MEC Discover Pre-accelerator

MEC Discover is a 7-week early-stage pre-accelerator for University of Melbourne researchers, staff and alumni ready to explore the commercial potential of an idea or research.

This pre-accelerator enables you to test your concept against real market demand, refine your solution, and build the confidence to move from insight to action, knowing your idea addresses a genuine need.

By the end of MEC Discover, you will have a clear roadmap for next steps, a network of like-minded founders to support you, and the foundational knowledge to continue your entrepreneurial journey at MEC.

Program Dates

MEC Discover semester 2 will run from Monday 31st August - Friday 16 October

The program runs weekly 3-hour workshops alongside bookable coaching sessions, with a break week from 21–25 September.

Cohorts

Cohort 1 - Wednesdays, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Cohort 2 - Thursdays, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Discover 2

Who it’s for

MEC Discover is open to individuals or teams that have an idea with impact potential and are curious about entrepreneurship.

Researchers, staff and alumni from across the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct are eligible to apply.

Participation in the MEC Discover program is free for current University of Melbourne staff and researchers. A program fee of $500 will apply for all external applicants, including University of Melbourne alumni.

2026 MEC Discover applications are now open

Apply now

FAQs

  • Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) is the front door to innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Melbourne.

    We connect innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors through educational programs, venture building and global innovation networks, equipping them with the skills, confidence and connections to bring transformative research and new ideas to life.

    Since 2018, MEC has delivered exceptional impact outcomes: $440M+ in venture funding raised, thousands of innovators supported, and a dynamic global community of 150+ expert mentors.

  • The 0.2 FTE noted for this program is an indicative guideline to help you and your supervisors plan workload during the delivery period (approximately one working day per week across the program).

    Participation in MEC Discover will not change your formal PhD enrolment status, candidature fraction, scholarship conditions, or your expected end date for the degree.

    You are strongly recommended to discuss participation with your primary supervisor before you apply, to ensure there are no conflicts with research milestones, fieldwork, teaching duties or scholarship requirements.