Global Accerlator Program

Overview

The Victorian Government’s Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) has contracted Pyksis in collaboration with ANZA Technology Network (ANZA) to deliver the GAP Program with the objective of accelerating North American and China market access for Victorian innovative companies.

Entry into GAP is competitive with up to five positions available per cohort; with one cohort to the USA and one cohort to China annually. The first cohort will be enrolled for the USA market.

Agenda

The agenda for the first GAP will be conducted as follows:

• A 1-day workshop held in Melbourne on 22 February 2011 to outline the program features, entry requirements and to provide a basis for selection of successful applicants
• A 1-month pre-mentoring and preparation period where successful candidates will be linked to their assigned USA and Australian mentors for briefing and preparation, prior to departure overseas
• An 11-day USA in-country intensive mentoring and experiential program in mid March 2011 (based out of Silicon Valley – California) to rapidly upgrade value propositions, business case and export skills of the successful candidates through individual and group sessions with their assigned mentors. Companies develop their market entry strategies and establish links with potential alliance partners, channel partners and financiers
• A continuing 5-month mentoring support program on their return to Australia, linking both USA and Australian mentors

Co-contribution

The GAP Program is valued at over $35,000 per company and provides selected companies with a unique opportunity to enter the North American (and China) market in a sustainable manner.

The GAP overseas component caters for one person per company and successful candidates will be required to contribute $5,000 (ex GST) to take part in GAP.

All other program related costs including international airfares, local in-country travel and accommodation are covered by GAP.

Selection Process

Suitably developed companies will be invited to attend the 1-day Melbourne workshop, where they will be briefed on GAP by DBI, Pyksis and ANZA.

Shortlisted applicants identified through the workshop will be invited to participate in the program. Please confirm your ability to attend the Melbourne workshop and participate in GAP, should you be selected, by contacting Mark Gustowski – Pyksis Victoria on 03 8648 6419 or via email on mark.gustowski@pyksis.com, by no later than 20 January 2011.

In confirming your attendance at the one-day workshop, please advise the names and positions of the parties who will be representing your company, together with their contact details.