The future is going to be led by the next generation of entrepreneurs, and we are empowering them.
We support startups founded by Deakin University students, staff, and alumni at all stages of the journey
Create your future with SPARK Deakin
With SPARK Deakin, you will meet like-minded problem solvers, connect with motivated change makers, and support each other regardless of where you are on your entrepreneurial journey.
We’re here to support and mentor Deakin University’s students, staff and alumni through events, workshops and a world-class Accelerator including up to $10 000 seed funding and co-working space in the CBD for startups ready to take their business to the next level.
Get Involved
For the curious
Attend one of our monthly events.
Apply to be join us for Venture Crawl on 31st July and learn more about Melbourne’s top innovation hubs and workspaces, experience the startup ecosystem first-hand and meet top entrepreneurial leaders.
For current students who want to dive into the startup world
Apply for our Work Intergrated Learning (WIL) unit Startup Ideation where you’ll learn what you need to get started (Melbourne only), the next round will be T2 2019
Want to take your startup to the next level?
Apply for our Startup Accelerator , you’ll received $10 000 funding, mentorship and access to our CBD co-working space to take the next big leap in your startup.
Important answers to important questions
I'm a Deakin student - how can SPARK help me?
SPARK hosts regular events to help provide you with the knowledge and community connections to take your ideas to the next level. You are firstly welcome to attend events, apply for The Startup Weekend Hackathon and are eligible to apply for The Accelerator.
I'm a Deakin alumnus - how can SPARK help me?
We host events where you can learn from and contribute to the community, The Startup Weekend to get you started on your entrepreneurial journey, and The Accelerator to take your business to the next level. All of these are open to Deakin students, staff & alumni.
I’m not studying business, should I attend SPARK events?
Absolutely! If you are interested in solving problems and using business as a vehicle, our events will prove to be useful to you. We have different events on throughout the year and head to our YouTube channel to see testimonials from participants across faculties. Entrepreneurship is not limited to business or IT students.
I’m a cloud student and can’t physically attend events, what can SPARK offer me?
Depending on where you are on your business journey, we can connect you with a mentor via Skype. In terms of the Accelerator, you do need to be in Melbourne or Geelong as it is an intensive 6-month program. As of 2017, some of our events will be uploaded to our YouTube channel as well.
I'm interested in being a SPARK mentor - how do I do that?
Being a mentor means you voluntarily contribute your time to empower other aspiring entrepreneurs or help scale existing entrepreneurs' businesses. You can fill out the 'Contact Us' form, tell us a little more about yourself, why you’d like to mentor and your availability.
Meet this year’s Accelerator Teams
From wearable devices that combat period pain, to a global network of locations to store your bags and personal items, 10 promising startups will receive in-depth training and financial support as part of this year's SPARK Deakin Accelerator program. The teams will go through an intensive three-month journey centred on a series of masterclasses and mentoring sessions designed to boost their growth.
Read all about them here.
Get in touch
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.