Incubator Program

Step 1:

Our one-page online preliminary application form makes it easy to apply. Make sure you include as much detail in your description fields as possible.

Step 2:

If you are contacted after the board have reviewed your preliminary application, you will be asked to complete the comprehensive application package which prompt you for honest and legible information.

Remember that the people reading your application know nothing about you or your idea. Be detailed in the information you provide. Present your information to friends or family and check that they understand the idea you are pitching prior to sending it to us. Applications that are difficult to read or understand are instantly dismissed. If you can’t inspire us in the early stages you are unlikely to be invited to enroll in the program.

Give us a backstory, the journey until now and a future pitch. How did you think of this innovation? What were the hurdles you faced? What are the opportunities you envision? Why should anyone care about your ideas? Tell us a bit about yourself personally – you are selling yourself just as much as your idea.

It all paints a bigger picture. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Step 3:

The elite few who are selected to progress will be invited to an interview where our board can gain a better understanding of both who you are and your innovation. This may be via phone or in person.

At this point it is important to be punctual. Present yourself with confidence and be well prepared to discuss your idea fully. The answers you provide will be used to determine your suitability to the program.

Should you reach this stage you can gain a competitive edge by supplying a hard copy pitch, prototype, supporting video or relevant tangible item to support your application. Going the extra mile makes you memorable and shows your tenacity.

Unsuccessful applications may get an email response, or may not hear back at all.

These steps can often be months apart due to board review availability so be prepared to be patient. When they do come together to review candidates they are then busy doing due diligence to ensure it is a unique idea, not already available in the market and making certain it is exclusively your idea.

Step 4:

For the super elite few that get through the rigorous process, they will become a valuable member of the Atlan Stormwater Incubator Program and begin working with the panel.

What if I don’t hear back?

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make it through the first time. You can always try again. Sometimes concepts are close but just need a little more fine-tuning before we are in a position to join you on your journey. Never give up!

What if there is a similar idea on the market already?

If there are products or ideas very similar to yours on the market, be prepared to explain why yours is different and better.

Should I have a patent?

It will impress the panel if you have applied for, or already have, a patent. A patent prevents other people from stealing your idea and relieves the panel of concerns about knock offs and lawsuits over theft of intellectual property.

How long does this process take?

It varies based on the application and candidate engagement through the steps but on average it can take between four and twelve months to go from initial application to entry into the program.

What will I get out of the Atlan Stormwater Incubator Program?

Atlan Stormwater funds this program and, dependent on what each innovator needs, there can be a mix of investment funding, mentoring, professional support, industry connections and masterclasses.

In many cases the highest value resides in mentoring, support and masterclasses as they offer invaluable knowledge and growth and can pave the way for future innovations also.

Applications are open to everyone – Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the world.

Applicants who are under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian.

You cannot be a convicted felon or have criminal charges pending.

Your innovation/idea must be your own. If you have a collaborator they must be declared on the application and have granted express permission to participate in this program (even if they don’t want to be engaged in the process).

Even if you are selected to join the Atlan Stormwater Incubator Program, there are no guarantees on which program inclusions you will be offered. All inclusions are determined on a case by case basis.

This program is run at the discretion of Atlan Stormwater. All information provided should be of a general nature as the panel are not in a position to sign any confidentiality agreements during the application or program processes.

All information provided must be true and correct. Misleading information will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

If you have any questions in relation to this program please contact us.