Apply to the inaugural Future Frontier cohort.
We're selecting 20–25 ambitious founders, researchers and scientists building AI and deep-tech ventures with the potential to create meaningful commercial and societal impact.
Who we're looking for
Founders building AI-native and deep-tech ventures.
AI-native
A company where artificial intelligence is central to its product, service or operations — fundamental to how the startup creates impact and delivers its offerings.
Deep-tech
Technology rooted in advanced scientific principles, discoveries and engineering breakthroughs, requiring technical expertise and the development of intellectual property that is hard to reproduce — eg robotics, biotechnology, green energy, nanotechnology and advanced materials etc
Before you start
What to have ready
The application takes 15–20 minutes. You cannot save and return, so please have these ready.
- A short description of your venture or research direction
- The problem you're solving and who it's for
- Your team and relevant background
- Current stage (idea, prototype, pilot, revenue)
- Why Future Frontier, and what you'd want to get out of it
PROGRAM KEY INFORMATION
- Program kick-off bootcamp
- 4 September 2026 · full-day, in-person
- Program sessions
- Fridays, 12–2pm · remote
- Industry mixer
- 28 August · in-person
- Program end date
- 13 November 2026
- End of program showcase
- Mid/late November (TBC)
- FOUNDER CONTRIBUTION
- $500 (90% subsidised by Innovation Victoria- program worth $5000. Scholarships available)
Ready to apply?
Applications close 2 August 2026.
In partnership with
Supported by
Questions? Email programs@illumeventures.com