Ten startups will be selected for the live final at AWS Sydney on October 22, with four winners across Best Product, Best AI Solution, Best Team and Best Traction.
Organisers say the winners will be introduced to the program’s global network of more than 400 investment funds.
Entry is free, with applications taking around three minutes. The published criteria cover startups from pre-seed to Series A across all industries, with an MVP or prototype. Finalists must attend the Sydney event in person.
Applicants need to provide a pitch deck and basic company details, including a description of the startup.
The Ventures began in Silicon Valley and now spans 30 cities in 19 countries. Organisers say more than 5,100 startups have applied globally, with over 460 investors participating.
Australian co-organiser Svetlana Nevskaya, founder of FRWRD and cofounder of KANGARU, said the aim was to help founders build international relationships before fundraising becomes urgent.
“We want more Australian founders to have relationships with international investors before they desperately need capital,” she said.
“We want global investors to know which Australian companies are worth watching early.”
The judging panel includes representatives from CP Ventures, Investible, Aura Ventures, Google, Stripe, UNSW Founders and Cicada Innovations.
There’s no cash prize. Winners receive investor introductions, mentorship opportunities and exposure, while other finalists can access networking opportunities.
Nevskaya said the Australian launch was being bootstrapped, with organisers relying on universities, accelerators, investors and founder communities to help identify applicants.
Applications close on October 9. Enter here.
