Pre-Accelerator

Become a leader in the emerging Circular Tech ecosystem

Over the course of 12 intensive weeks, our dedicated expert facilitators and coaches will support you in launching your circular startup, setting you up for accelerated growth as you shape tomorrow’s world.

Startups that go through [Re]Launch Pre-Accelerator tap into the equivalence of $200,000 worth of resources, including equity-free funding opportunities and access to RMIT’s world-class technology and researchers.

Gauri Shah co-founder of GOODSERCLE

Why choose [Re]Launch Pre-Accelerator

Funding opportunities

Get $1,500 at entry plus up to $20,000 in equity- and interest-free funding, with expert support from the Activator Capital Fund Board.

Weekly growth sessions

Establish strong foundations for growing your startup through a suite of sessions that supports you to systematically reduce business risk

Stand ups and coaching

Weekly accountability stand-ups to keep you on track, with support from expert Coaches drawn from the Circular Tech broader ecosystem.

Residency

Graduate with ongoing support through Residency which includes, access to co-working space, continued mentorship and much more.

Download our application guide to learn more about the application process, tips and tricks, and read our most frequently asked questions.

Download the Program Application Guide (PDF)

Joseph and Shimroth, Co-founders of circular tech startup Zerotag

Apply for [Re]Launch Pre-Accelerator

Do you have an emerging circular tech startup prototype? Would you like support to launch your startup?

Applications open now

Key dates and application process

Round 1
Application form	Applications open now Applications close: Sunday, 8th February 2026, 11.59PM AEDT 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.
Round 2
Bootcamp session	16 & 18 February 2026, 5.30pm- 7.30pm RMIT Activator (City Campus)
Program key dates
Program begins	10 March 2026 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, 7 April 2026.
Pitch Night	3 June 2026
Activator Fund Pitch Date	24 June 2026

Eligibility Criteria

[Re]Launch Pre-accelerator supports emerging Victorian founders with a circular startup that has a tech component. Founders must be willing to register their business in Victoria by the end of the Pre-accelerator Program Residency period.

Startups with Circular-Driven Solutions

This program supports early-stage startups who advance solutions within the circular economy.
We prioritise innovations that reduce waste, increase resource efficiency, or promote sustainable production and consumption practices.
Startups should leverage technology to address sustainability challenges, creating scalable models that can drive measurable environmental or social impact.
You do not need to be affiliated with RMIT to apply for this program, but your startup must be registered (or willing to register) in Victoria and have founders that reside there.

Successful applicants will also have

A team that is driven and purposeful - at least one team member must attend all sessions over the 12 weeks
An understanding of market opportunity
An identifiable problem and solution
Early customer validation through real user feedback
At least a prototype that has been tested
A curious mindset and a willingness to ask questions, take on feedback and support your fellow founders

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information