Melbourne's startup ecosystem thrives on a dynamic blend of world-class talent, strong government support, a collaborative culture, and access to global markets, making it a powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship.
In August 2024, Australia’s largest crowdsourced funding program, Birchal, launched Birchal First, activating $6 million+ for early-stage startups following a $300,000 grant from LaunchVic, the Victorian government-backed startup agency. LaunchVic also announced $2.4 million to support the establishment of eight new VC firms in Melbourne.
In September 2024, AgTech Farmers2Founders launched a suite of programs for aspiring entrepreneurs, including a 12-week pre-accelerator program and workshops, backed by a $500,000 grant from LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria.
In January 2025, LaunchVic released a further funding round for grants of up to $300,000 for new VCs and angel networks to establish in Victoria. LaunchVic announced $1.5 million of funding towards accelerator and investor education services delivered by ANDHealth, MAP, the MedTech Actuator, Startmate, Startupbootcamp and the Wade Institute's VC Catalyst Program.
Women in Tech Fest was held in February 2025. TECHSPO Melbourne will be held in August 2025.
More than half of Australian universities have spinout funds, eclipsing both the U.S. and Europe. Breakthrough Victoria provides long-term capital to innovation businesses with potential to improve people's lives and benefit the Victorian economy. Through its $100 million University Innovation Platform (UIP), Breakthrough Victoria is partnering with seven Victorian universities to increase the commercialization of critical research with real-world benefits. Breakthrough Victoria is also supporting researchers and commercialization through the Breakthrough Victoria UIP Fellowship program, which aims to foster research entrepreneurship across Victoria and cultivate the next generation of startup founders from Victorian universities and medical research institutes. LaunchVic also announced a founder education program, Basecamp, designed to help seed to Series A founders attract and retain top executive talent.
