RMIT Activator | DiscoveryHUB
RMIT University's DeepTech Pre-Accelerator
RMIT University's DeepTech Pre-Accelerator
DiscoveryHUB is RMIT’s first DeepTech Pre-Accelerator for researchers, helping you explore how your research can create meaningful impact in the world.
Over five months, the program supports RMIT-affiliated researchers to explore pathways for translating their research into real-world applications. Through an Impact Bootcamp, hands-on workshops, personalised coaching and embedded IP support, you’ll build the knowledge, evidence and connections to understand your research’s potential and identify the next steps towards impact. The program culminates in a public showcase, where you can share your progress, connect with the wider innovation ecosystem and explore opportunities to take your research further.
And the support doesn’t stop when the program ends. Graduates also receive 12 months of ongoing support through the Activator Residency, including access to co-working space, masterclasses, mentorship and an industry network. Delivered across two program intakes over two years, DiscoveryHUB will support researchers working across DeepTech helping them build the skills, confidence and connections to move from research discovery towards translation into real-world impact.
We’re now looking for researchers working in DeepTech to join our first cohort. If you're working on research with the potential to solve a real-world problem, we want to hear from you.
DeepTech is technology built on new scientific discoveries, research and advanced engineering. It starts with a breakthrough idea, a new discovery or a difficult problem that needs solving, and explores how that work could become something useful in the real world.
It can be found in many different areas, including health and medicine, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, robotics, space technology, quantum computing, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and nanotechnology.But DeepTech isn’t about the industry you work in. It’s about the technology you are developing.
If you’re developing something new, solving a complex problem or turning research into a practical solution, you could already be working in DeepTech. It is about taking what’s possible in the lab and exploring what could be possible beyond it.
If you’re working in DeepTech and see potential for your research to make an impact, this program offers a structured, supported and low-risk way to explore its commercial potential. You just need a research idea worth exploring and the curiosity to see where it could take you.
Open to early-career researchers, postdocs and HDR students with research translation potential, as well as Principal Investigators and Chief Investigators from research teams.
Explore your research's potential to translate further, whether you’re working independently or with a small team.
A simple email endorsement to confirm your participation and time commitment upfront.
Selected participants may receive equity and interest-free funding, alongside expert support from the Activator Capital Fund Board.
Establish strong foundations for growing your startup through a suite of sessions that develop & enhance founder well-being, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills.
Weekly accountability sessions to keep you on track, with support from expert coaches from the DeepTech and industry ecosystem.
Practical IP guidance and support, including IP assessment, IP protection and translation. IP ownership remains subject to RMIT policies and processes.
Expert guidance from RMIT RAIsE Hub researchers to help you explore, apply and scale AI responsibly — with MLOps support and GPU credits where applicable.
Keep building after the program with co-working space, masterclasses, ongoing mentorship and a supportive community.
Taking part in DiscoveryHUB does not change who owns your intellectual property. IP ownership and management remain subject to RMIT University’s applicable policies, clauses and internal processes. Any IP support provided through the program is guidance only and does not grant, transfer or assign IP rights.
Download our application guide to learn more about the application process, tips and tricks, and read our most frequently asked questions.
Book a chat to learn more about the program and how DiscoveryHUB can support you.
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Applications Close |
24 January 2027, 11:59pm Please note that the University will enter its annual slowdown period in late December. During this time, response times may be delayed. All application outcomes will be communicated by early February. |
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Program Bootcamp |
8-12 February 2027 |
| Program Start |
8 March 2027 Program sessions will take place weekly on Tuesdays, 9:30am-12:30pm at RMIT Activator (City Campus). There will be a one-week break for Easter. No session will be held on Tuesday, 30 March 2027. |
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Program End |
4 June 2027 |
| Showcase Event | To be confirmed |
| Activator Capital Fund Board Pitch (By Invitation) | To be confirmed |
| Residency 12-month Program | Commences in July 2027 |
DiscoveryHUB is proudly supported by Innovation Victoria, helping RMIT build a dedicated pathway for early-career researchers to translate research into commercially viable Deep-Tech pathways. Together, we’re strengthening the journey from research to real-world impact — creating new opportunities for researchers and supporting the growth of Victoria’s innovation ecosystem.
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