core start program
Turn your energy or resources innovation into a market-ready opportunity. We provide the capability, mentoring, ecosystem, and infrastructure to get you there.
CORE Start is a fully supported, six-month entrepreneurial development program for founders and innovators in Australia's energy and resources sectors — at any stage of commercialisation. Through structured workshops, expert mentoring, and access to CORE's innovation ecosystem and infrastructure, participants build the commercial skills to move from idea to market-ready opportunity.
Why CORE Start?
Australia's energy and resources sectors are generating some of the most exciting innovations in the world. Getting them to market is where CORE Start comes in.
The gaps that stop great ideas from reaching the market are rarely technical. They're commercial: founders who don't yet know how to validate a customer, price a product, structure a deal, or communicate their vision.
CORE Start closes those gaps. Designed for founders and innovators working in Australia's energy and resources sectors — including clean energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, and industrial decarbonisation — the program delivers the four things that move an innovation from idea to market-ready opportunity: capability, mentoring, ecosystem, and infrastructure.
Delivered from CORE Innovation Hub Perth and accessible across Australia, CORE Start is built to remove the barriers that stop great innovations from progressing.
What You’ll Gain
Capability
Structured workshops and masterclasses covering commercialisation, sales, pricing, IP, capital readiness, leadership, and pitching.
Mentoring
One-on-one support from experienced founders, operators, and industry specialists drawn from CORE's ecosystem — matched to your stage, your industry, and your goals.
Ecosystem
Integration into CORE's ecosystem of 6,500+ innovators, industry partners, and investors, with organic connection opportunities through events and the final Ideas Night showcase.
Infrastructure
Access to CORE Innovation Hubs across Perth, Newman, and Adelaide — with all workshops delivered online and recorded, so cost and location are never a barrier.
Who Should Apply?
CORE Start is for founders and innovators at an early stage of commercial development. You don't need to have an established business or a registered company — you just need to be serious about building one.
You’re a good fit if:
Your business is based in Australia and has an ABN
You're working in or around energy and resources — this includes core sectors such as clean energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, and industrial decarbonisation, as well as traditional operations, adjacent services, and enabling businesses that create value within or alongside the sector
You're at an early stage — whether that's a concept, a patent, a prototype, or an early-stage business. You’ve been developing your product or solution for under 5 years
You can commit to six months — the program is structured and hands-on; the value is in showing up
Selection focuses on:
Founder potential and commitment
Alignment to Australia's energy and resources sectors
Stage of development
Willingness to engage fully with the program community
Prior startup experience or existing commercial traction is not required. We select on potential and drive.
Program Details
Duration:
Six months (August 2026 – January 2027)
Location:
National access delivered from CORE Innovation Hub Perth — all workshops delivered in person and online, with sessions recorded for flexible access. Participants also have access to CORE Innovation Hubs in Newman and Adelaide.
Cost:
Fully supported — delivered through a competitive application process
How to Apply
Applications are assessed through an open, competitive process. Places are limited and demand is consistently strong — we encourage you to apply early.
The application asks you to tell us:
Who you are and what you're working on
Which part of the energy and resources sector your innovation addresses
Where you're at with commercialisation and what support you're looking for
How you'll contribute to the CORE Start cohort
Applications are reviewed by a panel of CORE staff and ecosystem representatives. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a brief conversation.
Previous Participants
"For regional founders, access to high-quality entrepreneurial education is often limited by distance, cost, and time away from operations. CORE Start removed those barriers. It was practical, sector-informed, and grounded in lived experience — and through it I found my people. A network I can call on at any time."
Ella Samwell | Co-Founder, Gurukarri and Mulga
“By the time I gave my end-of-program Pitch I was 100% confident my business is what I am meant to be doing.The connections I made, the knowledge I gained, and the confidence I built — CORE Start delivered more than I expected."
Dr Beatrice Jones | Founder, Wonderspace
"Founders arrive technically strong, but often without a clear understanding of how to structure funding pathways or position themselves for future investment. CORE Start provides a supportive environment where founders can build this capability in a practical, industry-relevant way.”
Jeremy Loftus | Managing Director, Radium Capital
Partners & Supporters
CORE Start 2026 is supported by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification via the Innovation Pathways Program from the New Industries and Innovation Fund, with thanks to our Innovation Partners Radium Capital and WRAYS.
Applications for CORE Start 2026 are Now Open
Fully supported. Six months. Real support for founders and innovators in energy and resources who are ready to get serious about commercialisation.
