Looking to expand your tech venture? Discover why Australia could be your next big opportunity.
“Got a killer product and a thirst for adventure? Bring your startup Down Under where the innovation ecosystem is buzzing, the coffee is smooth, and the kangaroos, well they mind their own business.”
About the Program
The Big LEAP Accelerator Program recognizes the immense and growing potential of Australia’s dynamic and innovation-driven startup ecosystem. Backed by federal government support and in partnership with AusIndustry, La Trobe University and Arrow Digital, the startup accelerator launched its first cohort in 2022. We are now empowering the next wave of visionary founders from India to test and launch in one of the most dynamic and efficient startup ecosystems in the world.
Did you know Australia creates more unicorns per VC dollar invested than anywhere else globally, making it the second-fastest growing tech ecosystem recording 2.5x growth in recent years. Much like Australia’s knack to win more Olympic gold medals than much larger nations, it’s a startup scene that consistently punches above its weight. So, if you’re an Indian startup looking to scale globally, Australia offers the perfect market to test and accelerate your business in an environment designed for growth.
Program Overview
One week on-ground
Australia Market Immersion.
Curated client & partner meetings + access to Australian innovation hubs across two cities.
8 week Australia Market validation Bootcamp
Intensive weekly virtual workshops designed to test your market approach.
Matchmaking with potential clients & joint pilot partners
Enables relationship-building with key stakeholders in your target sector for pilot opportunities before setting up an entity.
Explore Secondary Market
Masterclasses/Insights by experts from preferred secondary market eg US, UK, Singapore, Middle East
Weekly Founder’s Check-In and office hours
Access to Indian and Australian business community
Key Offerings
- NGain deep insights into the Australia–India business corridor
- NEngage directly with enterprise decision-makers, government buyers, and distribution partners—unlocking real pilot opportunities during the program itself.
- NConnect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders
- NConnect with the secondary market experts of your preference.
- NRefine your go-to-market strategy for the Australian landscape
- NBuild a strong, cross-border network to fuel long-term growth
Selection Criteria
- NDemonstrated Product Market Fit in the home market
- NSustainable Revenue and scalability
- NA well defined market entry strategy
- NA team that dreams BIG and is ready to hustle across time zones
Why Australia ?
Australia presents a unique opportunity: a mature, innovation-led economy that values quality and provides well-defined access to both corporate and government sectors.
For ambitious founders, Australia offers a credibility-rich market where early successes can pave the way for expansion into larger Western markets. Australia offers a unique blend of opportunities for startups aiming to scale internationally. Here’s why it’s an attractive destination for Indian founders:
Stable Economy:
Australia boasts a robust and resilient economy, providing a conducive environment for business growth and investment.
Robust Funding Landscape:
In 2024, Australian startups raised A$4.0 billion across 414 deals, marking an 11% increase from the previous year
Research and Development Excellence:
Australia ranks in the top 10 globally for its contribution to the world’s published research, fostering an environment ripe for innovation
Commercialization Efforts:
Australian universities lead in the commercialization of research, translating academic innovations into real-world applications and fostering startup ecosystems
Why Australia is the Ideal Launchpad for Indian Startups with Global Ambitions?
Australia offers a unique blend of opportunities for startups aiming to scale internationally, particularly Indian startups and here’s why:
Strong Bilateral Trade & Economic Cooperation with India
Growing Trade Ties
Bilateral trade between India and Australia has reached USD $24.1 billion and is projected to continue growing, with the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) playing a pivotal role. This agreement eliminates tariffs on over 85% of Australian goods exports, but more importantly, it enhances market access for Indian startups looking to enter the Australian market by reducing trade barriers, simplifying regulatory processes, and facilitating smoother cross-border business transactions. R&D Tax Incentive: Designed to encourage innovation, this incentive allows startups to claim generous tax offsets for eligible research and development activities.
AI & Research Excellence
Australia is a leader in AI adoption and innovation. The government has committed over $17M to AI adoption programs, making it a fertile ground for Indian startups in FinTech, MedTech, powered by AI (Tech Business News).
University-Led Commercialization
Australian universities are world-leaders in driving cutting-edge research, and actively commercialize deeptech innovations in sectors such as CleanTech and MedTech,Biotech offering pioneering opportunities for partnerships and access to top-tier talent and facilities.
State-Based Government Support for Indian Startups
Australian state governments, including New South Wales (Invest NSW), Victoria (Global Victoria), and Queensland (TIQ), offer comprehensive support to Indian startups looking to establish and scale their operations in Australia. The Big LEAP Bootcamp is designed to help you decode and access all the state and sector-specific incentives & programs to support you in your Australia expansion journey.
Through The Big LEAP, you’ll be equipped with the tools, connections, and strategic insights to tap into Australia’s vibrant business ecosystem across states & regions and scale your startup with the support of key government initiatives relevant to your specific sector.
Timelines
Application open
5th September
Application close
20th November
Screening applications
Sep-November
Bootcamp Commences
End of November
Demo day
End of February/ Early March
Information session
Date: September, 4th Time 11:30 am to 12:30 pm IST
Partners & Supporters
What are you waiting for?
Take the Big LEAP
Launch Your Startup in Australia –Your Gateway to Global Expansion
The India-to-Australia Bootcamp & Immersion Program
Limited spots available!
FAQs
What can I expect from the program?
Our program helps founders draw on their unique strengths, sharpen their plans, hone their skills, test a new market with their offering and build a network for long term success. You’ll be challenged to pass to the next stage through a series of unique pitch competitions & business case presentations.
By the end of the program, you will have a solid go-to-market strategy and many local partnerships and contacts to assist with your business expansion plans.
Eligibility or Selection Criteria
- India-registered
- Tech or innovation-driven
- Eyeing Australia for market expansion
- Ready for cross-border execution
How do I apply, and what information do I need to provide?
Submit your expression of interest and our program manager will get in touch for an initial interview following which an invitation to apply is sent out.
You will require various business documents and information to complete the process, including:
- Revenue information & other key financials
- Funding history
- Strategy & goals
- Patent details (if applicable)
- A reference letter from a business associate or mentor
- A 10-15 slide presentation deck introducing your business to us along with a 1min video (founder or co-founder)
What is the investment?
The Big LEAP program is a self-funded program and hugely subsidised, thanks to our program partners. There are partner discounts available for eligible startups. Backed by a fund with an active investment corpus of 56.3 million USD, the participants get early access to the fund managers who are actively investing in tech startups scaling internationally. Fill in the EOI for full details.
How do you evaluate applications?
- Proven Product-Market Fit – Demonstrated traction and scalable solution in the home market.
- Clear Global Expansion Strategy – Well-defined plan to enter and grow in Australia and beyond.
- Strong Business Traction – Consistent revenue, customer base, and commercial partnerships.
- Experienced & Committed Team – Founders with global market exposure and operational readiness.
- Investor & Market Readiness – Capital strategy, compliance, and infrastructure for international growth.
Are there opportunities to connect with other participants and mentors?
Yes! This is at the heart of our program—to connect with like-minded founders and business leaders from different countries of origin. We encourage open discussion and collaboration through each step of our journey together, and there will be opportunities for networking and building a community.
Our mentors will also communicate their availability to answer questions and provide post-session guidance once the program is underway.
Is there a travel component to this course?
Yes, the program includes opportunity to travel to Australia as part of the on-ground experience following the market validation so you land prepared for this high-growth market. This forms the Immersion Phase and will include curated meetings, real experience of the innovation ecosystem being hosted by Big LEAP.
The one week Australia Immersion Trip includes visits to major Australian cities, curated meetings, pitch days, ecosystem introductions, chamber of commerce roundtables and government meetings.
Will I actually get pilot opportunities?
Once startups are onboarded into the cohort, we begin with a series of initial interviews to better understand their vision, goals, and areas of interest. Based on these insights, we facilitate a tailored matchmaking session with potential pilot partners that include universities, healthcare providers, industry, corporates, and government bodies as applicable. This is an integral part of the Australia bootcamp experience.
Which are secondary markets covered by the bootcamp?
How will I get to know the status of my application?
After each round of screening, we will notify the startups about the status of their application via email.
What if I have more questions?
Contact [email protected]