Turn a problem worth solving into an idea worth pursuing
Initiate is Swinburne Innovation Studio’s digital, self paced challenge for students, staff and alumni who want to explore an idea, problem or opportunity.
You don’t need a startup or a fully formed solution. Start with a problem worth solving and we’ll help you understand who it matters to, develop your thinking and identify what to test next.
Work through practical online activities at your own pace, join optional coaching sessions and connect with other participants through live events and pitch experiences.
At the end of the challenge, up to 20 finalists will pitch at the Initiate Pitch Party for a share of $10,000 in kickstart funding, with every finalist receiving a prize.
Who is it for?
Initiate is open to Swinburne students, staff and alumni at the earliest stages of entrepreneurship and innovation.
You might be:
- exploring your first startup idea
- an early-stage founder
- someone who has spotted a problem worth solving
- a changemaker interested in social or environmental impact
- simply curious about entrepreneurship and innovation
You don’t need a team, startup or developed idea to take part.
What will you do?
Through practical, self-paced activities, you’ll explore five things:
The problem
What problem, opportunity or unmet need are you addressing?
The people
Who experiences it, and who could benefit from a solution?
The value
What could your idea improve, change or create?
The opportunity
What makes your idea potentially innovative, impactful or valuable?
The next step
What do you need to learn, test or do next?
Self-paced and digital, but not alone
Initiate is designed to fit around work and study, while giving you opportunities to meet people, share ideas, get feedback and build confidence along the way.
Kick things off at the Idea-a-thon and Launch Party, where you can develop your thinking, meet other participants and get set up for the challenge.
You can also join optional Group Coaching sessions to ask questions, test your thinking and learn alongside others.
How much you put in is up to you, but we’ll be there to support you as you take your next steps.
Pitch your idea at the Pitch Party
At the end of the challenge, up to 20 finalists will be invited to pitch at the Initiate Pitch Party, delivering a 3-minute pitch using up to five slides.
Your pitch should cover:
- the problem you want to solve
- who it matters to
- the value your idea could create
- why the opportunity is worth pursuing
- what you want to do next
Ideas will be considered based on Innovation, Impact and Investment Readiness, including the strength of the problem, value proposition and next step.
Every finalist wins
A total of $10,000 in kickstart funding is available across the finalists.
| Prize | Funding |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | $2,000 |
| 2nd Prize | $1,500 |
| 3rd Prize | $1,000 |
| Kickstart prizes | $500 each |
| Finalist prizes | $250 each |
| Total prize pool | $10,000 |
Every finalist who pitches receives funding to help move their idea forward, whether that means testing an assumption, speaking with potential customers, building an early prototype or taking the next practical step.
What will you leave with?
By completing Initiate, you’ll have:
- a clearly defined problem or opportunity
- a better understanding of your potential customer, user or community
- a clearer value proposition
- greater confidence communicating your idea
- a practical next-step plan
You’ll also build connections with other emerging innovators and gain a clearer pathway into further Swinburne Innovation Studio support.
Important dates for the 2026 Initiate Program
| Milestone | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | Wednesday 30 September | Online |
| Idea-a-thon (optional) | Thursday 5 November, 10.30am–11.30am | In person |
| Launch Party | Thursday 5 November, 12–2pm | Online |
| Group Coaching #1 (optional) | Tuesday 10 November, 12–1pm | Online |
| Group Coaching #2 (optional) | Thursday 12 November, 12–1pm | Online |
| Group Coaching #3 (optional) | Tuesday 17 November, 12–1pm | Online |
| Final submissions due | Thursday 19 November | Online |
| Finalists announced | Monday 23 November | Online |
| Pitch Party | Thursday 26 November, 12–2pm | In person |
Have questions about the Initiate Program?
- Email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au
- Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest program updates
- Sign up to Swinburne Innovation Studio newsletter
Schedule a session with us
You can also schedule a 15-minute session with our team to discuss your application and goals for the program. Simply email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au to lock in a time.
Frequently asked questions
The core challenge is digital and self-paced, so you can complete it around your work, study and other commitments.
But Initiate isn’t only online. You’ll also have opportunities to come together through the Idea-a-thon, Launch Party, optional Group Coaching sessions and Pitch Party.
No. You can start with a problem, opportunity or early idea you want to explore.
Initiate is designed to help you develop your thinking, not require you to arrive with a finished solution.
Yes. Individuals and teams are both welcome.
No. Initiate is designed as an accessible entry point into entrepreneurship, innovation and impact.
Core activities are completed online at your own pace, with optional one-hour Group Coaching sessions available throughout the challenge.
No. They are optional, but they’re a useful opportunity to ask questions, test your thinking and learn from other participants.
Yes. $10,000 in kickstart funding will be shared across up to 20 finalists.
Prizes range from $250 to $2,000, and every finalist who pitches receives funding.
The finalists will each have 3 minutes to pitch their idea using up to five slides.
But it’s not just a pitch final. The Initiate Idea Pitch Party is a celebration of the ideas developed through the challenge, giving you the chance to meet other participants, connect with the Swinburne innovation community, hear great ideas and celebrate the winners.
Initiate is an entry point into the broader Swinburne Innovation Studio ecosystem.
Depending on where your idea goes next, you may be able to access further programs, resources, connections and support to continue developing your venture, innovation or impact pathway.
No, the Initiate Program is free for all Swinburne staff, students, and alumni. You can access all workshops, resources, and support without any fees.
Explore more of our programs
-
Swinburne Luminate Program
-
Swinburne Elevate Program
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, need more information or you're wondering how Swinburne Innovation Studio can help turn your big idea into a real thing, contact us via email at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.