Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Do you have a new idea? Do you need support to take it to the next level? The University of Melbourne can help you create real-world impact by giving you access to expert advice, and networking and funding opportunities. So you can take your ideas to market.

We offer opportunities for different types of entrepreneurs and stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Are you an investor who wants to make smarter decisions? Or a researcher whose new discovery has impact or commercialisation potential, but you’re not sure where to start? Perhaps you're a successful founder who wants to mentor future entrepreneurs, or a teacher who wants to support the next generation of founders.

The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) is your gateway to all entrepreneurial opportunities at the University.  These include pitch nights, hackathons, masterclasses, workshops, courses and programs. We offer opportunities for members of industry and the general community, as well as current students, researchers and alumni.

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, you can learn from others who have travelled their own path to commercialisation. And engage with like-minded innovators and creators who share your entrepreneurial aspirations. With expert advice and support, you can fast-track your own idea from the lab to the marketplace.

MEC offers the following opportunities.

Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship

Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship is a leading hub for entrepreneurial training. It delivers a range of programs to help you learn, create and connect with other entrepreneurs. It’s a safe environment to test ideas, to fail, to receive continuous feedback, and to iterate your ideas.

The Institute hosts a range of programs, events and custom masterclasses, including:

• Master of Entrepreneurship – a one-year course that gives you the skills, powerful network and practical experience to turn your great idea into a business venture
• VC Catalyst – an immersive one-week program for active investors, to help you make more successful venture capital investment decisions
• Upschool – a professional development program that gives teachers the skills to support Australia’s next generation of entrepreneurs
• Startup sprint – an intensive bootcamp weekend to learn the basics of building a startup
• Custom programs – tailored programs and masterclasses for your team or organisation.

Learn more about the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship

Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP)

MAP supports new startups to help accelerate their growth. Every year, we invest in 10 of Australia’s most outstanding startups. If successful, you will receive $A20,000 equity-free funding and inner-city office space. You will also access Australia’s best business minds.

The 5-month Accelerator Program starts in June each year. To apply, you or one of your co-founders must be an alumni, staff member, or current student of the University of Melbourne. However, if your startup is focused on social impact, no prior connection to the University of Melbourne is required.

Other MAP programs include:

• Velocity Program for early-stage founders
• Female Founder Program
• popular public masterclass series.

We have supported more than 100 startups since we launched in 2012. These startups have raised over $A100 million in funding, generated over $A150 million in revenue, and created more than 1400 new jobs.

Learn more about MAP

Translating Research at Melbourne (TRAM)

As a researcher, you know that your discoveries have the potential to make a difference. To solve real-world problems. To create lasting change. But how do you push your discoveries out into the world?

TRAM programs teach researchers to think like entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2016, more than 50 research teams have completed the TRAM program.

As a participant, you will receive education and support to map out your path to impact and commercialisation. And you'll feel empowered to use your research to create solutions that are commercially viable.

TRAM offers four programs, each targeting a different stage of your commercialisation journey:

• TRAMx – an intensive 2-day bootcamp to get started
• TRAM Track – an 8-week program for research teams to build entrepreneurial capabilities
• TRAM Runway – a 12-week program to get market-ready and progress commercial planning
• TRAM Air – tailored support for teams who are working towards specific commercial outcomes.

Participants of TRAM Track, TRAM Runway and TRAM Air receive ongoing support, mentoring and access to office space.

Learn more about TRAM

Innovation Acceleration Program (IAP)

The IAP has been established to provide a means to encourage and support innovation and entrepreneurship between the health care sector and researchers. Applications can be made by partnered health care clinicians and employees. The program includes:

• AU$10,000-100,000 in proof-of-concept funding
• project team identification and formation
• focused mentorship and guidance from an experienced team of advisors.

The first challenge is to identify a real unmet need in the health system that requires an innovative solution. The unmet need should be related to health outcomes or the health system, including technology within a healthcare setting. Together we'll find the solution.

Learn more about IAP