Venture FellowsPowered by Illume Foundation

Experience the deep-tech venture world from the inside.

A selective 8-week venture-building experience for commercially minded students and professionals to work alongside AI and deep-tech founders building what's next- helping turn frontier technologies into investable ventures.

Apply to become a Venture Fellow→

Applications close 23 August 2026.

Why Illume Venture Fellows?

Innovation requires more than science.

The approach

At Illume, we partner with leading universities and the startup ecosystem to connect innovators with operators to fuel venture building from day one. Venture Fellows is our flagship initiative making this happen.

What you'll get

Work alongside a venture

Be matched with an AI or deep-tech venture from the Future Frontier cohort for 8 weeks.

Build real venture experience

Work on real commercial opportunities-customer discovery, market validation and venture strategy.

Access Future Frontier

Receive complimentary access to the Future Frontier AI & Deep-Tech Sessions delivered by the Monash AI Institute including its founders, experts, investors and industry network.

Join a selective community

Connect with exceptional people building, commercialising and investing in frontier technology.

Who we're looking for

Commercially minded, deeply curious.

Just 10 places.
Applications are competitive and selection is based on commercial capability, industry experience, curiosity and the potential to contribute meaningfully to a venture.

Program details