Top 13 Accelerators and Incubators in Melbourne (2026)
Melbourne's startup scene is supported by a number of accelerators and incubators designed to help new companies succeed.
LaunchVic has funded over 190 startups, and Startmate has seen 10 of its portfolio companies exit. Startupbootcamp Australia and RMIT Activator have also been active, each backing more than 100 new businesses.
Below is our list of the best 13 accelerators and incubators in Melbourne.
Failory's Top 10 Picks
1. Startmate
Acting as the epicenter for startup ambition in Australia and New Zealand, Startmate provides founders with their first check and a powerful community-driven program. They help ambitious teams build great companies through an extensive mentor network and access to significant follow-on funding.
| Year Founded | 2010 |
| Founders | Niki Scevak, Kirit Kundu, Mick Liubinskas, Rachel Gatehouse, Harrison Crowe-Maxwell, Ryan Junee |
| Investment Amount | AUD $120K per startup; Continuity Fund: up to $500K follow-on |
| Equity Taken | ~8% for first-time fundraisers ($1.5M post-money SAFE cap); Match previous valuation if already raised $250K+ |
| Nº of Investments | 167 |
| Nº of Exits | 10 |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
2. LaunchVic
As Victoria's startup agency, LaunchVic works to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting founders with resources and funding. They help early-stage companies develop and scale their businesses, with a notable focus on sectors like FinTech.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Rebecca Rozencwajg, Jo Burston |
| Nº of Investments | 192 |
| Nº of Exits | 6 |
Startupbootcamp Australia provides a global platform for innovative startups working to solve major world problems in industries such as FinTech, Energy, and FoodTech. The accelerator connects founders with a vast network of mentors and partners through its industry-focused programs, helping them scale their impact-driven businesses.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Trevor Townsend, Ruud Hendriks, Richard Celm |
| Nº of Investments | 134 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
4. CyRise
CyRise champions early-stage cybersecurity startups across the Asia Pacific region with investment and hands-on support. Their intensive accelerator program provides founders with deep mentorship and access to a global network to help them scale.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Scott Handsaker |
| Nº of Investments | 35 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 14 |
5. Matterblock
Focusing on the future of decentralized technology, Matterblock invests in promising Web3, blockchain, and crypto startups. They provide the necessary capital and support for founders aiming to build foundational projects in the DeFi space.
| Year Founded | 2021 |
| Founders | Zia Word |
| Nº of Investments | 9 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
Tied to RMIT University, Activator equips students, staff, and alumni with the entrepreneurial capabilities to launch their own ventures. They provide a founder-first education and a supportive ecosystem to help transform early-stage ideas into impactful businesses.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 117 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
7. ANDHealth
ANDHealth provides a dedicated ecosystem for digital health companies, helping them develop and commercialize evidence-based technologies. The organization offers specialized support to help founders navigate the unique clinical and regulatory challenges required for market adoption.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Bronwyn Le Grice |
| Nº of Investments | 5 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
8. Boab AI
Boab AI provides capital and a dedicated scaling program for promising AI companies ready for significant growth. In partnership with the Victorian Government, they help both Australian and international AI scaleups accelerate their market expansion.
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 13 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
9. Sproutx
Sproutx champions Australian founders who are building the next generation of agricultural and food technologies. Their online accelerator program equips early-stage companies with the necessary resources and network to commercialize their innovations.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Sam Trethewey |
| Nº of Investments | 33 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 24 |
10. MedTech Actuator
As the Asia-Pacific's dedicated MedTech catalyst, they accelerate and fund promising startups across the MedTech, HealthTech, and BioTech sectors. Their programs are designed to transform early-stage concepts into market-ready healthcare solutions.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Buzz Palmer |
| Nº of Investments | 32 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
3 Additional Melbourne Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
The programs we've highlighted are a great starting point, but they aren't the only ones helping founders get off the ground. Several newer programs have also appeared, collectively backing more than a dozen startups in recent years.
Each one offers something a little different, from specific industry focuses to unique funding approaches. Take a look at the other programs helping founders build their companies in Melbourne.
| Accelerator/Incubator | Year Founded | Nº Investments | Nº Exits |
|---|---|---|---|
 BlueScopeX | 2021 | 11 | — |
 Moonshot | 2017 | — | — |
 York St Capital | 2020 | 1 | — |
