Early-stage founders in South Australia are moving faster from concept to customer, as a new wave of startups emerge from the Innovation & Collaboration Centre’s (ICC) Venture Catalyst program (VC).
The six-month acceleration program provides equity-free funding, connection to a global network of industry experts, business workshops and access to Adelaide University resources.
With applications now open for the 2026 program, alumni success stories are offering a blueprint for what’s possible.
One of the clearest examples of early traction comes from AICRAFT, which entered the Venture Catalyst Space program in 2023, with a focus on high-performance onboard computing for satellites.
After the program, the team identified faster-moving commercial opportunities on the ground, including vineyard monitoring and precision agriculture and today AICRAFT are deploying their technology across multiple industries while continuing to advance their space capabilities.
For Paladin Space, the program provided the structure to refine a high-ambition idea into a clear roadmap.
Focused on helping solve the space debris challenge, the team used the mentoring and industry access to strengthen their market entry and prepare for major partnerships.
Founder Harrison Box recently presented to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, gained international commercial traction and is set to expand into the UK market before Christmas. They are aiming to close an investment round in early 2026.
Mr Box says having the camaraderie under one roof was unique and motivating to keep going.
“This program turns what you have as an idea, into something tangible and real.
“It is novel and different, providing the support and clear steps needed to have something tangible for investors with an unbelievable support network,” he says.
2025 graduate Dr Angelina Russo, Founder of Fleurieu Made, entered the program with her Circular Fashion IQ Index, an AI enabled tool that measures and improves sustainability in the fashion supply chain.
She says the Venture Catalyst program transformed her idea into a real business.
“Without the ICC, I would still have an idea. It’s a good idea — but I wouldn’t have a business model that’s actually scalable,” she says.
“The ICC gave me the clarity and structure I needed to turn passion into a real, investable business.”
Across all these examples, early and consistent customer discovery was critical.
Associate Director: Business Incubation Craig Jones says the program is there to provide support, accelerate learning and limit risk.
“What Venture Catalyst really delivers is accelerated clarity. Founders rapidly learn what works, what doesn’t and what customers actually value.
“That speed of learning, supported by the right structure and expert guidance, is what turns early concepts into real customers, partnerships and market traction.”
The 2026 program will offer two streams:
- Space supported by the South Australian Space Industry Centre
- General supported by Adelaide University which includes a place for a social impact startup supported by the Pank Family.
Both streams provide six months of tailored support, a global network of industry experts, $10,000 stipend (for eligible startups) and access to the ICC’s community.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open via icc.adelaide.edu.au.
