LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator

Silicon Coast, in partnership with Advance Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council, a number of key Regional Industry Groups, and Australian Computer Society (ACS Labs), is excited to launch the LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program on the Sunshine Coast.

Launching LEAP FWD

Silicon Coast is the recipient of the Advanced Queensland - Regional Enablers Program, this initiative will span three years and aims to:

Integrate the Ecosystem: Foster alignment between local innovators, industry groups, and government initiatives at all levels.
Build Community & Mentorship: Incubate new ideas and support the local commercial ecosystem through education and guidance.
Scale Local Businesses: Provide resources, funding, and networking opportunities to help businesses grow and thrive.

This marks a significant milestone with the collaboration between Silicon Coast and ACS Labs.

ACS Labs, with its legacy of supporting Australian founders through the River City Labs ecosystem, brings over 12 years of expertise in scaling startups.

Now, through the LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program, Sunshine Coast businesses can access tailored mentorship, resources, and national networks of experts, enabling them to overcome geographical barriers and accelerate their growth journey.

Since 2014, Silicon Coast has played a pivotal role in growing the Sunshine Coast’s innovation ecosystem.

The LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator Program is a strategic step forward, designed to support the region’s goal of a $33 billion economy by 2033. Despite limited early-stage funding, the Sunshine Coast boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and connected networks.

This program seeks to fill existing gaps by offering structured pathways for local Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) to thrive.

Incubation Program

The LEAP FWD Incubation Program provides foundational support to early-stage ventures:

Mentorship Network: Connections with industry leaders.
Resource Access: Shared workspace, infrastructure, and essential business services.
Skills Development: Training in core business and entrepreneurial skills.

Accelerator Program

The LEAP FWD Accelerator Program supports scale-ready ventures with:

Investment Preparation: Guidance on capital raising and market entry.
Expansion Strategies: Resources for scaling nationally and internationally.
Market Access: Facilitated connections with customers and partners.
Specialised Expertise: Advanced mentoring for growth areas.

Value to the Sunshine Coast Ecosystem

LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program is more than just a program; it’s a movement to position the Sunshine Coast as a global innovation powerhouse. By breaking traditional barriers, entrepreneurs can access streamlined pathways from ideation to scale, gaining tailored mentorship and becoming part of a robust network.

For local businesses, this initiative offers privileged access to innovative ventures, fostering collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional impact. Together, we can drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and enhance the Sunshine Coast's competitive edge in the global market.

Register your interest

We invite local businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs to join us in shaping the future of innovation on the Sunshine Coast. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your venture through the LEAP FWD Accelerator and Incubation Program.

Apply now through our Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Don't Run, Leap FWD in 2025!

EOI Now Open & Close Midnight Sunday, 2 February 2025

LEAP FWD & FWD Fest 25

LEAP FWD cohort who have been successful in being selected, to be part of the LEAP FWD cohort of 25, will receive the following FWD Fest 25 bonus and be invited to participate at no cost in the FWD Showcase at FWD Fest 25 to be held on the Sunshine Coast on 7 – 9 of May 2025.

This special FWD Fest 25 bonus valued at over $3,000, offers the LEAP FWD Cohort of 25 the opportunity to showcase and amplify their business, foster collaboration, and create meaningful opportunities for collaborate collisions to help propel their business forward.

LEAP FWD cohort will receive the following FWD Fest 25 benefits:

2 x FWD>DAY ONE pass and 2 x FWD>KEYNOTE Breakfast tickets for Wednesday 7 May
1 x VIP Partner Dinner ticket for Wednesday 7 May
1 x FWD>DAY TWO pass and 1 x Celebration Dinner ticket for Thursday 8 May
Ability to request ‘exhibitor only’ entry pass for additional exhibitor contacts
2m x 2m space including a 1.8m Trestle table and two chairs - cloth additional
FWD>>>FEST is designed for collaboration and connection, so we do not provide walls or booth structures, and we invite you to utilise a banner as backdrop.
Invited to participate in a co-branded media wall with other LEAP FWD businesses
Promotion in FWD>>>FEST printed Matters program
Promotion in FWD App as a Showcase exhibitor and LEAP FWD business
Co-branded social media tile to promote your business will be at FWD>>>FEST 25

Apply now for LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program Powered by ACS Labs

The Silicon Coast LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program is now open until Midnight Sunday, 2 February 2025 and will commence on Thursday 20 February 2025.

As part of the LEAP FWD program you will be invited to in person events throughout the year- including breakfasts, workshops, and innovation events within the Sunshine Coast ecosystem.
As part of the LEAP FWD program it will be mandatory to attend FWD Fest 25 and participate in a Procurement Pitch and FWD Showcase.
You will receive a level 3 membership access to ACS Labs (more info here https://labs.acs.org.au/join-the-labs.html) for 6 months from commencement date- enabling you connect to a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs and their community, solving global problems with technology.
Onboarding will include an 8-week structured LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program delivered by ACS Labs that will best kick start you in navigating your membership. Full participation and attendance are mandatory.
All applicants will be reviewed against the **entry criteria and suitability of being supported by Silicon Coast and our ecosystem.
If you are accepted onto the LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator program, we will contact you at least 1 week prior to onboarding
Our first event will be a breakfast meet & greet welcoming the LEAP FWD cohort to the program on Thursday 13 February at Ocean City Labs on the Sunshine Coast.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a resident or have a Business registered in QLD and Founder located within the Sunshine Coast region.
Must be a Startup or Scale up Business focused on innovation – i.e. companies deliver new technology to the market; or disrupt and transform existing products of services and have the high potential to grow across Markets.
Completed Applications including detail on your idea or business and ability to submit a Video Recorded pitch link (5 minutes maximum) as part of the LEAP FWD Incubation and Accelerator application.
As part of our dedication to support the Sunshine Coast - Regional Economic Development Strategy, (REDS)* companies solving problems across – Health Tech, Aviation & Aerospace, Tourism/ Sports & Leisure Tech, Sustainability/ Clean Tech and Food & Agtech - will be highly desirable.
Must be able to attend FWD Fest 2025 and participate in the LEAP FWD Procurement Pitch and FWD Showcase during on 7 – 9 of May on the Sunshine Coast.
Ability to dedicate a minimum of 3 hours per week for the first 6 months of the program, and willingness to fully engage and participate in both mandatory face to face and online events as scheduled.
Active engagement in the membership community, through attendance of program events, online networking and accessing of resources and the ACS Labs team.
Must be able to provide honest feedback and business progress results throughout the year to LEAP FWD Program & ACS Labs Coordinator.
Must be able to commit to this program that runs throughout 2025 and be open to travel. Demonstrable product differentiation and talent of founding team members Must be able to sell a vision convincingly to customers, venture capital and employees - and demonstrate an understanding of the next three things that need to get done to drive the business forward. Successful Applicants will be notified at least 1 week before the start date. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified prior to the program starting. Allow LEAP FWD & ACS Labs to promote founder’s and companies participation

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