Dezeen promotion: Melbourne creative hub ACMI X is offering local creative businesses the opportunity to learn business skills and grow their network.
ACMI X, which is run by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, has put a call out for design and technology studios that specialise in the moving image to join its new accelerator programme.
Called ACMI Xcel, the intensive-learning programme offers to help small businesses scale up, by teaching them lean start-up methodology skills in growth marketing, design thinking, customer validation, product testing and sales.
It promises help equip designers with the tools they need to successfully take their ideas "from concept to market."
The programme is open to any creative studio, or startup, that works in technology and products with a connection with the moving image, including virtual and augmented reality, robots, digital media, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and wearable technology.
It is divided into three stages: a two-week intensive bootcamp, a 12-week business accelerator, and a demo opportunity at the Australian museum, where participants will be able to test their products on ACMI's audience, and also present them to potential investors.
Applicants must be based in Victoria, Australia. According to ACMI X, they must also be committed to developing scalable creative technology in the cultural industries, or creative solutions for other industries .
"Knowledge about the start-up landscape is not required, but enthusiasm is," said a previous Xcel participant. "If you've got a fantastic idea, and you think that it's well positioned within the creative tech industry, then there's no better place to incubate that idea than ACMI Xcel."
ACMI X opened its facility in 2016, in the Australian Ballet Centre building in Melbourne's Southbank. It provides co-working spaces for a range of creatives specialising in moving image and beyond.
Facilities include permanent and hot desks, communal meeting areas, break-out spaces, meeting rooms, an events space and a kitchen cafe. There is a dedicated film and video library.
The ACMI Xcel accelerator program is now open for expressions of interest. Entries will close on 29 June 2018.
To apply, read the FAQs and key dates document on the ACMI Xcel webpage, then fill out the form with information about yourself, your team and your product.