IPPIN Incubator

When you join an IPPIN Program – you join a global network of innovators, investors and policymakers

Get your idea market-ready

The IPPIN Incubator Program is a free five-week online introductory program for researchers, startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to redefine the plastic waste lifecycle.

It is designed to help teams understand the potential of their project or idea with customer discovery and market validation of plastic waste solutions, with support from mentors and advisors to improve communication skills, challenge assumptions and take research projects to the next level.

The program offers the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs across the Indo-Pacific region, fostering cross-cultural networking and collaborations.   

IPPIN is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO in partnership with governments in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Apply now via this form before 11 April 2025

Who should apply?

The Incubator Program is designed to support idea-stage startups, research teams, SMEs, and other stakeholders looking to refine their ideas, projects, or solutions to address one or more of the following program challenge areas:

Sustainable alternatives which outperform existing plastics
Improving plastics innovation and capturing value beyond first use, to develop lasting circular solutions
Empower decision-making through reliable and accessible information
Innovative Solutions for Low-Value Plastic Waste in Vietnam

Multi-lateral teams are encouraged! Participants can come from anywhere in the world (encouraging teams from Laos and Cambodia and/or marginalised communities) so long as they can help reimagine plastic waste in the Indo-Pacific. Applicants need to choose the most suitable market/context (Indonesia, Thailand, or Vietnam) for where their idea best fits. 

Already have a developed early-stage venture?

The IPPIN Accelerator+ may be a better fit for you. This program aims to scale ventures by focusing on revenue growth, partnership sourcing, and investment readiness.

Applications for Accelerator+ will open in May 2025.

What can you expect?

The Incubator Program is a free and competitive program. Places are limited and are awarded to teams based on the strength of their applications.   

The program will require invited participants to commit four to seven hours per week for five weeks, to attend weekly workshops and coaching sessions. Participants are highly encouraged to spend additional time to develop their ideas beyond the formal sessions to prove their maturity at the Showcase to advance into the Accelerator+ program.

The program is conducted in English. However, if your team requires assistance, interpretation service can be organised in Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Vietnamese. Please indicate this requirement in the application form when applying to the program.

Key dates

Applications open 17 February and will close 11 April 2025

Application Close: 11 Apr 2025, at 11:59pm (ICT)

Selection Announcement: 13 May 2025

Kick-off and Orientation: 20 May 2025

Program duration: 20 May to 20 June 2025

Here’s a taste of what you can expect throughout the program:

Week 1: Incubator Kick-off and Orientation (May 20): to introduce the program’s structure, expected outcomes, and available resources. Teams will engage in networking activities to connect and share their visions and challenges, and gain an understanding of the program’s focus areas

Week 2: Workshop on Local Ecosystem Deep Dive (May 27): to offer insights into local waste management landscapes, focusing on regulations, challenges, and market opportunities. Teams will learn best practices and identify collaboration opportunities in their regions.

Week 3: Workshop on Design Thinking and Validation (June 3 and 5): to provide practical tools for refining user-centric designs and validating solutions. Activities will include empathy and interview techniques, customer journey mapping, and iterative prototype testing workshops to ensure that solutions meet real customer needs.

Week 4: Business Model Refinement & GEDSI Integration (June 10 and 12): to strengthen their business strategies by refining their value propositions and using Lean Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas workshops. GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) principles will be integrated into the business models, ensuring that teams address the needs of marginalized communities.

Week 5: Plastic Innovation Spotlight (June 17): to provide an opportunity for teams to present their refined solutions, business models, and impact strategies to peers and related stakeholders. Feedback will be given to help improve their approaches for post-program growth.

Why join us?

Transform your idea into reality: Receive industry guidance, valuable resources and constructive feedback to turn your innovative idea or research into a tangible, market-ready solution. 
Enhance your entrepreneurial toolkit: Benefit from weekly learning and coaching to acquire skills and knowledge to maximise your solution’s potential. 
Expand your international networks: By joining the Incubator Program, you become part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion for plastic circularity and can bring fresh insights to your work. 
Foster new partnerships: Previous, selected teams have gone on to collaborate with CSIRO networks, meet international partners, and tap into our industry and investment opportunities.

Watch the IPPIN Incubator overview video

If you’re wondering whether this program is the right fit for you, we recommend starting with this video to get an overview:

Download the IPPIN Incubator presentation.

Still wondering if this program is right for you?

If you still have questions or need additional support, you can register for the Live Info Session to get more information. The session will be conducted in English.

Date and Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ICT, GMT+7), Thursday, 20th March 2025

Register for the Live Info Session here