In 2026, Plus Eight marks a major milestone; a decade of backing founders, building startups, and shaping the next generation of global businesses. To celebrate, applications are now open for our 10th Plus Eight Accelerator cohort, bringing together ambitious founders ready to scale their ideas with the support of funding, mentorship and a global network.
This year’s program is made possible through the support of the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, BetterLabs, Kaizen West, CFC Group, Spacecubed, Hawaiian, K&L Gates, DFK Gooding Partners and Insight Advisory Group.
Together, these organisations play a critical role in enabling founders to access the capital, networks and opportunities needed to build globally competitive businesses, reinforcing the strength of Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
A decade of building globally scalable startups
Over the past ten years, Plus Eight has grown into one of Australia’s leading accelerator programs, helping founders move from early traction to real growth. What began as a local initiative has evolved into a globally connected platform, supporting startups to expand beyond their immediate markets and think bigger from day one.
Since launching in 2016, the program has supported a growing portfolio of startups across industries including technology, health, sustainability and consumer products. Collectively, these companies have secured over $4.3M in direct investment through the program, gone on to raise more than $30M in follow-on funding, and built a combined portfolio value exceeding $230M.
But beyond the numbers, the real impact of Plus Eight lies in the founders themselves, and the progress they make when given the right environment, network and support.
A program designed to accelerate real growth
Accelerator is a six-month, high-touch program designed to challenge and support founders at every stage of their journey. It begins with an intensive bootcamp, where founders receive direct feedback from experienced mentors and investors, before moving into a structured growth phase focused on refining strategy, building traction and preparing to scale.
From there, selected startups progress into the final phase of the program, where they will gain access to a share of $700K in seed funding, alongside deeper mentorship, investor connections and the opportunity to showcase their growth on stage at Demo Night.
Continuing to run the program this year is Program Lead Juliette Lucas, alongside Entrepreneur in Residence Dr Marcus Tan, who bring deep experience in working with founders to refine strategy, challenge assumptions and support high-growth outcomes.
Going global from day one
A defining part of the experience is the program’s international immersion, where founders are invited to explore global markets to build relationships, uncover new opportunities and gain firsthand insight into scaling internationally. In 2026, founders will travel to San Francisco, continuing Plus Eight’s tradition of connecting Australian startups with the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.
Throughout the program, founders are embedded within Spacecubed’s flagship innovation hub in the heart of Perth, and become part of a broader community of alumni, mentors, investors and partners. This network extends well beyond the program itself, with ongoing opportunities to connect, collaborate and access initiatives such as the Plus Eight Syndicate.
Over the past decade, founders from the Plus Eight Accelerator have gone on to achieve significant growth, both locally and globally. Here’s what some of our recent alumni had to say about their experience:
“The program gave us the structure, accountability and community we needed to scale with confidence. With the support of mentors and peers, we were able to almost triple our revenue, grow our team by 300%, and refine our strategy for success,” Jason Paizes, CTO & Co-Founder of Relait.
“Being part of Plus Eight was transformative. We came in hoping to grow and left investor-ready, with the confidence and connections to build a global brand. The community and mentorship are unlike anything else,” Heidi Andrews, Co-Founder of The Khüsh Place shared.
As we launch our 10th cohort, we’re looking for founders who are ready to take their next step; founders who are solving real problems, building with intention, and thinking beyond local markets.
If you’re ready to scale your startup with the backing of one of Australia’s most established accelerator programs, this is your opportunity to be part of the next chapter of Plus Eight.
Applications for our Accelerator program are now open and close at 11:59pm on 14 May 2026. Click here to learn more and apply!
.png)
