La Trobe Launchpad

LaunchPad is a 12‑week pre‑accelerator program helping emerging founders turn tech‑driven ideas into scalable ventures.

The current intake focuses on care‑economy innovations with a tech edge.

Funded by LaunchVic and delivered by La Trobe University and Startmate, LaunchPad equips emerging and aspiring founders across Victoria with the mindset, toolkit, and connections to turn entrepreneurial intention into action.

You’ll learn everything from market research and customer discovery to business model design and testing, through weekly classes and mentoring - culminating in a pitch day and the chance to compete for up to $5,000 toward your venture.

Whether you're refining an existing concept or exploring an early‑stage idea, LaunchPad meets you where you are, offering two tailored pathways that merge into one powerful cohort experience.

ACCREDITATION

Successful participants of LaunchPad will earn 15 microcredential credit points towards La Trobe University’s Global MBA program.

Applications close Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11.59pm.

Only 50 places available. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis until the submission deadline – so don’t wait.

Eligibility

La Trobe students, alumni, and aspiring founders across Australia who are committed to building technology-led startups are eligible to apply.

We're looking for high-potential individuals ready to:

• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset
• Validate ideas through rigorous customer discovery
• Build connections within Victoria's startup ecosystem
• Transform intention into action with structured support
• Commit to the full 12-week program experience.

Cost

Victorian participants: $449 (subsidised by LaunchVic, standard program value $2,295)

Non-Victorian participants: $2,295

Stream Options