Learn how our innovation ecosystem supports our enterprising researchers and students to create impact through new products, services and ventures.
Universities have a social responsibility to make a difference in the world. One way we do this is by applying research to solving problems that deliver positive societal impact.
The University of Melbourne has a strong track record of research-led innovative – from the cochlear implant and the Synchron implantable brain-computer interface to conserving the world’s oldest Indigenous art at our Grimwade Centre .
We are the first university in Australia to put in place an end-to-end program to support access to funds for our researchers, students, staff, alumni and affiliates; helping them develop their ideas and innovations through a supported entrepreneurial pathway.
We support researchers to take risks, to think creatively and to accelerate the pathway from an idea to impact.
Our innovation ecosystem
With our partners, we’ve established a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem which supports research-led innovation, developing ideas into new products, services and companies that create jobs, contribute to the economy and actively improve people’s lives.
Expertise
We have dedicated teams of experts who can help unlock the potential of research, build entrepreneurial skills, source funding and guide researchers and founders through the research commercialisation process.
Vision and culture
Innovation is a core part of our research impact mission and our culture recognises and values all forms of research impact.
We encourage academics, researchers and students from all disciplines, especially our early career researchers, to explore commercialisation as one of many pathways to impact and we aim to make these pathways as straightforward as possible.
Programs
The University’s entrepreneurial programs have been developed to build the skills researchers need to develop their ideas and discoveries into new products, services or companies. The University offers a number of learning options ranging from introductory bootcamps to accelerators and masters programs.
Funding
We provide support to access funding through all stages of commercialisation, from support to secure vital new research funding through to dedicated venture funds to grow strong university startups.
Community
We are proactively growing communities of people supporting our innovation ecosystem. We are developing new ways to connect our networks of alumni, industry, government and research partners with researchers and founders to provide expertise, mentoring and funding to help their ideas reach their potential. Working together, we can increase the number of research-based commercial projects and startup companies emerging from the University.
Precincts
We continue to invest in our world-class innovation precincts, such as the Melbourne BioMedical Precinct, Melbourne Connect, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, the Australian Institute for Infectious Diseases, the Melbourne Arts Precinct and Fishermans Bend. Our precincts encourage innovation through collaboration by bringing together experts from industry, research institutes and organisations with leading academics and aspiring students, and providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
Our entrepreneurial directory
Use our directory to search for programs, facilities, and funding provided by the University of Melbourne and by our partners that you may be eligible to access.
Please note that this tool is in pilot.
We have worked with our colleagues and external partners to confirm program information. If you notice something that doesn’t look quite right or is missing, please contact us.
Explore entrepreneurship at Melbourne
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Entrepreneurial programs
The University of Melbourne offers short and longer-term programs that introduce and develop key entrepreneurial skills.
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Funding for startups
The University of Melbourne connects University startups with support and funding to turn a new idea or innovation into a commercial reality.
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Startup success stories
We have a rich history of making discoveries and creating innovations that have been transformed into successful products, services and companies. Read about some of our recent University startups.