Terms of Use

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website at illumeventures.com and the Future Frontier AI Pre-Accelerator program (collectively, the "Services") operated by Illume Innovation Pty Ltd (ABN 77 698 534 057) ("Illume Ventures", "we", "us", or "our").

By accessing our website, submitting an Expression of Interest, or participating in any Illume Ventures program, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Changes take effect upon posting to the website. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

1. About the Services

Illume Ventures operates the Future Frontier AI Pre-Accelerator, a 10-week hybrid program for researchers, scientists, and founders working on AI and deep-tech ventures. The program is delivered in partnership with the Monash AI Institute and supported by LaunchVic (Innovation Victoria).

Our Services include:

• The illumeventures.com website and its content
• Expression of Interest (EOI) and application processes
• Program participation (cohort sessions, mentoring, events)
• Newsletter communications via Substack
• Communication via email, forms, and third-party platforms

2. Eligibility

Our programs are open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. By submitting an application or EOI, you confirm that you meet this requirement and that the information you have provided is accurate and complete.

Program participation is subject to selection at our sole discretion. Submitting an EOI or application does not guarantee acceptance into any cohort.

3. No Equity or IP Assignment

Illume Ventures does not take equity in, or require assignment of intellectual property from, participants as a condition of joining the Future Frontier program. You retain full ownership of your ideas, research, and intellectual property throughout and after the program.

Any commercialisation assistance, mentoring, or investor introductions provided during the program do not create any proprietary or financial claim by Illume Ventures over your venture.

4. Program Fees and Refunds

The program participation fee is AUD $500, representing a 90% subsidy from LaunchVic. Scholarships are available for eligible participants and are granted at our discretion.

4.1 Payment

Fees must be paid prior to or upon commencement of the program as directed by Illume Ventures. Failure to pay may result in forfeiture of your place.

4.2 Refund Policy

Refund requests must be submitted to contact@illumeventures.com. The following schedule applies:

• More than 14 days before program commencement: full refund
• 7 to 14 days before program commencement: 50% refund
• Less than 7 days before program commencement or after program has commenced: no refund

Illume Ventures reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or significantly alter a cohort. In such cases, affected participants will be offered a full refund or transfer to a future cohort.

5. Participant Conduct

By participating in any Illume Ventures program or event, you agree to:

• Treat all participants, mentors, facilitators, and staff with respect and professionalism
• Not engage in harassment, discrimination, or conduct that is disruptive, offensive, or unlawful
• Maintain the confidentiality of any non-public information shared by other participants or mentors during the program
• Not use program access or networks for purposes unrelated to your venture development
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Illume Ventures reserves the right to remove any participant from the program, without refund, for serious or repeated breaches of this conduct standard.

6. Confidentiality

During the program, you may be exposed to confidential or commercially sensitive information shared by other participants, mentors, or partners. You agree to:

• Keep such information strictly confidential
• Not use it for any purpose outside the program
• Not disclose it to third parties without the prior written consent of the disclosing party

This obligation survives the conclusion of your participation in the program. It does not apply to information that is publicly available, or that you can demonstrate you knew independently before disclosure.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Content

All content on illumeventures.com — including text, graphics, logos, program curriculum materials, and other intellectual property — is owned by or licensed to Illume Ventures. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or use our content for commercial purposes without our prior written consent.

7.2 Your Content

When you submit an application, EOI response, or other content to us, you grant Illume Ventures a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use that content for the purposes of operating and improving our programs. You retain ownership of any content you submit.

You must not submit content that infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party, is defamatory or unlawful, or misrepresents your identity or credentials.

8. Third-Party Platforms

Our Services involve third-party platforms including Airtable (for EOI forms) and Substack (for newsletters). Your use of these platforms is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for the content, availability, or conduct of third-party platforms.

Links to external websites (including partner organisations, investor networks, and affiliated programs) are provided for convenience only. Illume Ventures does not endorse or take responsibility for the content of any external site.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

Our Services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Illume Ventures does not warrant that:

• The website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or harmful components
• Any program, mentoring, or advice provided will result in particular business outcomes
• Investor introductions or referrals will result in funding or investment

Participation in the Future Frontier program is designed to support your venture development. It does not guarantee investment readiness, venture success, or any particular commercial outcome. Outcomes depend entirely on your own efforts, decisions, and circumstances.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law, Illume Ventures, its directors, employees, partners, and affiliates are not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with your use of the Services, including:

• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Any decisions made in reliance on program content, mentor advice, or investor feedback
• Unauthorised access to or alteration of your data

Where liability cannot be excluded by law (for example, under the Australian Consumer Law), our liability is limited to re-supplying the relevant service or paying the cost of re-supply.

11. Privacy

Your use of our Services is also subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. The Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information. A copy is available at illumeventures.com.

12. Termination

Illume Ventures may suspend or terminate your access to the Services at any time if you breach these Terms, engage in conduct that is harmful to the program community, or for any other reason at our reasonable discretion. We will endeavour to provide notice where practicable.

You may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying us in writing at contact@illumeventures.com. Refund terms in clause 4.2 apply.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes arising under these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, and you consent to that jurisdiction.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, that provision will be severed and the remaining Terms will continue in full force and effect.

14. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact:

Illume Ventures Pty Ltd
ABN 77 698 534 057
Victoria, Australia
Email: contact@illumeventures.com
Website: illumeventures.com

These Terms were last reviewed and updated on 11 June 2026.