DeepStart

Accelerating Australia’s Deep Tech Future

PROGRAM DATE: 30 JULY – 8 OCTOBER 2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 12 JUNE 2026

DeepStart is a three-month accelerator designed for teams building breakthrough technologies grounded in scientific research.

Backed by the RTCM Trailblazer, with supporting funding from Melt Ventures, DeepStart offers one of the largest pools of early-stage accelerator funding in Australia, alongside direct access to national and international pathways.

Specifically designed to support the schedules and pace of research teams, the program supports research projects and early-stage deep tech companies to transform cutting-edge discoveries into commercially deployable, industry connected and investment ready ventures.

Program Benefits

Receive a $5,000 grant to support early validation and progression toward investment readiness.

Access a $500,000 funding pool to accelerate early-stage validation and venture development.

Two-day interstate immersion at Tech23 in partnership with Cicada Innovations.

Unlock pathways to international deep tech programs and build global networks.

Mentorship from international, national and local experts across commercialisation, funding, partnerships & more.

Secure a sponsored place at Curtin Ignition, a five-day intensive entrepreneurship program.

Program Details

Who is DeepStart for?

DeepStart is designed for early stage Australian teams building technology solutions grounded in research and scientific innovation.

Eligible teams include:

Researchers developing technologies with commercial potential
Startups commercialising scientific or engineering breakthroughs
Innovative SMEs developing technology-enabled business models

Technology areas supported include, but are not limited to:

Critical minerals and processing technologies
Energy systems and transition technologies
Resource and mining technologies
Advanced manufacturing and enabling deep technologies
AI-enabled productivity tools

When will DeepStart 2026 take place?

Applications for DeepStart 2026 open on Monday, 4 May and close on Friday, 12 June 2026. A DeepStart discovery session will be held on Wednesday 20 May for interested applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their innovation to a panel of judges on Tuesday 30 June. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 2 July.

DeepStart will run from Thursday 30 July to Thursday 8 October, with six fortnightly sessions held on Thursday afternoons (2pm to 5pm AWST), delivered in person in Perth and online for interstate teams. The program concludes with the DeepStart Industry & Investor Showcase on Tuesday 20 October.

What will I gain?

Participants in DeepStart will gain access to a range of opportunities designed to accelerate commercialisation and investment readiness:

$5,000 grant for each participating team to support early-stage validation and progression toward investment readiness.
Access to a $500,000 investment capital pool, available to participating teams to support early-stage validation and venture development.
Two-day interstate industry immersion at Tech23 in partnership with Cicada Innovations, providing access to national deep tech pathways.
Pathways to participate in a global deep tech program, connecting with one of the world’s leading climate tech innovation networks.
Mentorship from international, national and local experts across deep tech commercialisation, funding, science communication, industry partnerships and business modelling.
Sponsored place at Curtin Ignition – the renowned five-day intensive program (in person).

How do I apply?

To apply for DeepStart, please submit online, using the Apply now link above, including provision of a pitch deck.

How do I find out more?

Join our online DeepStart Discovery Session on Wednesday, 20 May at 12pm-1pm AWST to hear about the program, ask questions and see if it’s the right fit for you.

Our Partners

Program Facilitators

Lead Facilitator

Ben Sandhu has advised startups and accelerators for a number of years in both the UK and Australia before joining Ida Sports as co-founder in 2018. Passionate about social change through business, he led RMIT’s LaunchHUB and lectured at Monash Business School. With a sports background, Ben grew Ida into a thriving company, securing major investments and contracts. He loves turning ideas into successful businesses.

Investor in Residence

Matt Macfarlane is an esteemed venture capitalist, angel investor, and startup founder with a background in deep tech development. In 2009, Matt co-founded Yuuwa Capital LP, a A$40m Venture Capital fund and led the IT investments of the fund (incl. Agworld, icetana). Matt was the founding CEO of icetana.ai (ASX:ICE) and is the current Chair of the Board after leading the company to an IPO and rebuilding the team over a 5 year period to 2023.

Contact Us

We’re here to help. If you’d like more information on DeepStart, contact our team.