Victoria has no shortage of talented innovators and businesses developing solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. The opportunity now is to help more of those companies grow faster, reach more customers, enter new markets and create lasting economic value for Victoria. Accelerator programs are an important part of that journey. ”
Innovation Victoria Invests In Victoria's Next Generation Of High-growth Companies
Innovation Victoria’s Grants for Scaling Accelerator Programs grant round will support new accelerator programs that help established Victorian innovation-led companies build the capability, connections and confidence needed to grow.
Victoria has the talent, ambition and innovative businesses needed to build more globally competitive companies, create new industries and capture the economic opportunities emerging from innovation.
To realise that potential, innovation-led companies need access to the networks, expertise, customers, partners and investment that can help them accelerate growth and expand into new markets.
That's why Innovation Victoria has opened a new $5 million grant round to support accelerator programs that help Victorian companies strengthen capability, access growth opportunities and scale nationally and internationally.
Grants for Scaling Accelerator Programs
Total allocation
Maximum allocation for an individual program
The Grants for Scaling Accelerator Programs round will provide up to $5 million to experienced accelerator operators delivering programs that help innovation-led companies improve investment readiness, connect with customers and commercial partners, expand into new markets and accelerate growth.
Innovation Victoria is prepared to fund individual programs of up to $3 million.
As the first grant opportunity released by Innovation Victoria since its establishment in July 2026, the round reflects the organisation's focus on building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem that helps more Victorian companies grow, compete and succeed.
Accelerator programs play an important role in that ecosystem. They provide companies with access to mentoring, industry networks, growth expertise and market opportunities that can help them overcome barriers to scale and reach their next stage of development.
The grant round aims to strengthen Victoria's accelerator ecosystem by expanding the range, quality and reach of support available to innovation-led companies. Innovation Victoria is particularly seeking programs that can connect Victorian businesses with leading national and international networks, bringing new expertise, partnerships, customers and investment opportunities into Victoria.
Innovation Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said Victoria had all the ingredients needed to create more world-leading companies and industries.
CEO Innovation Victoria - Rod BristowThey help businesses build capability, access new opportunities, form strategic partnerships and attract investment for their next stage of growth. By investing in programs that strengthen the support available to Victorian companies, we're helping build a more connected innovation ecosystem, creating the conditions for more businesses to grow, create jobs, attract investment and contribute to Victoria's future prosperity. ”
Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 9 November 2026 and must be submitted through the Innovation Victoria SmartyGrants platform.
As the Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026, the Victorian Government will assume a caretaker role from 6.00pm on 3 November 2026 until such time that either it becomes clear that the incumbent government will be returned, or when a new government is commissioned. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual pitch and Q&A session as part of the assessment process. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by Thursday 17 December 2026, subject to caretaker conventions, processes and timelines associated with the Victorian State Election.
Learn more
Includes the Grant Guidelines, Sample Grant Agreement, SmartyGrants application link, and FAQs.
Alternatively, contact the Innovation Victoria Grants Team at grants@innovationvictoria.com.