Cicada Innovations, with the support of Innovation Victoria, has launched Assemble, a fully-funded program for Victorian science and engineering founders who have proven the science, moved beyond early ideation, validated the opportunity, and are ready to build the venture.
Over 16 weeks, guided by Cicada's 25 years scaling deep tech businesses, you'll assemble the commercial foundations, founder capability, evidence, and ecosystem relationships needed to move from invention to traction.
This program is open to applicants who are:
- Based in Victoria
- Aspiring or early-stage founders solving hard industrial, environmental, or societal problems with novel technology and defensible IP, in any of the following fields:
- Advanced Manufacturing, Defence & Space
- Climate Tech, Clean Energy & Materials
- AgTech & Food Security
- Robotics, Quantum, Sensors & Data-Enabling Hardware
- While this is a hybrid program, applicants should be able to attend core sessions and check-ins (there is flexibility on attendance, please reach out to our team <link> if you have any questions or concerns around being able to physically attend sessions)
- Note: If you are building software or AI solutions, they should be applied to solving complex, real-world industrial or physical challenges. This program is not currently suited to biotech founders addressing human health; however, we encourage you to contact our team for available programs for your sector <link>.
Unsure if you meet the criteria? We’re here to answer any questions you have
Assemble is a hybrid (in-person and virtual) program that spans 16-weeks. You can expect:
A self-paced online Foundations pre-work course and in-person orientation session
A two-day in-person Venture Bootcamp: Meet your cohort and industry experts, stress-test your tech, define their MVP, and build a deep tech narrative
Six workshops (online and face-to-face): Deep dive into MVPs, international markets, funding, GTM strategy, and communicating your innovation to investors and partners
Regular online check-ins: Progress tracking, problem-solving and curated introductions, maintaining momentum and accountability
Upon completion, a Pitch Day, and up to 12 months of in-kind follow-on support
In addition, you will receive access to:
A network of mentors, comprising leading industry experts, investors and successful entrepreneurs
Cicada’s broader deep tech community and introductions to Cicada’s network
Curated events, resources, and a vast library of online resources and tools that you can complete at your own pace
Upon completion of the program you can expect to have built a credible pathway to investment, leaving with:
Validated Product Plan: Problem–solution fit stress-tested by experts, with defined MVP scope, technical roadmap, and manufacturing requirements.
Complete Commercial Strategy: Go-to-market strategy with partner mapping, venture roadmap spanning technology to traction, and coordinated funding approach.
Communication Assets & Operational Literacy: Compelling narrative and pitch deck, plus understanding of IP, regulatory, supply chain and compliance across deep tech.
No two deep tech ventures are built the same way. Assemble helps you put the right blocks in place for yours, and pairs you with respected industry leaders, technical experts, and investors who provide guidance and strategic advice as you create traction.
Innovation Victoria exists to grow Victoria’s startup and innovation ecosystem by helping more people turn good ideas into successful, scalable companies.
We bring support, capability building and investment together in one place - so it’s easier to move from idea to commercialisation, growth and global impact.
By connecting entrepreneurs, founders and investors with the right tools, advice and pathways to capital and customers, we help accelerate progress, unlock opportunity and drive long-term economic benefits for Victoria.
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