Victoria India Market Makers 2026
From Migrapreneur to Market Maker!
Victoria India Market Makers is a curated initiative for up to 20 x Indian-Australian tech or social entrepreneurs, who are based in Victoria, at the scale-up stage, to support them in establishing their businesses or social enterprises in India.
It is designed as a launching pad and bridge into India for Indian-Australian diaspora entrepreneurs, providing them with the right support and access to deeper networks and partnerships to be able to establish their global success longer-term.
The program has two components: a preparatory market entry program and an in-country delegation. The preparatory market entry program will be held in September 2026. From this, 10 of these founders will be selected to participate in a specially curated delegation to Mumbai and Bangalore in November 2026.
This delegation is designed for Victoria-based Indian diaspora tech or social entrepreneurs with established enterprises: products or services that have proven traction and international potential, and are ready to enter and scale within the Indian market. Those who will travel to India as a part of the delegation, will be at the CEO/ CXO level within their organisations.
These 10 selected founders will return to Australia having established tangible partnerships, market channels and structures that support their continued growth and scale into India.
We will be curating a gender diverse cohort, so particularly encourage female founders to apply.
Who are we, and why are we running this initiative?
Catalysr has a 10 year history of supporting 1300+ migrant entrepreneurs (#Migrapreneurs) from 87 different countries, of whom a majority are of Indian heritage. We recognise Mumbai and Bangalore as global cities that open up global opportunities.
Catalysr will be represented by our alumni and now mentor, Sakshi Thakur OAM, an award-winning Australian-Indian social entrepreneur, who has been running a successful social enterprise across Australia & India called Sewing the Seeds.
Catalysr’s partner in this initiative, Vaurora Social Impact, is led by an award-winning Australian-Indian diaspora founder, Aruna Venkatachalam, who has worked across India and Australia since 2013, previously co-founded a social enterprise in India, lived in Mumbai for several years, scaled a growth-stage edutech to India and been a two-time delegate to Mumbai and Bangalore, as well as led education delegations in India for several years prior to that.
The Indian diaspora is the biggest and fastest growing in Victoria, and this program is a tangible pathway to support businesses that have established roots in Victoria to grow and scale to India.
Victoria India Market Makers reflects the Victorian Government's commitment to deepening engagement with India, by enacting key pillars within its Victoria’s India Strategy 2030 and Economic Growth Statement. Aligned with the Federal Government's Australia's India Economic Strategy to 2035, our initiative recognises the immense opportunity presented by India's economic evolution and the importance of strengthening innovation and economic ties by building the diaspora bridge between both countries.
Why scale to India now?
The Indian diaspora in Australia holds a special relationship with both India and Australia, and is a critical bridge between both countries’ cultures (and subcultures), people and markets.
There is unprecedented support and alignment between both countries at multiple levels. The strength of the Australia-India and Victoria-India relationship has never been more apparent than now. Innovation, entrepreneurship, education and trade are key priorities for both nations and align closely with the goals of Victoria India Market Makers.
As a result, Indian diaspora-led initiatives are building in momentum. This program is a part of that. It is specifically designed to support Indian diaspora entrepreneurs based in Victoria, to scale their businesses or social enterprises to India, with the cities of Mumbai and Bangalore as a catalyst and gateway for their growth.
Victoria India Market Makers represents a deeper model of bilateral engagement. It has the specific goal of building enduring, tangible business relationships, people-to-people connections and two-way opportunities that will work to strengthen one of Victoria's most important strategic international partnerships: between Australia and India.
Why Mumbai and Bangalore?
Victoria India Market Makers will open up unique opportunities to Australian-Indian founders across two world-leading cities.
Mumbai is a long-standing financial, entrepreneurial and creative centre and is one of India’s long-standing trade hubs. Startup Genome rates Mumbai as the number 1 emerging startup ecosystem worldwide, in how seriously local leaders have treated the last two years as a window to act on AI investment and capital strategy.
Bangalore is India’s Silicon Valley: the tech and innovation capital of India, and its top startup city according to the Global Entrepreneurship Network, Forbes, Startup Blink and other sources. Both cities are hubs for digital technology and innovation, education, tourism, agriculture, health and beauty, arts, culture and sports; are well linked to the food bowls of India; and are internationally known centres of trade and social impact.
The Victorian Government is deeply invested in both cities, with investment and trade hubs in Mumbai and Bangalore. We as an organising team have deep ties to both cities’ startup, entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems so are able to enable broader, more tailored support for the development of established, longer-term ties to both places for participating delegates.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for Indian Australian entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs based in Victoria, who have:
A mature product or service offering
Evidence of commercial or operational traction
Capacity and commitment to scale into India
Clear strategic alignment with the delegation objectives
A willingness to actively engage with partners, investors, customers and ecosystem stakeholders in Mumbai and Bangalore
A willingness to co-invest financially, with a delegation fee and some travel costs
We will be curating a gender-diverse cohort, so particularly encourage female founders to apply!
Who is eligible?
Victoria-India Market Makers initiative is specially designed for Victorian founders who identify as having Indian heritage.
If you are of Indian origin and heritage, and were born in a country outside India (examples being Australia, Malaysia, Fiji, South Africa, Kenya, USA, Canada, etc) - yet are based in Victoria and conduct the majority of your business here, you are eligible.
Please refer to the FAQs below if you need more details, and if you have any further questions, you can contact us at delegation@catalysr.com.au
This initiative specifically targets entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs aligned with Victoria’s priority sectors, as outlined in Victoria's India Strategy: Our Shared Future 2025-30.
Primary sectors:
Education
Food and Agribusiness
Digital Technology and Innovation
Tourism and the Visitor Economy
Secondary sectors:
Creative Industries
Sports
Health and Beauty
Wellness and Personal Care
To read the Strategy in full, go here!
Program Highlights
Preparatory Market Entry Program 📓
Upto 20 participants will be selected for the program. 4 x weekly interactive sessions will be delivered in an online format in September 2026 by Indian and Australian-Indian expert facilitators. From this group, up to 10 delegates will be carefully chosen for the in-country delegation. It’s important to note that while 10 places are available, the selection panel will only choose representatives who fulfil all of the criteria and are proven to be ready to scale.
Built-in Community 🤝
All 20 participants will receive access to a cohort WhatsApp group and the Catalysr national Slack community of over 1300+ Migrapreneurs and mentors.
Launch Event 🌏
10 delegates, who are selected delegates to go to India, will be invited to a curated launch event featuring key players from the India-Australia innovation and Government ecosystems. This will be an opportunity to connect, showcase and celebrate the delegation, and to begin the networking process to build tangible outcomes in-country.
In-Country Delegation 🇮🇳
In late November - early December 2026, the delegation of 10 founders, will spend 7 days immersed into Mumbai and Bangalore’s startup and tech ecosystems, connecting with key players.
They will also link with innovation and community stakeholders within their priority sectors.
Introductions and tangible collaboration opportunities will be facilitated for these delegates between Government bodies, innovation and social impact hubs, investors and key ecosystem supporters.
The delegation will connect with experts and resourcing, to establish their Indian market presence.
Preparatory Market Entry Program - Key Focus
Market Readiness
Business environment and regulatory overview
Sector-specific market entry pathways (e.g. digital, agri, health)
Introduction to innovation and trade ecosystems
Commercial & Customer Validation
Refining value proposition for specified customers
Pricing, procurement, and B2B/ B2G pathways
Case studies of international founders entering these markets
Investment & Scale Readiness
VC and impact capital expectations
Data rooms, pitching and investor engagement preparation
Unit economics, growth and compliance considerations
Pilot & Partnership Preparation
Identifying pilot partners (corporates, universities, public sector)
Preparing for meetings with Government, investors and ecosystem partners
Q&A to develop and submit revised market entry hypotheses (revised Opportunity Brief) and action plans.
Topics are subject to change.
Why should you join?
Learn from India-Australia experts: gain insights from people and organisations who have successfully navigated the Australian and Indian startup landscapes as entrepreneurs themselves.
Build an India-entry market hypothesis you can test in real time, with the right expertise to back you to succeed
Build deeper networks to open doors for your business or social enterprise, across the growing India-Australia bilateral
Maximise the unprecedented entrepreneurial, talent, growth and support pathways that this point in time offers across both countries
An unmatched opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the Mumbai and Bangalore startup ecosystems at various levels. In India, building business is about building relationships and trust. Spending focussed time in-country, doing this in person, will enable tangible and actionable market-entry opportunities. The right backing to meet the right people and organisations, who will enable your startup or social enterprise’s success longer-term.
Join an ambitious, inspiring and well-connected community of Market Makers, including a credible diaspora entrepreneur cohort who are scaling startups across both countries.
Commitment and Expectations
The Victorian Government, Catalysr and Vaurora are deeply investing in your organisation’s growth and scale journey to India, and expect the same commitment in return. To ensure a high impact and collaborative environment, we require all participants to adhere to the following expectations.
Time and cost commitment (Preparatory Market Entry Program)
No cost, for the up to 20 x entrepreneurs/social entrepreneurs who are selected for the Preparatory Market Entry Program
4 x 2 hour virtual sessions for Preparatory Market Entry Program
Attendance at launch pre-event in October 2026
Attendance at a post-program event in Melbourne
Time and cost commitment (In-country Delegation)
Should you be selected for the in-country delegation, you will be required to spend 7 days in India at the end of November - early December 2026.
The Victoria India Market Makers program is valued at over $9, 500 per participant, and is significantly subsidised for participants thanks to the generous support of the Victorian Government. This included support consists of: delegation planning and support costs, Melbourne launch and post-program event, Indian in-country delegation, events, accommodation and in-country travel costs (internal flights, shuttle buses).
To ensure a high level of commitment from delegates, there is a delegation fee of $1,000 per delegate, payable only by the 10 organisations selected for the delegation to India. Additionally, in-country delegates will be expected to cover their own flights to and from India, visas (if needed) and incidental expenses (e.g. food) in India.
Post-delegation, you will be required to attend an event in Melbourne to close out and wrap up the program. We ask that you come prepared to engage, share, and support your fellow founders. Your input is as valuable as the expert-led content.
How to Join
Complete our online application form (available below) by 7 September, 2026. Please include your supporting documents in aid of a complete application.
Our team will review your application in partnership with the Victorian Government and key ecosystem stakeholders in Mumbai and Bangalore.
We will let you know the outcome of your application by 14 September, 2026.
Please keep the Key Dates in mind that we have noted in drop-down below, so you are available should you be successful.
Market Entry Preparatory Program: Wednesday 23 & 30 September and 7 & 14 October
In-country delegation travels to Mumbai and Bangalore: 25 November - 2 December 2026
-
Applications deadline: Monday, 7 September
Applicants informed of outcome: Monday, 14 September
Market Entry Preparatory Program: Wednesday 23 & 30 September and 7 & 14 October*
10 successful delegates selected and informed: Wednesday, 30 September
Successful delegates to accept offer via payment of delegate fee ($1000): Wednesday 7 October
1-1 coaching between delegates and India team: Between 7 October - 17 October
Successful delegates to submit revised Opportunity Brief, which will form the basis of the in-country plan for delegates: Sunday, 18 October
Melbourne-based launch event: Thursday, 29 October
Delegation travels to Mumbai and Bangalore: 25 November - 2 December
Melbourne post-delegation event: Dates TBC (in 2027)
*Market Entry Preparatory Program will be held online via zoom.
-
For transparency, we’ll be selecting successful participants for the Preparatory Market Entry Program, then the in-country delegation, against the following criteria:
Criteria & Weighting
Strength and maturity of business 25%
Market readiness for India 20%
Strategic fit with Mumbai and Bangalore ecosystems 15%
Demonstrated traction and growth potential 15%
Founder capability and execution capacity 15%
Alignment with delegation objectives and expected outcomes, specifically thematic and gender parity goals 10%
We will also focus on Victoria’s priority sectors for India growth and scale:
Primary sectors:
Education
Food and Agribusiness
Digital Technology and Innovation
Tourism and the Visitor Economy
Secondary sectors:
Creative Industries
Sports
Health and Beauty
Wellness and Personal Care
Our goal is to curate a gender-diverse cohort, so we will focus on ensuring we have balanced representation as a part of the selection process.We particularly encourage female founders to apply.
-
Eligibility criteria: what does ‘Australian-Indian diaspora entrepreneur’ mean?
An Australian Indian diaspora entrepreneur is a person who identifies as being of Indian heritage, who is an entrepreneur and primarily conducts their business or social enterprise from Victoria. We also use the Government of India’s definition of a ‘Person of Indian Origin (PIO)’. PIO refers to a person who has Indian ancestry, whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born in India, or who previously held an Indian passport.
What if our founding team has an Indian founder/ CEO who works with non-Indian co-founders/ CEO?
Should your organisation be selected as one of the 10 who are participating in the in-country delegation, it will be expected that the Indian founder/ CEO will lead the delegation.
What is the time commitment?
4 x 2 hour virtual sessions for Market Prep Program
Attendance at launch pre-event,
Seven days in-country (India) excluding travel
Attendance at a post-program event in Melbourne
Do I need to be based in Victoria?
Your organisation needs to conduct business in Victoria and have Victoria-based operations.
What stage will my business or social enterprise need to be at?
Organisations with a mature product or service offering, evidence of commercial or operational traction, with proven capacity and commitment to scale into India.
How many people are selected for the program?
20 for Market Entry Preparatory Program, 10 specially chosen for the in-country delegation. One representative will be selected per organisation, at the Founder/ CEO/ CXO level.
How will applications be assessed?
Our team will review your application in partnership with the Victorian Government and key ecosystem stakeholders in Mumbai and Bangalore who are invested in your success.
On the basis of weighted selection criteria:
Strength and maturity of business
Market readiness for India
Strategic fit with Mumbai and Bangalore ecosystems
Demonstrated traction and growth potential
Founder/ CEO capability and execution capacity
Alignment with delegation objectives and expected outcomes, specifically thematic and gender parity goals
Criteria & Weighting
Strength and maturity of business 25%
Market readiness for India 20%
Strategic fit with Mumbai and Bangalore ecosystems 15%
Demonstrated traction and growth potential 15%
Founder capability and execution capacity 15%
Alignment with delegation objectives and expected outcomes, specifically thematic and gender parity goals 10%
We will also focus on Victoria’s priority sectors for India growth and scale:
Primary sectors:
Education
Food and Agribusiness
Digital Technology and Innovation
Tourism and the Visitor Economy
Secondary sectors:
Creative Industries
Sports
Health and Beauty
Wellness and Personal Care
Our goal is to curate a gender-diverse cohort, so we will focus on ensuring we have balanced representation as a part of the selection process.
What does it cost to participate?
The Victoria India Market Makers program is valued at over $9,500 per participant, and is significantly subsidised for participants thanks to the generous support of the Victorian Government. This includes, Preparatory Market Entry Program costs, Delegation planning and support costs, in-country accommodation and in-country travel costs in India
To ensure a high level of commitment from delegates, there is a delegation fee of $1,000 for the program, payable only by the 10 founders selected for the delegation to India. Additionally, you will be expected to cover your own costs of flights, visas (if needed) and incidental expenses (e.g. food) in-country India.
What happens if I am selected for and complete the Preparatory Market Entry Program, but am not selected for the in-country delegation?
You would have received tailored market entry support to build your business case to expand to India in another capacity.
You will also receive a Certificate of Completion, and will have created a networked cohort to continue to build and learn from.
Catalysr will keep in touch with you as part of our alumni group, providing you access to our community, mentoring and other Catalysr opportunities, including the opportunity to nominate yourself for potential future delegations as these arise.
If selected for the in-country delegation, when do I need to pay the fees by?
You would be given a week to pay the fees, upon selection as one of the travelling delegates. This payment is expected to be made by 7th October 2026.
Is the delegation fee refundable?
Because places are limited and this is a specially curated program, we take selection of our in-country delegation seriously.
As a result, the fee is non-refundable once you accept your place in the delegation, as it secures your place. We would consider your payment of the fee as your commitment to the program.
If there were extenuating circumstances, we would carefully consider those on a case by case basis.
What if I want to be in India for longer, before or after the delegation?
This is at your own discretion. Your accommodation and incidentals for this non-delegation period would be covered by you.
You would be expected to meet the delegation at the start of the seven-day period, stay at the same hotel and travel together with the delegation during the period the group is in-country.
What other commitments do selected organisations need to make?
Signing a Delegate Code of Conduct
Being a positive ambassador for the program, both the market entry preparatory program as well as the delegation
Joining Catalysr’s slack and community channels
Reporting
Marketing and social media
What if I have additional, specific questions?
Please email delegation@catalysr.com.au with your specific questions.
One of our team would be happy to assist.
-
Preparatory Market Entry Program: FREE
Delegation Fee (for 10 selected delegates): $,1000 ( excl. GST)
The Victoria India Market Makers program is valued at over $9,500 per participant, and is significantly subsidised for participants thanks to the generous support of the Victorian Government. This includes, Preparatory Market Entry Program costs, Delegation planning and support costs, in-country accommodation and in-country travel costs in India
To ensure a high level of commitment from delegates, there is a delegation fee of $1,000 for the program, payable only by the 10 founders selected for the delegation to India.
Additionally, delegates will be expected to cover your own costs of flights, visas (if needed) and incidental expenses (e.g. food) in-country India.