Translate your healthcare ideas into real-world solutions

The Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP), is an industry-leading innovation program designed to advance clinician-led transformation across Australia's healthcare workforce. Applications for the 2025-26 Cohort will open on the 19th May 2025.

‍
Life at AUSCEP
Course Information
Apply Now
Header image
Our philosophy is simple — hire a team of diverse, passionate people and foster a culture that empowers you to do your best work.

Do you remember what inspired you to become a clinician in the first place?

AUSCEP exists to provide the skills, networks and training to aspiring clinical innovators through our flagship program and industry events.

We are the home for those who feel the current system underserves and want to make a meaningful difference in the world. People such as:

Clinicians

Clinicians seeking to translate their groundbreaking ideas into tangible healthcare solutions.

Healthcare workers

Healthcare workers eager to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and cutting-edge technology.

Researchers

Researchers with a vision to bring their discoveries from the lab to real-world applications.
OUR flagship accelerator PROGRAM

Building the entrepreneurial skills and networks of Australian clinicians to transform healthcare

Inspired by the highly successful UK NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, so far the 12 month AUSCEP program has assisted over 150 Australian clinicians to pursue what inspired them to become a clinician in the first place.

Workshops

Engage in 8 immersive in-person workshops & online webinars that blend clinical expertise with entrepreneurial insights.

Mentorship

Benefit from personalised guidance through one-on-one mentorship with industry experts across Digital Health, Service Delivery & Biotechnology.

1:1 Feedback

Access strategic consultations with our delivery team to refine your innovation's path from concept to impact, growth and beyond.

Introductions & industry showcase

Get access to and connect with a network of potential collaborators, investors, and partners to propel your venture forward.
Partners

Delivered by

Integration iconIntegration icon

Is this the program for you?

Hear from some of our incredible clinicians
As a busy clinician very preoccupied with delivering clinical care, I didn’t know there was a world of healthcare innovation that I can only now see with some clarity since the AUSCEP program and I love being part of it. This course has changed my future and its impact on my clinical work from now on.
Dr. Derek Eng
Pallative Medicine
This program was pivotal in giving me the confidence to establish myself as an entrepreneur. Being surrounded by amazing and inspiring people who are driving innovation and change in the most challenging of environments is life changing. We cannot be what we cannot see and knowing that there is a supportive community of people who have been there before gives you the confidence to continue and that is essential to drive change within healthcare.
Sarah Oorschot
Clinical Pharmacist
I've grown so much!  AUSCEP has given me the confidence to 100% commit to my venture; examine my 'why';  to see I do have the skills to make educated risks; that I can put myself out there to hear a "no", yet take it as useful data to pivot. I feel much more confident now to deliver a successful health venture.
Dr. Donetta Charles
GP
I'm finishing up the program a more confident entrepreneur with a stronger sense of purpose and resolve to make a difference, no matter how long it takes and I hope that I can stay connected to the AUSCEP for ongoing inspiration and collaboration in the future. Thanks!
Dr. Gill Singleton
GP Clinical Entrepreneur
The AUSCEP program has been invaluable in helping us refine our business, identify our value and facilitate introductions to incredibly useful connections and mentors within the health entrepreneurship space.
Georgia Downling
Dr. Georgia Downing
Medical Doctor
I would highly recommend clinicians to apply and join the AUSCEP program. It is a unique opportunity to meet your tribe and learn key knowledge about entrepreneurship in order to contribute towards unsuffering the world. Your adventure and innovation journey starts here, you will be supported, mentored and provided with professional links. It is time to light a flame instead of cursing the darkness!!!
Mark Lin Photo
Dr. Mark Lin
Consultant Psychiatrist
Support

Frequently asked questions

If you have further questions that are not answered below, please reach out to the team at auscep@mtpconnect.com.au
Am I eligible to apply?

AUSCEP is open to any AHPRA registered clinician (public or private provider), as well as NASRHP registered professionals who hold national peak body membership and are credentialed by a health service/network. You must be employed in Victoria or NSW and have an innovative idea, product or service that is at any stage of development. For Victorian AUSCEP applicants to be eligible, you must have a company either less than 12 months old, OR your business must not be substantially mature (i.e. no significant product development or investment). Below is a non-exhaustive list of those eligible for the program.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice
  • Chinese Medicine
  • Chiropractic
  • Dental practice
  • Dietitians
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Medical practice (doctors)
  • Medical radiation practice
  • Nursing
  • Midwifery
  • Occupational therapy
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathy
  • Paramedicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Podiatry
  • Psychology
  • Social worker
  • Speech Pathologist


‍

What types of innovations will be accepted onto the program?

We accept applications that range from just an idea to solve an unmet need in healthcare to a fully established product/service that is looking to grow/scale. Your application could be any of the following:

  • An idea for a solution to a validated problem
  • Proof of concept (PoC)
  • Minimum viable product (MVP)
  • Product or service in trial or part use
  • Established companies looking to scale and grow

We accept innovations along the innovation maturity continuum as listed above in the following health care innovation verticals. These include:

  • Medical technologies (e.g. pacemakers, implants etc)
  • Digital health (e.g. patient adherence tools, data management platforms etc)
  • Service delivery improvements (e.g. service redesign projects, coaching programs etc)

We accept applications that primarily benefit the Australian healthcare system, and this could be directly or indirectly. The idea can be clinical or non-clinical, for example, it may be a device, app, service improvement idea, workforce development idea, or anything else.

When is the next intake?
Our next intake will be in 2025, with applications opening on the 19th May and closing on 20th June. Follow us on LinkedIn to register your interest so that you can be kept up to date with future program plans, including intakes and extending eligibility to clinicians and allied health professionals from all states and territories.
AUSCEP on LinkedIn
Do I need to inform my employer?
Please ensure your employer is aware of your plans to take part in the program, as you will be required to attend full-day workshops. How you choose to take this time out of work is a discussion you will need to have with your manager/employer. If you are employed in a state-funded service, we ask that you get your employer's permission to participate in AUSCEP and include a form for this in the acceptance letter.
What is the time commitment, if successful?
The program is designed to allow participants to continue with full time employment whilst taking part in the program. However, we expect participants to attend most of the 8 full day pit stops in person as these are not always recorded.

Participants committed to allocating 2-3 hours a week to engage in mentoring, networking and self-directed learning will see the greatest benefits from the program. It is anticipated that participants will dedicate a minimum of 60 hours of their time throughout the duration of the one-year program.
Will I be able to keep my intellectual property?
AUSCEP does not have any claims on any pre-existing IP or any IP developed during the program. We strongly advise participants discuss their IP arrangements with their employer prior to commencing the program to ensure they are aware of their rights and obligations under relevant employer policies and procedures. We do not offer individual IP advice to participants.
What is the cost to join the program?
NSW participants only - There are no financial costs directly for participants, but they will need to pay any travel and accommodation expenses themselves.
Victorian participants only - The AUSCEP program content is structured to support medical specialists in meeting Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations. Many Specialist Medical Colleges and Associations recognise entrepreneurial and innovation training as part of leadership, systems improvement, and translational research. If this is the case, your AUSCEP course fee could be covered by your employer. We will work with you to apply for a $3,500 CME / CPD contribution to AUSCEP if you are accepted. If you are not eligible for this, your course fees will be waived. Participants need to pay any travel and accommodation expenses themselves.
Will I receive funding if I am successful in joining the program?
Acceptance onto the program does not guarantee access to funding, however you will learn how to access grant opportunities and secure investments. You will also gain access to industry connections which may lead to funding opportunities.
Can I apply with someone else for the same idea/business?
We cannot accept joint applications but can accept applications where there are co-founders/teams working on the same innovation. A lead applicant who meets the eligibility criteria should apply on behalf of the co-founders/team.
Can I apply as an ‘intrapreneur’ or someone doing a clinical service improvement project?
The program aims to support clinicians to develop their ideas for patient benefit. It isn’t only for those who are planning on starting their own business or making a financial return, it is also for those wanting to make a difference in the Australian healthcare system. On this basis, we welcome applications from ‘Intrapreneurs’ with ideas for service delivery or workforce improvement.

Intrapreneurship is the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large organisation, such as the Australian Healthcare system or large healthcare organisations.
How will applications be selected?
Applications will be assessed by a panel made up of members of the AUSCEP team. Applications that meet a certain threshold will be accepted onto the program. If the assessment panel feels they need any further information about your application in order to make a decision, they may choose to arrange a brief call to discuss.  
Who will assess my applications?
There is a pool of assessors that assist with program applications. All assessors and validators will be asked to declare any known conflicts of interest and all assessors sign a non-disclosure agreement.
When will I find out if my application is successful?
If your application is successful, you will be notified by email and sent an Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Agreement in July 2025, which must be signed and returned by you and your employer to accept your place on the program. This document will set out the terms of your place in the program.
When are the in-person sessions and what is the time commitment of AUSCEP?

The in-person Pitstops are usually once a month in Melbourne and Sydney. We ask you to attend at least 7 of these sessions. For cohort 4 these dates are:

  • Launch event: Tuesday 19th August 2025
  • Pitstop 1: The Leap to Clinical Entrepreneur -Wednesday 20th August 2025
  • Pitstop 2: Defining The Problem - Wednesday 17th September 2025
  • Pitstop 3: Defining The Solution - Wednesday 15th October 2025
  • Pitstop 4: Structuring your Business and Building the Team - Wednesday 12th November 2025
  • Pitstop 5: Planning for a business in the medical sector - Wednesday 10th December 2025
  • Pitstop 6: Personal and Business Communication -Wednesday 11th February 2026
  • Pitstop 7: Understanding Investment - Wednesday 11th March 2026
  • Pitstop 8: The Graduation Pitch - Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Who will see my application form information?
Your application form will be shared with our AUSCEP reviewers and funders, and if successful, the applicant's 50-word concept summary and contact details will be shared with delivery partners, mentors, and presenters to help them deliver value to participants during the program.