NEXTGEN PRE-ACCELERATOR
A pre-accelerator for university students and researchers launching innovative products.
What is a Pre-Accelerator?
A pre-accelerator is an early-stage programme designed to help aspiring founders turn an idea into a viable startup. It provides the tools, guidance, mentorship and connections needed to validate an idea, understand the market, develop a business model and build confidence before taking the next step. The goal is to give founders a strong foundation and prepare them for an accelerator, investment or launching their business.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
⚡ 4 x weekly workshops (dates/times below):
- Customer Discovery/Validation
- Launching an MVP
- Marketing & GTM
- Pitching & Raising Capital
⭐ 1:1 Mentoring & Coaching with experts and founders
🎤 1 x Demo Day to showcase your product
😎 Access to:
- Coworking @ Cohort Innovation Space
- Partners Perks
- Startup Toolkit
- Peer slack channel
KEY DATES
⚡ Program officially kicks off: 2 September 2026
- Workshop 1: Customer Discovery > 2 Sep, 9am – 4pm
- Workshop 2: Launching an MVP > 9 Sep, 9am – 4pm
- Workshop 3: Marketing & GTM > 16 Sep, 9am – 4pm
- Workshop 4: Pitching & Raising Capital> 23 Sep, 9am 4pm
- Demo Day: 8 Oct, 4pm > 6pm
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE
Where is it?
Program is hosted at the Griffith Innovation Center (GIC), located within the Cohort Innovation Space in Southport (16 Nexus Way, Southport).
When does the program start?
The program is now underway, featuring a lineup of events throughout the year, including pitch nights, fireside chats, industry study tours, hackathons, and more!
The NextGen program is continuously taking student applicants, so apply now to receive a personal invite for activity announcements and key dates.
Who can join?
This program supports students across diverse research pathways, including full-time and part-time researchers, online learners, and undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is open to all enrolled students eager to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Can I join online?
NextGen is intentionally designed as an in-person program, giving you the chance to meet some of the biggest names in the startup ecosystem while connecting with like-minded students.
Some dates clash with my schedule, should I still apply?
Definitely! We run multiple programs and events throughout the year, so we recommend signing up to stay in the loop and not miss out on an amazing opportunity.
Do I get student credits from participating in NextGen?
At this time, we’re unable to provide university credits for work completed at NextGen due to differing academic rubrics across universities.
However, students who complete the program will receive a certificate from Cohort Innovation Space, along with references from the Cohort team, recognising their participation and achievements.
How much is it to join?
Thanks to our partnership with Griffith University and supporters from Advance Queensland, the program is completely FREE for students.
