Have a question about Deakin Founder Pathways or want to submit your interest in the program? Our team is here to help you with you entrepreneurial journey.
Deakin Founder Pathways
Fuelling curiosity, unlocking founder opportunity
Whether you have a startup idea, a problem you'd like to solve or simply want to explore what's possible, Deakin Founder Pathways helps you step into entrepreneurship.
What is Deakin Founder Pathways?
Deakin Founder Pathways is an entrepreneurship program of events, resources and networks that helps students and researchers explore ideas, build skills and develop the confidence to take the next step. No business experience or startup ideas are required. You’ll gain practical experience, build future-ready skills and explore opportunities beyond university.
Students
Gain practical experience, build future-ready skills and explore opportunities beyond the classroom.
Staff and researchers
Test ideas, explore impact and discover new ways to translate knowledge into real outcomes.
Alumni
Stay connected to Deakin while developing new skills and joining a community of innovators.
How do I start my entrepreneurship journey?
Are you a current Deakin student? You can start your founder journey with Deakin’s free Inspo Fest program. Over three weeks, you'll move from idea to prototype through practical workshops, hands-on activities and opportunities to connect with like-minded innovators. You’ll have the opportunity to:
- participate in workshops on idea generation, innovation and AI tools
- take part in a mini hackathon to test and develop ideas
- connect with industry and fellow participants through networking opportunities
- showcase your concept and receive feedback at a final pitch event.
Get involved
Join our mailing list and we'll keep you updated about upcoming Inspo Fest and Deakin Founder Pathways program dates, as well as future opportunities to get involved.
What are the benefits of Deakin Founder Pathways?
Deakin Founder Pathways is designed to make entrepreneurship accessible, practical and relevant, regardless of your background or experience.
Develop future-ready skills
Build skills in innovation, problem solving, communication and entrepreneurial thinking that employers value.
Learn by doing
Work on real challenges, explore opportunities and gain hands-on experience through practical activities and workshops.
Join a community
Connect with students, staff, researchers, alumni and mentors who share an interest in innovation and creating impact.
Frequently asked questions
No. Deakin Founder Pathways is designed for people who are still exploring. Many participants start with curiosity rather than a specific idea.
No. Deakin Founder Pathways is equally valuable for people interested in innovation, research impact, problem solving and professional development. You'll develop entrepreneurial skills, build connections, learn practical frameworks and gain experience taking ideas from concept to action. Depending on your project, you may also develop a prototype, business concept or action plan.
That's completely fine. Deakin Founder Pathways is open to students, from all disciplines and backgrounds.
Yes. Employers increasingly value adaptability, innovation, problem solving and entrepreneurial thinking. Deakin Founder Pathways helps you develop these skills through practical experience.
You'll become part of Deakin's entrepreneurship community and gain access to future programs, mentoring, events and opportunities.
Deakin is designing more programs to help you on your founder journey, along with a bunch of events and mentoring opportunities.
Deakin Founder Pathways is currently offered free to eligible Deakin students and staff, with plans to expand it to alumni before the end of 2026.
Students can currently start their journey with the Inspo Fest program and staff can apply for the pre-accelerator program, supported by Innovation Victoria (previously LaunchVic).
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
Contact us
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