Universities

How founders typically work with universities

Depending on the institution and your stage, universities can support startups through:

• Research partnerships and commercialisation support
• Access to specialist labs, equipment, and innovation precincts
• Pre-accelerators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship programs
• Student projects, internships, and work-integrated learning
• Venture studios and spinout support
• Industry collaboration and licensing opportunities

Each university has a different focus and strength, so it’s worth exploring where there’s the strongest alignment with your idea, sector, or growth stage.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

About
Australian Catholic University is a national university with a strong focus on applied research and social impact, particularly across health, education, psychology, and community wellbeing. Its research strengths include nursing and allied health, mental health, human movement, education, and social policy. ACU’s Victorian campuses are located in Fitzroy (Melbourne) and Ballarat.

Ways founders can engage

• Partner with ACU research & innovation – collaborate on research and industry projects
• Connect with ACU students – internships, placements, hackathons and student project involvement
• Use campus facilities & co-host innovation events – collaborate on innovation events or joint labs

Startup programs

• ACU Co-Lab incubator – co-working and startup support spaces

Deakin University

About
Deakin University is known for its close industry partnerships and applied research, with strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, energy, and health innovation. Its research spans areas including artificial intelligence, materials science, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and medical technologies. Deakin’s Victorian campuses are located in Burwood (Melbourne), Geelong (Waterfront and Waurn Ponds), and Warrnambool.

Ways founders can engage

• Research partnerships with Deakin – access academic expertise, facilities and joint IP pathways
• Engage students through internships or projects – work-integrated learning opportunities via faculties directly
• Join ManuFutures innovation hub – product development, mentoring and industry programs at Deakin’s advanced manufacturing hub

Startup programs

• SPARK @ Deakin startup accelerator – experiential entrepreneurial program for researchers, alumni and staff
• Deakin Pre-Accelerator – LaunchVic-supported pre-accelerator helping students and researchers develop business ideas

La Trobe University

About
La Trobe University has a strong focus on research translation and precinct-based innovation, particularly in health, biotechnology, and regional development. Its research strengths include life sciences, medical research, agri-food systems, data analytics, and public policy. La Trobe’s Victorian campuses are located in Bundoora (Melbourne), Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, and Shepparton.

Ways founders can engage

• Industry & Community partnerships – collaborate with La Trobe on research and co-innovation
• Bio Innovation Hub – specialist lab space for biotech and life sciences (part of precinct)
• Digital Innovation Hub – advanced tech prototyping and industry collaboration facility

Startup programs

• La Trobe LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator – 12-week program for early-stage founders

Monash University

About
Monash University is a globally recognised research-intensive university with deep strengths in science, engineering, and health, and one of Australia’s most established commercialisation ecosystems. Its research focuses on biomedical science, pharmaceutical development, engineering and materials, information technology, and climate and energy systems. Monash’s Victorian campuses are located in Clayton, Caulfield, Parkville, and the Peninsula (Frankston).

Ways founders can engage

• Monash Innovation collaborations – research translation, licensing and industry partnerships
• Monash Technology Precinct & Labs – co-location and access to specialist research facilities including health and engineering labs
• Talent engagement – internships and student projects via industry engagement teams

Startup programs

• Monash Generator – early-stage entrepreneurship support and validation programming
• Monash Venture Studio – supported pathway for scaling research ideas into ventures
• Fastrack entrepreneurship courses – capped to industry-linked learning experience

RMIT University

About
RMIT University is highly industry-oriented and known for practical, design-led research and applied innovation. Its research strengths include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable design. RMIT’s Victorian campuses are located in Melbourne CBD, Brunswick, and Bundoora.

Ways founders can engage

• RMIT Activator entrepreneurship hub – pathways for ideation, start-up support and collaboration across programs such as LaunchHUB and FounderHUB
• Partner with RMIT for research or facilities – industry project collaborations, equipment access and consulting
• Recruit talent & internships – connect with students and graduates through work-integrated learning

Startup programs

• [Re]Launch – LaunchVic-backed pre-accelerator based within RMIT Activator
• Annual innovation programs and co-working opportunities

Swinburne University

About
Swinburne University of Technology specialises in technology-focused research with strong links to industry and commercialisation. Its research strengths include astronomy and astrophysics, advanced manufacturing and robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, and health technologies. Swinburne’s Victorian campuses are located in Hawthorn and Wantirna.

Ways founders can engage

• Swinburne Innovation Studio – multidisciplinary programs, pitch competitions, masterclasses and community building
• Partner with researchers & facilities – access labs and industry-facing R&D infrastructure

Startup programs

• Initiate, Luminate, Elevate and Pulse Innovate programs – cohort-based innovation pathways through the Innovation Studio

The University of Melbourne

About
The University of Melbourne is a comprehensive, research-intensive university with a broad disciplinary base and global reputation. Its research spans biomedical and health sciences, science and engineering, climate and environmental systems, social sciences, law, and public policy. The university’s Victorian campuses are located in Parkville, Southbank, Burnley, Creswick, and Werribee.

Ways founders can engage

• Research commercialisation team – support for IP, licensing and spinout pathways
• Melbourne Accelerator Centre (MEC) – access programs that support founders through validation and growth
• Partnerships & precincts – connect with research collaborators and locate within ecosystem hubs

Startup programs

• Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) – flagship accelerator supporting startups from early validation to scaling
• University innovation collaborations with Breakthrough Victoria – pre-seed investment partnerships with multiple universities

Victoria University (VU)

About
Victoria University is known for applied research and strong industry engagement, with a focus on practical outcomes and workforce-aligned innovation. Its research strengths include sport and exercise science, health and wellbeing, supply chains and logistics, education, and environmental sustainability. VU’s Victorian campuses are located across Melbourne CBD, Footscray, St Albans, Sunshine, and Werribee.

Ways founders can engage

• Work with students and researchers – placements and R&D collaborations
• Partner on industry projects – applied research initiatives designed to solve operational or technical problems

Federation University Australia

About
Federation University Australia is a regional university with a strong focus on applied research, industry collaboration, and regional innovation. Its research strengths include advanced manufacturing, earth and environmental sciences, information technology, health, and regional development. Federation University’s Victorian campuses are located in Ballarat, Gippsland (Churchill), and Berwick.

Ways founders can engage

• Research support and collaboration – partner on research projects
• Co-operative education model – integrate work with research

Startup programs

• Regional pre-accelerator – LaunchVic-funded program helping regional founders validate ideas

Funding & investment-linked pathways

Many Victorian universities are now part of Breakthrough Victoria’s University Innovation Platform, which matches pre-seed co-investment with universities to help early-stage startups emerge from research and gain commercial traction. This includes partnerships with Deakin University, La Trobe University, Monash University, RMIT University, Swinburne University and the University of Melbourne.