Protostars
Zero to Onefellowship
Program overview
# Protostar Grant Program
Quick Facts
- ·Grant Type: 100% Non-Dilutive Microgrants
- ·Funding Amount: $1,000
- ·Eligibility: Young people 18-25 in AU/NZ
- ·Process: Written application + 90s video pitch
- ·Contact: community@blackbird.vc
Mission
Protostar provides microgrants to unlock young people's creativity and raise ambition through four key pillars: cash, community, belief, and accountability. The program funds Australian and New Zealand youth to pursue ambitious passion projects.
Funding Details
The program distributes $1,000 in non-dilutive funding to each recipient, combined with an 8-week community program.
What Gets Funded
- 01Novel passion projects across any domain
- 02Creative initiatives demonstrating clear vision
- 03Experimental and boundary-pushing ideas
What Doesn't Get Funded
- 01Commercial business ventures
- 02Projects without clear creative direction
- 03Applications from outside Australia/New Zealand
Example Recipients
Funded projects include:
- ·Community gardens and sustainability initiatives
- ·Metaverse art exhibitions
- ·Battle bot construction
- ·Theatre productions
- ·Space drone development
- ·Underground arts zines
- ·Travelling STEM roadshows
- ·Haptic feedback VR gloves
- ·Sustainable go-kart engineering
See Abi Humanoid’s Protostar Grant Application
Application Guide
Written Application
Candidates submit details about their:
- ·Background and experience
- ·Technical and creative skills
- ·Project vision and goals
Applications are evaluated based on:
- ·Courage in approach
- ·Intellectual curiosity
- ·Community mindset
- ·Project ambition
Video Pitch
90-second presentation covering:
- ·Project concept
- ·Implementation approach
- ·Expected impact
Program Structure
Selected recipients participate in:
- ·8-week structured program
- ·Weekly virtual cohort meetings
- ·Build-in-public sessions
- ·Community dinners
- ·Final showcase event
Community Benefits
Recipients gain access to:
- ·Follow-on funding opportunities
- ·Blackbird network events
- ·Regional meetups in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne
- ·Software and event benefits
- ·Post-program support network