Grant FAQs - LaunchVic
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Grant FAQs

Below are Frequently Asked Questions for our open grants.

If you have a question regarding LaunchVic funding, send us an enquiry using the form below.

Back to Open Grants MedTech Market Growth Program AgTech Grants Program AgTech Pre-accelerator Programs Contact us

MedTech Market Growth Program

Who is eligible?
This Grant is for Scaling Medtech Startups that are working on medical device and diagnostic products. This may include:
  • Products for patient care and treatment
  • Products for patient diagnosis, monitoring and wellbeing.
Digital health products and services are outside the scope of this grant round but companies in this space can access support from ANDHealth Activate, a LaunchVic funded accelerator program currently accepting applications.
What can the grant be used for?
Eligible advisory and business development services, can include the provision of advice in the following areas:
  • Developing and refining go-to-market value proposition
  • Analysis of the complex therapeutic pathways to global markets
  • Pricing, reimbursements, and health economics analysis
  • Regulatory approvals (domestic and international)
  • Government procurement (domestic and international)
  • Commercial product manufacturability
Eligible commercial activities can include:
  • Accessing facilities, capability, or services related to product development, manufacturing, research and/or market opportunities.
  • Travel that is directly related to increasing global customers, procurement, regulatory approvals, or commercial product manufacturability.
  • Hiring or contracting of new staff directly relevant to the project.
To qualify, is it necessary for the company to already have received funding from private investors?
To be eligible for the MedTech Market Growth Program, a company must fall into the category of a Scaling MedTech Startup. One of the criteria for this is having raised seed or Series A funding from private or professional investors of between $500,000 to $10million (cumulative excluding grants). If an amount between $500,000 and $10million has not been raised, under this criterion you are not currently eligible.
How many times can I apply for grant funding?
Startups are only eligible to receive one $50,000 grant as part of this funding round. Unsuccessful companies will be permitted to reapply based on feedback from the assessment panel. This will not guarantee their success.
Can eligible expenditure be used on international consultants or advisory services?
A full list of eligible and ineligible expenditure is in the Guidelines. All Grant expenditure will be approved at the first meeting with your LaunchVic appointed Business Mentor. We recognise that here in Victoria we have many highly qualified service providers and consultants. However, there are some circumstances where you may need a service provider in another market, interstate or overseas. This can be outlined in your application.
Can I apply for more than $50,000?
The maximum amount of funding awarded to a startup is $50,000 (ex GST).
How would you define Medtech?
Medtech stands for “medical technology” – it is a combination of technology and medical interventions. Medtech includes technologies, devices, services, products, and solutions that use medical technology for patient care and treatment, diagnosis, monitoring, and improvement of people’s health.
How do I know if I am a scaling startup?
For the MedTech Market Growth Program, a Scaling Medtech Startup must meet the following two criteria as set out in the Guidelines. To be considered an eligible Scaling Startup, they must have raised seed or Series A funding from private or professional investors of between $500,000 to $10million (cumulative excluding grants) as well as commenced planning, are conducting, or have completed Stage 1 clinical trials.
How many grants will be awarded in this grant round?
We have $1 million in funding to deploy through this grant round and applications will remain open until all funds are fully allocated, or by 30 June 2024, whichever is earlier. We expect to fund 20 Scaling Medtech Startups.
Could you tell us more about the mentoring process?
Of the $50,000, $1,500 is allocated to meeting with a LaunchVic appointed Startup Business Mentor over two 90-minute sessions. The LaunchVic Startup Business Mentor will be able to support you through the grant process and will give you tailored and structured advice to help you with next steps for your business.
Are software, digital health companies or ai programs eligible?
This grant is for Scaling Medtech Startups working on medical devices and diagnostic products.
Is a physical (hardware) device required?
Eligible applicants are Scaling Medtech Startup working on medical devices and diagnostic products.
When providing CVs (three required) in the application process, what if there are more than three founders?
If there are more than three founders, please provide the CVs for the three people who are a part of the key management team and have the most responsibility within the startup.
Can funding be used to fund clinical trials?
Under the definition of a Scaling Medtech Startup, applicants must have commenced planning, are conducting, or have completed Stage 1 clinical trials. Funding towards Clinical trials is eligible.
Are bootstrapped startups eligible to apply to this grant program?
This grant program is specifically focused on venture capital-backed Scaling Medtech Startups. While bootstrapped Startups are not eligible for this specific grant, below is an overview of programs run by LaunchVic, as well as other organisations, that may assist you.

dealroom.launchvic.org
dealroom.launchvic.org is a comprehensive database of startups, investors and accelerators active in Victoria. You can use this platform to search and find investors to reach out to. You can easily create your own profile to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward to potential investors.

Funding and Grants from other organisations
For grant and funding opportunities for your business, we can suggest these resources:
Can funding be used towards having the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) review designs for manufacture (commercial product design)?
Eligible commercial activities can include accessing facilities, capability, or services related to product development, manufacturing, research and/or market opportunities. Funding towards Product Design for Manufacturability is eligible.
When developing a project budget, do you need to see quotes?
No, you do not need to provide quotes but instead provide an accurate breakdown of what your spending will look like including how and where it will be used.
If I have a prototype of a device but am not yet registered as a company, am I still eligible?
Applicants must be a registered business, based in Victoria and holding an existing Australian Business Number (ABN).
Can I use funding to hire interns or extend the contracts of the already existing staff?
Eligible use of funds includes hiring or contracting new staff directly relevant to the project. Interns may be hired, but they must be directly relevant to the project. Extending existing staff contracts is not an eligible use of funds.
Our company has not raised any external funds and has self-funded our efforts to date. Are we eligible for this grant?
In terms of eligibility, to be considered a Scaling Medtech Startup, you will need to have raised seed or Series A funding from private or professional investors of between $500,000 to $10million (cumulative excluding grants). Companies that do not meet these criteria are unfortunately not eligible.
Can funding be used towards existing rental facilities?
Eligible commercial activities can include accessing facilities, capability, or services related to product development, manufacturing, research and/or market opportunities, however, usual operational expenditure (i.e. existing rental properties, existing staff contracts etc.) is not eligible for funding.

All Grant expenditure will be discussed and approved at the first meeting with your LaunchVic appointed Business Mentor.
In terms of funding eligibility, who is a private or professional investor?
A private or a professional investor needs to be an independent third party.
Regarding the Round 2 guideline update, what type of evidence should be provided to demonstrate a clear financial runway or pathway to investments/ grants?
Within the MMGP application form in SmartyGrants, we have provided additional space for applicants to demonstrate clear financial runway, or pathway to investments and/or grants.
The type of evidence we are looking for includes grant money already received, evidence of investment already received (even if under 500K), details of revenue for services or consulting, evidence of commitment to invest and/or grant etc.

AgTech Grants Program

Can I apply for more than $50,000?
The maximum amount of funding awarded to a startup is $50,000.
Can I include costs relating to managing the grant such as report writing and financial tracking in the budget?
Costs relating to managing the grant are generally considered routine operational expenditure and are not intended to be supported by the grant.
How many times can I apply for grant funding?
Startups are only eligible to receive one $50,000 grant as part of this funding round. Unsuccessful companies will be permitted to reapply based on feedback from the assessment panel. This will not guarantee their success.
What can I use this grant funding for?
Business Capability and Growth Costs, which includes salaries for new positions and activities that support product and service development costs, business process and system improvement, marketing, communications and sales, customer growth and customer success initiatives, costs that support investment attraction, intellectual property costs, and product trial costs. Salaries for founders and pre-existing staff will not be supported.
The AgTech Grants Program is not intended to support routine operational expenditure, retrospective activities, and the purchase, lease or acquisition of land.
How do you define AgTech?
AgTech is the collection of technologies that provide the agricultural industry with the tools, data and knowledge to make more informed, timely on-farm decisions and improve productivity and sustainability. Applications of these technologies can include: plant or animal science, crop protection & input management, precision agriculture, indoor agriculture, sensors & smart farm equipment, imagery, animal technologies, processing & packaging, supply chain and hardware.
*FoodTech (food production) is generally not included in this definition, unless the business idea is technology based with high impact potential, using innovation and/or addressing scalable markets
Can I speak to someone at LaunchVic to discuss my proposal?
LaunchVic is not offering calls or meetings for applicants under this program based on our probity policy – operating under a fair and transparent process for all applicants. If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply or have any questions about the grant program, please contact us via email on grants@launchvic.org. We generally respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.
What other support is available?
Startups will also meet with LaunchVic personnel and be able to access connections and networks through LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria.
How many people will be applying under this grant round?
We have $1 million in funding to deploy through this grant round and applications will remain open until 30 June 2024, or until the funding is fully expended. We expect to fund 20 early-stage agtech startups through this program.
If we have attended an accelerator program, will this work for or against us in the assessment process?
We love to see startups participating in accelerator programs and/or other startup programs, and you will see that educational and professional development activities are part of the assessment criteria. We know that through these programs, participants receive access to mentoring, education, advice and support which is crucial at an early-stage of development. If you are interested in viewing the list of startup programs LaunchVic has supported, visit our website here: launchvic.org/programs
Can marketing and wages be included in the costs, or would it be better to apply for funding for the tech component?
Absolutely, you can apply the funding to new salaries or new marketing efforts that are contributing to the growth of the business.
Do you need to have revenue to apply?
No, you are welcome to apply pre-revenue and/or prior to your product being in the market.
What is the timeline of grant assessment?
Applications are open now and will remain open until 30 June 2024 or until all funds are fully allocated. Our Assessment Committee will be assessing applications every second month from May. Interviews with the first round of shortlisted applicants will occur late May and we expect to announce the first recipients in June.
Could you tell us more about the mentoring process?
Of the $50,000, $1,500 is allocated to meeting with a LaunchVic appointed Startup Business Mentor over two 90-minute sessions. The LaunchVic Startup Business Mentor will be able to support you through the grant process and will give you tailored and structured advice to help you with the next steps for your business.
Can you use the funding on developing a prototype?
Yes, you are welcome to use the funding to support the costs of developing a prototype.
Would you be able to connect us with farmers who would like to work with startups for any potential pilots and product validation?
Yes, we are keen to connect startups and farmers as part of this grant round and beyond the grant round. We are working closely with Agriculture Victoria and can connect you with their five SmartFarms which are a great way to connect with farmers in the regions you are interested in. Please email us on grants@launchvic.org and we’ll connect you.
Can one founder with multiple projects apply for separate projects?
Yes, however, we would encourage you to consider your capacity to deliver on multiple projects at the same time before submitting your application/s. The Assessment Panel will be taking into consideration the number of projects being proposed and the capability of the team to deliver the project/s.
How important is new innovation in this grant round?
LaunchVic’s definition of a startup is a technology-based business with high impact potential, that uses innovation and/or addresses scalable markets. We know that there is some great innovation that can be applied to agtech in Victoria, and we want to see in your application that you and your team are capable of executing your proposal.
If I am working as a sole Founder, who do I list as secondary contact on the application form given this is a mandatory field?
Please add your details to both primary and secondary contact and you will be able to progress with the application.

AgTech pre-accelerator programs

Are previous and/or current LaunchVic-funded accelerators/ pre-accelerators eligible to apply?
Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply for this funding round. If you are a current LaunchVic grant recipient with an ongoing grant, the assessment panel would question your ability and capacity to deliver multiple programs, unless your current program is due for completion soon.
Who will run the pre-accelerator program?
In your application, you need to list the key personnel who will be managing and delivering the program, including their relevant expertise and experience in running a startup program, or providing early-stage startup support.
How many applicants will be shortlisted/ funded?
This will depend on the quality of the applications received. We will be shortlisting and funding the most competitive applications.
Can I speak with someone at LaunchVic to discuss my application?
LaunchVic is not offering calls or meetings for applicants under this program based on our probity policy – operating under a fair and transparent process for all applicants. If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply or have any questions about the grant program, please contact us via email on grants@launchvic.org. We generally respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.
What if I have already submitted an application for the Targeted Pre-Accelerator Grant Round?
If you already have an application under review for the targeted pre- accelerator grant round, you can continue to have your application assessed as part of that grant round, and submit another through the agtech pre- accelerator grant round.
Why are you now funding a specific AgTech program? Will there be other grant rounds focusing on specific areas?
This grant round is being delivered in partnership with Agriculture Victoria, to build on the existing support in place for AgTech founders and continue to:

• Support startup entrepreneurs in AgTech by helping them bring their startup idea to life,

and/or continue developing their startup idea;

• Increase the pipeline of startups being created across Victoria in the AgTech area; and

• Increase the pipeline of quality startups entering other programs in Victoria.

At this stage LaunchVic does not have plans to run any other dedicated pre accelerator grant rounds.
If I have already applied through the Targeted Pre-Accelerator Grant can my application be transferred to this program?
We need all applications for this program to be made through the SmartyGrants portal under the AgTech Pre- Accelerator Grant Round.
If my application is successful, when will the start date of my program be?
As set out in the application guidelines, it is anticipated that contracting and announcement of successful recipients will occur in late May. Applicants can propose a start date for the program from June 2024 onwards and set out a proposed timeline for program delivery. If the application is successful, the start date will then be discussed and determined in consultation with LaunchVic.
What is the difference between an entrepreneur and a startup?
As outlined in the application guidelines, a startup entrepreneur is an individual who has an idea for a technology-based Startup and is seeking to launch a Startup and register their new Company via ASIC in the State of Victoria.
Can an organisation be a part of numerous submissions? i.e. Lead on one application and be a delivery partner on another?
Yes, however consideration will be given to the capacity of the organisation to lead and deliver multiple programs.
How does this Early-Stage AgTech Pre-Accelerator Program differ from LaunchVic’s AgTech Grants Program?
This Early-Stage AgTech Pre-Accelerator grant round has been designed to encourage and promote the growth of numerous early-stage AgTech startups through the applicant’s proposed program(s). LaunchVic’s AgTech Grants Program provides a direct grant to an AgTech startup, typically one more mature than those which will participate in these pre-accelerator programs.
What activities need to be included in the timeline that is uploaded in the application?
Please include proposed timings for the pre-accelerator program activities, as well as proposed timings for any additional activities being delivered to support the growth of the Victorian startup ecosystem (e.g. events for the broader community).
Could you tell us more about the video submission that is required if we are shortlisted?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a video response to interview questions from the assessment panel. We will send out more information to the shortlisted applicants on this process once the applications have been assessed.

Have a question?