The program is delivered by SiliconCatalyst.AU, and is uniquely focused on early-stage and established tech startups driving innovation through custom semiconductor and quantum development efforts, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to mitigate business, technical, and funding risks.

DOWNLOAD THE “GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS”

Eligibility Criteria

Your company must be based in Queensland; meaning it should be registered at the ABR with a Queensland address and that’s where the natural headquarters should be.

The majority of your engineering development resource growth needs to be in Queensland and you must be able to illustrate and prove this.

Key Benefits of the Program

• Mentorship: Each company is assigned a mentor for the duration of the program, complemented by access to a network of over 20 Australian advisors and 500+ global advisors.

• Training: A tailored training program curriculum covers essential topics such as product development, recruitment, IP protection, go-to-market strategy, corporate governance, negotiation planning, and fundraising. The training is delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face workshops.

• Access to EDA Tools, IP, and Foundries: Free or reduced-cost access to electronic design automation tools, services, and foundry processing through partnerships with companies like Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens EDA, Arm, Imec, and TSMC.

• Investment and Fundraising Support: Assistance with pitch preparation, negotiation processes, investor intelligence, and introductions, though the program itself does not include direct investment.

• Publicity: Opportunities for public exposure through launch events, mid-program events, and graduation events, aimed at promoting the companies to industry executives and investors.

Application Process

The application process consists of three distinct phases:

1. Completing the online application

2. First round screening

3. Second round screening

DOWNLOAD THE “APPLICATION FORM TEMPLATE”

Online Application

The online application consists of 22 questions for which we ask for a written answer. We also ask you to upload your pitch deck and company logo.

Before you complete the online form, we recommend you download the Application From Template and prepare your answers.

Then fill out the application form here.

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First Screening Round

Once applications have closed, first round screening interviews will be arranged.

These screening interviews will be 30 minutes long with a panel of Australian Silicon Catalyst advisors. The format is 15 minutes for you to present your pitch deck followed by 15 minutes of questions from the advisor panel.

Based on the feedback from the advisors it will be decided which companies should progress through to the next screening round.

Second Screening Round

Once the first-round screening interviews are complete, second round screening interviews will be arranged. These interviews will be 15 minutes long with a panel of US Silicon Catalyst advisors.

The meeting will follow the Sand Hill Angels Raw format which has a very specific format.

The first five minutes are for you to present three slides only:

• Slide 1: The problem you are addressing and why your solution is the best

• Slide 2: How you will generate repeatable revenue from your solution

• Slide 3: The world class team that will deliver this solution

The second five minutes are rapid fire questions. It is in your best interests to answer as many of these questions as possible, so keep answers concise and complete.

The third five minutes is your turn to listen. Here you will receive feedback from some of the most experienced entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.

FAQs

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO ANSWER ALL OF THE QUESTIONS IN THE APPLICATION?

• For the initial screening, your answers are all we have to evaluate your application so it’s in your best interest to make your answers as comprehensive as possible.

• Even if the information is included in the pitch deck, answering the application questions completely is generally the most effective way to communicate this information to ChipStart AU.

HOW DOES CHIPSTART AU DECIDE WHICH STARTUPS TO ADMIT?

• SiliconCatalyst.AU and QIC are looking for high-quality, interesting Queensland-based semiconductor and quantum startups that we can help, who have defendable IP that can have a good chance of making a significant impact on the world.

• In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, the key criteria are:

  • The quality of the founding team

  • Their openness to mentoring/coaching

  • What needs they have on Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem (in-kind tools and services, advisors, investors)

DOES SILICONCATALYST.AU PROVIDE FUNDING?

• No grant funding is provided as part of the accelerator, however we will work with cohort members to access pre-seed and grant funding during the program.

WE ARE STILL VERY EARLY STAGE, SHOULD WE APPLY TO THIS COHORT OR WAIT UNTIL A LATER ONE?

• The ChipStart AU accelerator is uniquely focused on early-stage and established tech startups driving innovation through custom semiconductor and quantum development efforts. It is these companies that we believe can benefit most from the program.

• For later stage companies we would encourage them to apply for the 12 months national program.

ALTHOUGH WE HAVE INITIAL INDICATIONS ON POTENTIAL EARLY REVENUE AND MARKET SIZE WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF UNDERSTANDING THIS. IS THIS A PROBLEM?

• We fully understand the difficulty of estimating market size and timing, as long as the methodology used to make your initial estimates is clear this will not be an issue.

• A key part of the course content is providing you the tools to enable you to forecast revenue in a way that is repeatable and defendable as input into your company strategy – and with potential investors.

IF WE FAIL TO SECURE A PLACE ON THIS COHORT CAN WE REAPPLY FOR A LATER ONE?

• Absolutely. There is no problem in you re-applying.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

• Please contact chipstartau@sicatalyst.com and we’ll get back to you promptly.