Genesis

The winner of the final pitch night will be awarded the Genesis WPrize, valued at AUD $30,000 as well as ongoing support from Genesis. Finalists also have the opportunity to compete for awards such as the Peoples’ Choice award, Gola Night Awards.

Genesis is open to the University of Sydney's alumni, staff, and students. You can join as an individual or as a team as long as at least one of the founders is a University of Sydney alumni, staff or student.

Step 1: Build your team

Any student, staff or alumni of the University of Sydney can apply solo or engage a team of like-minded individuals. Refer to the program criteria below for team size and eligibility.

Step 2: Apply online

Apply directly here.

You'll be guided through the application process, which includes creating your personal and startup profiles.

The application will require you to answer questions about your business, and we’re asking you to submit a short (two minutes maximum) video of you and your team talking to the camera covering the following;

• WHY your idea is super important. How are you making the world better?
• WHO are you, and why are you the right person/people to work with on this?
• WHY are you applying to Genesis? If we could help you solve one thing, what would it be?
• Video quality is not important; we just want to see and hear you present your startup to us.

Startup ideas are only eligible if the business idea submitted originated from one or more members of the team and the intellectual property (IP) belongs solely to the team members.

The program is open to teams that may rely upon IP owned by third parties, such as patented technology developed by companies or Universities. It is not necessary at the time of entry to have negotiated licenses or other agreements to use these ideas.

The information submitted will be treated confidentially. Non-disclosure agreements will not be signed with any team. In order to participate in the program, you need to provide complete and reliable information about your idea and your team.

A maximum of 15 startups (teams or individuals) will be admitted into the program. The standard intake is 10 startups per cohort.

Teams enrolled in any other business competition run by the University of Sydney can also enroll in the Genesis program with the same idea.

The team leader (founder) must be a current student, staff member or alumni of the University of Sydney. The team leader must present at the Finale if they are selected as a finalist. The other team members can be external to the University.

Teams can be any size; you can even enter by yourself. Typical teams are composed of 2-4 people. 

Teams can add or remove people throughout the program; however, the team leader must always be a student, staff, or alumni of the University of Sydney. Any changes in your team's composition must be advised to the Sydney Genesis team. If you add or remove a team member during the program, a new team agreement must be completed.

Please note that cash prize payments are made in one payment to your nominated team leader. It is then up to them to distribute any winnings as agreed within the team.

Yes, you can enter more than one idea.

Yes, you can enter by yourself; teams can be of any size. However, teams are typically composed of two to four people. You can still make changes in your team during the workshops phase; however, any changes made after your original team agreement will require a revised signed team agreement (that is, you must have a signed team agreement in place that corresponds to your current team).

Yes. In fact, Genesis is open to anyone including undergraduates, postgraduates, post doctorates, lecturers, alumni and staff.

At least one of the founders, the team leader, must be a current student, alumni or staff member of the University of Sydney. Other team members can be external to the University.

Genesis is open to entrants from any industry. It doesn't matter if you're developing a new piece of technology to sell globally or a new local retail concept. If you've got an idea you want to bring to life, we want you to enter!

Yes! Successful entrants in Genesis are at the cutting edge of innovation. Often this means HDR students. If you've been wondering how to commercialise your research, entering Genesis will provide you with valuable experience and connections.