# ACASE

> ACASE is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit that helps startups and scale-ups commercialise technology and explore Asian markets through consulting, mentoring, market-entry programs and institutional partnerships. Its Nexus program connects Australian businesses with Asian opportunities; NexStar pairs tertiary students with companies to develop market-entry strategies.

- **Founded:** 2015
- **Headquarters:** Melbourne, Australia
- **Founders:** Erjiang Fu (Founder)
- **Products:** NexStar, Nexus, Asia Market Sprint, Tailored business and commercialisation services
- **Notable:** NexStar reports an alumni network of 449 students from 35 countries and participation by 60 businesses., Nexus reports 10 competitions and summits, 216 participating businesses, more than 30 businesses established in Asian markets and more than 600 matching activities., NexStar 2019 selected 13 startups from 33 applications and included 105 students from eight Victorian universities.

## Products & services

- **NexStar** — Launched with the City of Melbourne; tertiary student teams undertake mentored research and pitch tailored market-entry strategies for participating businesses. Format and target market vary by cohort.
- **Nexus** — Cross-border startup program including pitch competitions, mentoring, go-to-market consulting, investment connections and establishment support, initially jointly delivered with Melbourne and Nanjing Pukou High-Tech Zone.
- **Asia Market Sprint** — Intensive workshops, coaching, investor and professional engagement, market-entry planning and follow-up support; the published example runs five weeks. Documented participant involvement by 2022.
- **Tailored business and commercialisation services** — Market-entry advice, technology commercialisation support, business introductions and assistance accessing local professional services and networks.

## Achievements

- NexStar reports an alumni network of 449 students from 35 countries and participation by 60 businesses.
- Nexus reports 10 competitions and summits, 216 participating businesses, more than 30 businesses established in Asian markets and more than 600 matching activities.
- NexStar 2019 selected 13 startups from 33 applications and included 105 students from eight Victorian universities.
- Nexus 2026 final featured seven projects; a Monash University team won first place.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Nexus AI-Powered Innovation for Cities finals held on 23 September at Melbourne Town Hall; seven finalists and a Monash University team winning first place, according to the Chinese Consulate’s report dated 24 September.
- **2026-07** — Nexus 2026 application deadline was 31 July; competition advertised up to $5,000 for first place and a supported acceleration package.
- **2025-11** — NexStar Tianjin Sprint scheduled for 19 November to 5 December, marking 45 years of Melbourne-Tianjin sister-city relations.

## Links

- Website: https://www.acase.org.au/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/australia-china-association-of-scientists-and-entrepreneurs-acase-/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1nV_BmckVabAPiGbXu2J7FNWA9ySrq2i

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/acase
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-08