Swinburne Luminate Program
Are you ready to take your early-stage startup to the next level? Join the seven-week Swinburne Luminate Program to ignite your entrepreneurial journey and set your venture up for success.
Would like to participate?
Register your interest to hear from us when the next round of applications is open. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Innovation Studio Newsletter for upcoming program announcements to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Plan for startup success
Embarking on your startup journey is exciting, yet we understand getting the support you need to scale your business can be tough.
Introducing the Swinburne Luminate Program! In just seven weeks, we equip you for startup success with a dynamic blend of weekly business building and planning workshops.
This includes crafting a well-validated problem statement, creating a business model canvas, designing prototype plans, initiating early MVP development, formulating a marketing strategy, and outlining a legal framework plan.
Unlock your potential
You'll also gain access to networking opportunities, mentoring from experts, and coaching to develop a compelling business pitch. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to pitch your startup to a live audience for the chance to win cash prizes!
Pitch Night prizes* include:
- A$2,500 for the winner
- A$1,000 each for two runners-up
- A$500 for the best pitch
*Conditions apply.
Key benefits of the Initiate Program
Personalised approach
Not all startups or founders are the same – limited number of participants ensures you're not just another number
Weekly workshops
Topics include validated problem statement, business model canvas, prototype design, early MVP wireframe, KPI strategy, and legal structure.
Guest speakers and networking opportunities
Connect with like-minded individuals, gain mentorship and guidance from startup founders with knowledge and experience
Pitch coaching sessions
Access to expert coaches to help you create, refine and deliver a compelling pitch to a live audience at the end of the program
Not sure if the Luminate Program is for you?
The Luminate Program is designed for Swinburne University of Technology students, staff and alumni with a startup in its early stages or heading towards the MVP or prototype stage.
If you're still undecided, email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au for more information. Throughout the year, we offer a diverse range of programs tailored to support founders at all stages of the entrepreneurial journey.
Have questions about the Luminate Program?
- Email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.
- Subscribe to the Innovation Studio Newsletter.
- Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest program updates.
Schedule a session with us
You can also schedule a 15-minute session with our team to discuss your application and goals for the program. Simply email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au to lock in a time.
Frequently asked questions
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Info Night | Wednesday 28 February 2024 |
| Applications open | Wednesday 28 February 2024 |
| Applications close | 11.59pm, Monday 11 March 2024 |
| Program period | Tuesday 9 April – Tuesday 21 May 2024 |
| Pitch Night | Tuesday 21 May 2024 |
The Luminate Program is held in person only at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. No online or remote options are available.
A maximum of 15 startup teams or individuals will be accepted into the Luminate Program.
Yes, we encourage solo founders to apply for the Luminate Program.
Yes, you can participate in the Luminate Program if your startup has already taken investment. We would love to have you apply for our program.
To be eligible for the Luminate Program, we request a brief video introducing yourself and your startup. Please keep the video under three minutes featuring your face.
It should be a straightforward presentation without any additional props, slides or editing effects. The focus should be on clear communication of your passion for the idea and the potential of your startup. If you have multiple founders, the presentation can be given by an individual founder.
Step 1. Record a video covering the following items.
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Start by introducing yourselves and your startup. |
| Problem Statement | Clearly articulate the problem or pain point that your startup aims to address Describe why the problem is significant and whom it impacts |
| Solution Overview | Present your startup idea or product solution Explain how it addresses the identified problem and the unique value proposition it offers |
| Market Opportunity | Discuss the market opportunity for your solution |
| Customer Validation | Share any evidence of customer validation or feedback you have received so far |
| Business Model | Outline your business model and revenue strategy Explain how your startup plans to make money |
| Your Ask | Briefly outline what you hope to achieve through participation in the program |
Step 2. Upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube.
Step 3. Set your video privacy settings to "public".
Step 4. Paste the video URL in the application form.
Explore more of our programs
-
Swinburne Initiate Program
-
Swinburne Elevate Program
-
Swinburne Initiate Express (Virtual Program)
-
Masterclasses
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, need more information or you're wondering how Swinburne Innovation Studio can help turn your big idea into a real thing, contact us via email at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.