Hatching ideas
for the planet

Think of an accelerator as similar to a University or TAFE unit – a structured, fixed term development program. However, the purpose of an accelerator program is not only to educate, but to help participants develop and refine their initiative or business venture. 

During the Hatch program, you will undertake education sessions, peer collaboration, and have access to mentors from a range of different expertise. You will also undertake work on your game changing initiative or product for the planet in your own time. 

Accelerators often provide seed capital to participants as well. Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program will provide $2,000 equity-free funding to each participating team. 

At the end of the structured program, participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. The panel will provide feedback and determine which initiative or product is the overall winner and recipient of the $50,000 major funding. 

To support ecopreneurs to take their initiative from vision to reality. If you are an early-stage founder with a venture that will drive positive change for nature, wildlife, biodiversity or the environment, we have an amazing network of mentors and experts who can help you bring your vision to life and reach your goals sooner.

We are seeking brilliant initiatives that can make a significant positive impact on wildlife conservation and/or the environment in Australia, and are/will be established as a b-corp, purpose-driven, not-for-profit or social enterprise organisation.  
Applicants for the Accelerator Program are required to demonstrate:
- A thorough understanding of the issue you are addressing;
- Relevant technical skills to bring your idea to life (or the ability to source and partner with others with the required skills);
- A completed Business Model Canvas / Social Business Canvas, and;
- Results of a first round of market testing for your initiative.
You are also likely at the start of your financial journey using funding from your own pocket and personal connections and looking forward to a time when you can start to bring in revenue/funding to support your venture into the future. 

The program will be a mix of face-to-face immersive workshops held at Taronga Zoo Sydney, weekly online sessions that you attend from anywhere, and working on your initiative in your own time. The program will culminate with the Pitch Event onsite at Taronga Zoo Sydney – an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your initiative to the public and where we will announce the recipient of the Hatch Grant.
The program will support you to:
- Effectively communicate the problem you are addressing and how your solution drives positive impact;
- Complete market validation for your initiative;
- Develop marketing and digital resources to promote your initiative, and;
- Develop your business plan for the next 12 months. 

The Accelerator Program provides participating teams with business coaching and development worth over $30,0000. This is a fantastic opportunity for early-stage startups and includes: - $2,000 funding for each initiative participating in the program (at zero equity);
- A blended approach of face-to-face workshops, online sessions and digital modules to provide you with the knowledge to develop your initiative;
- Flights and accommodation for participants, and;
- Expert learning, guidance and support from mentors and subject matter experts including Taronga experts, industry professionals, and not-for-profit and social enterprise leaders. 

Participating teams also have the opportunity to receive up to $50,000 equity-free funding at the final Pitch Event to bring your brilliant initiative to life!