Submit Your Application Now for the Governor of Victoria Startup Awards
Start your nominations for the GovVic Startup Awards! This year, the fourth edition of these prestigious awards is open for public nominations, with Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, leading the charge.
These awards acknowledge the outstanding individuals and organizations contributing significantly to Victoria's booming $130 billion startup scene. The ecosystem is buzzing with innovation and creativity, and these awards serve as a testament to that.
There are two categories up for grabs this year:
- Ecosystem Hero of the Year: This category honors individuals who go above and beyond their regular roles, significantly contributing to the development of Victoria's startup ecosystem.
- Investor of the Year: This recognition is for those who made at least three early-stage investments (valued under $7M) into a Victorian startup or scaleup in 2025.
Last year saw Jeanette Cheah, CEO and Co-Founder of HEX, being celebrated as Ecosystem Hero of the Year for her international advocacy for Victorian startups. Jodie Imam and Rachel Yang were jointly awarded Investor of the Year for their work in activating capital for purpose-driven founders.
Nominations close at 10:00 am, Wednesday, 5 March 2025. So, what are you waiting for? Nominate now!
Stay tuned for the winners' announcements on 27 June 2025. In the meantime, check out our case studies on Acusensus, a Victorian-based startup changing the game in AI-powered traffic safety, and DAS, a startup championing fairer finance options for rural Australians.
For more details on past winners, we recommend visiting the official website of the GovVic Startup Awards or reaching out to the organizers directly. Keep innovation alive, Victoria!
- Founders looking for financial backing may find a supportive ally in this year's Investor of the Year, as they make at least three early-stage investments into startup or scaleup businesses in Victoria.
- With the GovVic Startup Awards open for nominations, entrepreneurship-focused programs, such as accelerators and incubators, can help startups gain the necessary development and support to compete.
- While business development is a critical aspect of startup success, the Ecosystem Hero of the Year category recognizes the founders and individuals who selflessly contribute to the growth of the startup community in Victoria.
- As Victoria's startup ecosystem continues to thrive, investors and established businesses should consider their role in fostering an environment that encourages and supports the next generation of entrepreneurship.
- To recognize the significant contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations in Victoria's startup scene, the GovVic Startup Awards provide opportunities for nominations in two categories: Ecosystem Hero of the Year and Investor of the Year.
