Frequently asked questions

A total of 12 to 16 organisations will be selected per round, comprising 6-8 from India and 6-8 from Australia. This number may change for future rounds but will be kept small to preserve quality interactions and outcomes.

It is recommended that a total of 6 hours per week be set aside to undertake the learning activities required during the Accelerate Phase. This does not include in-person Program Activities which will require travel and immersive learning within/to Australia and within/to India.

Yes, your business and demonstration needs might require you to work with several pilot partners in-market. Your pilot project will be shaped up by you, with support from RISE mentors to help you meet your business’s needs.

The RISE Accelerator seeks applications from companies NOT yet in the Indian (if you are an Australian company) or Australian market (if you are an Indian company). Whilst companies who have had only preliminary/exploratory engagement in or with the new market are welcome to apply, our Program is designed to help guide your first steps and build up your cross-border capacity.

Australian companies will be supported to meet and network with industry, innovation and other connections most relevant to their solution. Depending on the solution, this might mean certain States are more relevant for them to focus on than others. The Indian market and States present much opportunity but also much variance of need/s – we will support companies to focus on the region, sector or similar that is most relevant to them.

Yes, the Program curriculum includes topics, material and mentoring on IP strategies and commercialisation strategies. You will be provided with learning material and the opportunity to seek general advice on these topics from our domain experts.

Yes. The RISE Accelerator program respects the often time-poor nature of startups and SMEs and encourages collaboration within each Organisation, across the cohort and the broader ecosystem. Organisations must nominate two people from the Organisation, such as co-founders or executives, to participate in aspects of the Program, but only one person needs to participate in each Activity (session, workshop, travel) at a time. There are obvious benefits in having more than one participant maximise the learnings and share the workload required to meet all Program milestones. Bear in mind that any travel expenses incurred by additional participants in both the home and target country (e.g. travel, accommodation, etc.) will need to be met by the Organisation (or using the Grant) as the Travel Allowance will only fund one participant per Organisation.

The Expert-in-Residence (EIR) is a vital role in the Program and there will be at least one in India and one in Australia. As a strategic advisor and coach for the Program participants, their role is to directly support participant progress through the Accelerate and Pilot Phases, while challenging their thinking along the way. With strong cross-border and entrepreneurial experience, and a deep understanding of the startup and SME landscape the EIR provides valuable guidance, insights and opportunities to all participants in the Program. Participants will engage regularly with the EIR, including a formal one-on-one meeting in each sprint phase, and will also have access to EIRs in the target country.

There will be three travel opportunities funded for one participant from each Organisation: twice in the home country, and once to the target country.

Participating startups and SMEs from both countries come together for immersive learning and Program Activities in Travel 1 and 2. While most of the Program is delivered virtually, the opportunity to connect in person with participating startups/SMEs from the alternate country enables valuable peer-to-peer learning and growth of your network.

Both Travel 1 and 2 will see you take part in a curated program of site visits, immersive learning and workshops, and networking with industry, academia, research institutions, innovation catalysts and government representatives.

Travel 3 occurs in your home country at the end of the Program, for a wrap-up showcase with a virtual overlap across the two countries.

A travel allowance (by reimbursement) will be provided to fund reasonable transport and accommodation costs for one participant per Organisation to attend the three travel components.

Travel allowance is paid only after the travel has occurred. You must be able to fund that travel up-front.

Travel costs associated with the Pilot Phase are to be met by the Organisation directly or by using their RISE Accelerator Grant.

If you can’t attend one of the Program travel events the other/alternate Nominated Participant from your Organisation (co-founder, CEO, CTO, COO, for example) should attend. Ideally, the Participant best suited to the modules of learning/travel experiences at hand should participate. All Organisations selected for the Program must have at least one person at any given time taking part in each aspect of the Program, including travel, learning events and mentoring.

The RISE Accelerator Grant does not have to be matched. The grants are provided to support Program Activities and Pilot Phase activities, and only for eligible expenses incurred after the commencement date of the Program. You will be responsible for any costs including those that are greater than the Grant or travel allowance amounts. Refer to the Australian Program and Grant Guidelines and Indian Program and Grant Guidelines.

No, there is one Grant – paid to the successfully selected RISE Accelerator startups and SMEs. That Grant is paid to you to support the costs of your participation in the Program, Program Activities and to execute a pilot project in/for your target market.

Confirmed – the RISE Accelerator grant funding is equity free.