Gold Coast start-up ecosystem taking off as Bond University launches accelerator program

Bond University has announced it will run its first accelerator program this year, as part of the national rollout of the Incubate program.

Piloted by Sydney University, the program received financial and technical support from Google to expand across the country in October.

There are eight places in the 12-week program at Bond University.

Students will receive training, mentoring, working space on campus, and professional advice on business management such as accounting and legal issues.

Bond University’s assistant professor of entrepreneurship, Baden U’Ren, says they’re thrilled to be part of the program as the only Queensland university involved so far.

“The program, which will be student-led and run, will give participants incredible exposure to some of the nation’s most significant mentors from Google Ventures, venture capital firms and other innovative business founders and leaders,” U’Ren says.

The program ends with a pitch day, where the best four ideas will receive $5000 grants.

Current students and alumni are invited to apply with an early stage company or business idea.