ManuFutures 'Accelerates' manufacturing success with $1million voucher program

Deakin University's ManuFutures this week launched a new program for entrepreneurs and start-ups in regional Victoria with the help of a $1 million voucher program subsidised by the Victorian Government.

The expert ManuFutures business incubation team has put out a call for entrepreneurs and start-ups with great ideas and limited manufacturing experience to join them on a journey from ideas, to proof-of-concept, to commercial production, to new ventures.

The new Accelerate program includes a free 12-week Ignite workshop from April 26, for a small group of hand-picked entrepreneurs. It will be followed by a six-month Bootcamp that includes a $50,000 voucher contribution from the Victorian Government to help candidates transform ideas into commercial success stories.

Ross Mahon, Executive Director Deakin Research Innovations said Deakin and ManuFutures have a stellar track record including creating more than $1 billion in company value since ManuFutures was established in 2018, hosting more than 500 student placements and creating 120 direct new jobs.

"ManuFutures' programs and services provide a doorway to Deakin’s advanced capabilities and equipment, as well as multidisciplinary business, law and technology expertise," he said.

"We are the only facility of this type in Australia. There are many accelerators and incubators in the market but none that have university resources and a new multimillion dollar commercial precinct included."

The ManuFutures hub at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus is set to grow under the $20 million expansion program, which includes a $10 million contribution from the Victorian Government via the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).

Mr Mahon encouraged entrepreneurs and start-up companies in Ballarat, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Gippsland and Geelong to consider applying to the Ignite workshop program for eligibility to the six-month Bootcamp program.

"We know some of our most talented and driven entrepreneurs and start-ups are based in our regions. We are working closely with the Victorian Government and with regional partners to access and support this talent, with our Geelong facility and a number of new satellites," Mr Mahon said.

"Bootcamp graduates will also have the opportunity to take up future virtual or real-life tenancies at ManuFutures in the Deakin Future Economy Precinct – working beside leading advanced manufacturers with access to research, business mentors, university students and graduates."

To learn more or apply for the ManuFutures Accelerate program* visit:

www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-partnerships/manufutures

*This program includes co-contributions from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF)