Cohort 1 of the Moreton Bay Startup Lab is underway, and we are now accepting applications for Cohort 2. Places are limited to five ambitious founders of early-stage ventures. If you are ready to do the work, apply now.
The Moreton Bay Startup Lab is a nine-month, equity-free incubator delivered as part of the Innovate Moreton Bay program. It supports early-stage founders to test real problems, build evidence, and make disciplined decisions about what to build next.
Coaching, squad peer learning, advisor connections, and structured accountability are built into the program from day one. Education and support are shaped around each cohort's needs, not a fixed syllabus.
Through hands-on coaching, peer accountability, and evidence-led experimentation, founders test real problems, validate solutions, and graduate with clarity, traction, and confidence to grow in the City of Moreton Bay.
Duration: 9-months
Time commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week
Format: Mix of in-person and online
Location: Primarily North Lakes (Digital Studio / co-working), with online session
Cohort size: This is a selective cohort of up to 15 founders or companies across the program
Cost: Free and equity-free
Regular squad sessions with fellow founders
Individual coaching and accountability from experienced startup coaches
Access to Creative HQ's Applied Innovation Framework, a proven methodology used across ANZ, and a full tool library to support your venture work
Assistance with branding and developing your venture profile
Access to advisors from a broad range of expertise
Regular co-working space at North Lakes Digital Studio
Connection to the wider Innovate Moreton Bay community
What is it? A nine-month, equity-free incubator for early-stage founders. Funded by City of Moreton Bay, delivered by Creative HQ. Cohort 2 kicks off July 2026.
Is it free? Yes. No cost to apply, no cost to participate, no equity taken.
What is the time commitment? You get out what you put in. One full day or two half-days a week is the sweet spot. The minimum is four hours per week across nine months, with fortnightly coaching and squad sessions and three mandatory in-person days: kick-off, mid-point, and graduation showcase. The program is designed to flex around founders who are not yet full-time on their venture.
Is there a fixed curriculum? No. Education and support are shaped around what the cohort needs. You bring your live venture. We work through it with you.
Do I need a finished product or revenue? No. You need evidence the problem you are solving is real and the commitment to test, learn, and build.
I have an MVP and early users. Is this still for me? Yes. Coaching is tailored to where you are. Founders at different stages learn a lot from each other.
Do I have to be profit-driven? No. Impact-focused founders and social enterprises are welcome. Viability matters more than profit.
Do I need to be based in Moreton Bay? Preference is given to local founders. A small number of places may be offered to founders outside the region where there is a strong fit.
What sectors are you focused on? Food and Agritech, Health Tech, Tourism and Events, Civic Services and Civictech, Sustainability, and Advanced Manufacturing. Founders outside these areas are welcome to apply.
What advisor support is available? Advisors are matched to what each venture needs across legal and IP, sales, finance, fundraising, and sector-specific areas. Roles are pro bono.
Will there be workshops? Yes, built around what the cohort needs. If multiple founders are working through similar challenges, we bring the right people in.
What is a squad? A small group of founders who meet regularly to share challenges, stay accountable, and learn from each other. Often where the most useful conversations happen.
Where does the program run? North Lakes Digital Studio, 10 The Corso, North Lakes. A mix of in-person and online, with the three milestone days held in person.
What does the application involve? Around ten minutes. Your background, the problem you are solving, your stage, and your connection to Moreton Bay. Clear and direct beats polished.
What are the key dates? Applications close Monday 15 June. Offers out Monday 22 June. Confirmations due Thursday 25 June. Kick-off Tuesday 7 July.
What if I am not selected? It's not a no, it's a not yet. Stay connected through the Innovate Moreton Bay community and events, and continue to chat with the Innovation Director and the current cohort.
Not sure if you are ready? Apply anyway. It costs nothing. If the timing is not right, get involved with our other programming.
