  • Accountability of a fast-paced program pre-accelerator
  • The opportunity to receive the $5k Fiona Myer Entrepreneurship award based on action taken and the final pitch.

Thanks to BETA we literally went from idea to transaction in 3 weeks.

- Priyanka Ashrav, Founder, The Creative Cooperative

Structure

If taking part in the program, you will attend two one-hour sessions per week:

  • content session on Tuesdays, 4–5pm
  • check-ins on Friday, 8.30–9.30am.

You will also have the opportunity to connect with program mentors. 

Outside of these sessions you will have to dedicate time to:

  • talking to users/other researchers
  • building minimum viable products (MVPs)
  • testing
  • crafting pitches
  • building your idea or startup (as stated in the application process).