Momentum Accelerator Program – National Security & Dual-Use Technology Cohort (Australia)

The tailored 12-week program is designed to help founders focus their business strategies, expand their networks, and refine go-to-market and scaling plans. Participants will benefit from the expertise of world-class Entrepreneurs in Residence (EiRs) from leading companies specializing in advanced propulsion technologies and high-performance aerospace systems.

Sectors

• Startups in the following deep tech industry verticals will be eligible for consideration:
  • Manufacturing and Supply Chain – strengthening sovereign capability and supply chain security
  • Aerospace and Space – advancing critical technologies for communication, surveillance, and defence
  • Defence – enhancing operational effectiveness, intelligence, and national resilience
  • Autonomy – unmanned systems, robotics, and AI-driven decision-making tools
  • AI and Data – cyber security, predictive analytics, and intelligence processing
  • Cyber – cyber security protecting critical infrastructure, networks, and digital assets
  • Quantum – next-generation computing and encryption technologies
  • Enterprise – providing secure and scalable enterprise solutions for government and industry
  • Digital Health – innovations improving medical readiness, biosecurity, and disaster response
  • Digital Ag and Food – enhancing food security, supply chain integrity, and sustainable production

Funding Information

• UQ Ventures’ Momentum Accelerator, in partnership with Salus Ventures, provides founders with mentorship, industry expertise, and investment opportunities.
• Selected startups will have the opportunity to receive up to $400,000 in venture funding, at Salus Ventures’ election, based on a post-money valuation of $2.5 million, using its standard SAFE terms (or at the company’s most recent bona fide valuation).
• Participants in the program will also be exposed to other investors including venture funds, angel investors, potential end customers etc and will be provided with tools to identify relevant sources of non-dilutive funding.
• While participation in the accelerator will offer start-ups with the opportunity to access funding, investment remains merit-based, competitive, and at the sole discretion of Salus Ventures. Momentum Accelerator will provide the guidance, experience and support needed to help founders craft their most compelling pitch as they seek investment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications for the Momentum Accelerator will be open to any Queensland founder or Queensland-based business operating in the national security and dual-use space. They welcome startups developing technologies with both commercial and government applications, including those addressing critical infrastructure, resilience, and emerging security challenges.
• They are looking for passionate and committed founders, co-founders, CEOs and owners, with businesses that have experienced initial traction.
• You do not have to be a UQ student or affiliated with any other university to apply.
• Applicants must:
  • have a registered ABN/ACN
  • have an office in or be based in Queensland
  • have a venture that operates in the national security and/or dual-use technology space within the eligible sectors identified
  • have demonstrated market traction/validation; examples include active users or revenue
  • have a business with significant growth potential
  • have a business with a defendable competitive advantage
  • be considering raising capital to facilitate growth
  • have clean IP ownership

For more information, visit UQ.