MQ Incubator Membership Application

We're Open to Everyone

You don't need to be a Macquarie University student, graduate or staff member to join us. The MQ Incubator is open to all founders — what matters to us is your idea and the impact it can make, not where you studied. This is a complimentary offering to current MQ students, researchers and staff.




What Membership Gives You

The MQ Incubator is built for early-stage and scaling startups.

As a member you'll join a thriving community of founders and gain access to everything you need to grow — all managed and curated by our dedicated team.


Community & Support

A supportive community of like-minded founders, access to our members-only online platform, and a dedicated incubator team in your corner from day one.


Spaces That Work For You

24/7 access to flexible coworking, private offices, and laboratories, plus boardrooms, meeting rooms, event spaces, Wi-Fi, kitchens and amenities — whether you're at a desk or scaling into a lab.

Education & Development

Year-round workshops and programming delivered by industry leaders, available both in-person and online, designed to build your skills at every stage of your startup journey.

Mentoring & Expert Networks

On-demand introductions to a network of 50+ mentors and industry experts, plus direct connections to Macquarie University's world-class research and student networks.

Perks & Partners

Access to partner discounts and credits to help you move faster and spend smarter.

Events & Engagement

Regular social and industry events — in person and online — to keep you connected, inspired and plugged into the broader startup ecosystem.


Next Intake
 February, 2026
Application Close Date
Applications for cohort 1 2026 close 6 February 2026*
Cohort 2 close June 2026
*Applications are welcomed at any time and applicants placed in the most time-appropriate cohort at the discretion of the team.
Location Macquarie University Incubator, 8 Hadenfeld Ave, Macquarie University, 2109
Contact Email [email protected]

 

Program Overview

 Our curriculum is structured around five core masterclass streams, each designed to build the skills and confidence you need to take your startup from idea to investment-ready.

1. Validate

Challenge your assumptions and pressure-test your idea. Drawing on creative thinking and lean methodology, these masterclasses help you critically assess the commercial potential of your concept — with the customer at the centre of everything.

2. Market

Get market-ready. These masterclasses equip founders with a practical understanding of brand, marketing, sales and digital platforms so you can confidently launch your MVP and start building an audience.

3. Structure

Build for growth from day one. From corporate governance to IP management and capital raising readiness, these masterclasses ensure your business foundations are solid before you scale. 

4. Articulate

Tell your story with clarity and conviction. These masterclasses develop your ability to communicate what you do and why it matters — crafting an authentic connection with customers, partners and investors alike.

5. Fund

Understand the investment landscape and learn how to navigate it. These masterclasses cover investor types, funding stages, how to find and approach the right investors, and how to negotiate terms that work for you.


What We Look For

We welcome applications from founders at the validation stage and beyond. We look for startups that:

• Are addressing a sizable and identifiable market
• Have a scalable business model
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem they're solving
• Have a credible path to sustainability
• Can show potential for meaningful impact: People, Planet, Profit
• Are looking to join a community of likeminded people and make a positive contribution
• Your idea does no harm - we are people and planet first.

We also welcome applications from social impact enterprises that may not meet all of the above criteria — if that's you, we'd still love to hear from you.

How To Apply

We accept applications from founders from the idea and validation stage onwards to scaling companies. We don't take equity as part of our membership - ever. We do however offer investment opportunity with our $20M fund.

1. Express your interest via our online application form
2. Interview – a short presentation and Q&A with our team
3. Offer - successful applicants receive a membership offer to join
4. Onboarding – signing a membership agreement, code of conduct and induction into the incubator community

Ready to Apply?

Please complete all fields in the form. If a question doesn't apply to your situation, simply enter 'N/A'.

Applications are reviewed by our panel based on your responses to the questions in this form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch — you'll have 10 minutes to present to the panel, followed by a Q&A session.

Everything you submit is completely confidential and will never be shared outside of our team.


Apply now