About the program
CivVic Labs brings government and startups together to solve public sector challenges.
Startups accepted into our three-month accelerator will work directly with a potential government customer on an MVP, supported with $30k funding, mentors and office space in exchange for a 'Simple Agreement for Future Equity' (SAFE).
At the end of the program, our startups have the opportunity to win a $150k contract to implement the solution.
All IP created by the startup during the engagement will be owned by the startup.
The Program is a joint initiative between LaunchVic and the Victorian Government Public Sector Innovation Fund which is managed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Process and Timeline
Challenge Definition
CivVic Labs works with a Government challenge owner to define a challenge and secure funding for the Program and for the final Implementation contract to develop and deliver a solution.
Applications
CivVic Labs broadcasts the challenge to the startup community, whereby startups are encouraged to apply with proposed solutions, through an online application process.
Pre-accelerator
Up to three startups are selected by the challenge owner to co-develop and explore the viability of their proposed solutions. Each startup receives $5,000 funding from the challenge owner.
Accelerator
The startup with the most promising solution advances to the Accelerator phase and receives $30,000 + in-kind resources as part of a 'Simple Agreement for Future Equity' (SAFE) from CivVic Labs to co-develop a high-fidelity prototype with the challenge owner.
Teams of government challenge owners and startups will be co-located and coached through the accelerator to build the capability of both parties.
Implementation
Subject to the delivery of a high fidelity prototype, a contract of up to $150,000 is awarded to the startup to fully develop and deliver the solution. Contract deliverables are updated at this stage to take into account work from the Pre-accelerator and Accelerator phases.
Apply now!
We'd love you to have a look at our challenges and apply if one strikes your interest.
Your proposal will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Its fitness for the challenge
- Feasibility and viability of the technology
- Market opportunity of the proposal
- Team skills and execution capacity
You'll need to upload a 4-minute pitch video and complete an online application form.
We’re not looking for a highly polished or flashy video, just a clear understanding of your startup, capabilities and proposal to determine who’s the best fit for the challenge.