NexStar connects students and businesses in an experiential learning platform to develop global market entry strategies. Each startup/student cohort team works towards a final global market pitch through a series of workshops, mentor sessions, teamwork and stakeholder events. The program covers market identification, customer development, global market strategy, IP and regulatory frameworks, startup resilience plus pitch development to overseas investors.

NexStar’s learning modules are delivered in three formats to best suit the needs of participants: 3-day sprints, 4-week bootcamps and a 3-month course. NexStar participants also benefit from regular social events and an online platform. Workshops feature business leaders, accelerators and founders, who introduce key aspects of best practice in startups. The program finale is the NexStar Innovation Pitch Night, where a select audience of government, professional services, investors, and key decision makers watch startup founders pitch their international marketing strategy

In the past two years, NexStar attracted large numbers of Victorian-based students and startups. Over 200 students from 8 universities across Victoria were successful applicants of NexStar 2018 and 2019.

These students represented 20 countries from around the world. Out of 60 applications, more than 22 businesses were selected based on their global market readiness. The startups were from a range of sectors including IT, Manufacturing, Education, Life Sciences and Finance. The Melbourne-based international students develop their skills and confidence throughout the program and offer insights of their home markets to startups. Startups gain useful knowledge and a global approach to scaling through the diversity of their international student team.