The University of Western Australia in association with Innovation Cluster and Atomic Sky has introduced “Start Something”, a new program to support enterprising researchers and strengthen research-industry engagement.
Start Something starts on July 21 and will be held at a range of locations across UWA. The program aims to further stimulate entrepreneurship at the University by providing researchers and post-graduate students with an introduction to the skills necessary to commercialise their research and better engage with industry.
“As a research university, we have a mission to drive social and economic development by translating innovative research outcomes to the wider community. UWA is excited to be working with Atomic Sky and Innovation Cluster to deliver the Start Something program which will equip researchers with useful industry engagement and entrepreneurial skills to drive their work and create community impact.”
– Professor Robyn Owens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Developed by Innovation Cluster with content from Atomic Sky, Start Something leverages the experience of industry experts heavily involved with other successful business acceleration programs such as Atomic Sky Fusion Founders, KPMG Energise and Curtin Ignition.
“UWA has enormous depth in world class research and has had some exceptional commercial successes. We’re delighted to be combining industry, local entrepreneurs and the University’s own innovation teams to stimulate future achievements and help those involved to find their optimal path to commercialisation.”
– Peter Rossdeutscher, Director at Innovation Cluster.
Start Something also draws on mentors with proven startup and business building experience in the healthcare sector, resources sector, information technology, engineering, social enterprise and innovation in general. Some of the participating speakers and mentors include:
- Aiden Montague: Chairman, Panorama Synergy and GlobeVista
- Andy Lamb: Founder, Atomic Sky and TechHub; Deputy Chair, A. Angel Investors
- Anthony Fortina: Deputy Director, Office of Research Enterprise, UWA
- Jane Garrett: Director, Glaciei and Zellabox; Curtin Ignition Program
- Prof Kent Anderson: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement), UWA
- Lynne Bradshaw: Principal Consultant (Medtech), Bradshaw Muir; President, RSPCA W.A.
- Malcom DeSilva: General Manager (W.A. and S.A.), IBM
- Matt Hewitson: Founder, Witan Consulting and Harrier Human Capital
- Peter Clarke: Commercialisation Adviser, AusIndustry
- Peter Davies: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), UWA
- Peter Rossdeutscher: Chairman, CSA Global, Austmine Membership and Innovation Cluster
- Toby Gardner – Founder of KPMG Energise
Start Something will culminate on August 28 where attendees of the workshop program will walk away with a documented viable business model, a deeper understanding of startup entrepreneurial tools and processes, along with expert industry input. Prizes will be awarded based on the levels of commercial potential and readiness.
For further information on the Start Something at UWA workshop series email [email protected]
University of Western Australia: The University of Western Australia is a research-intensive university in Perth, Australia, established in February 1911. UWA is committed to being a high-quality, student-centred teaching university and a high-performing, research-intensive university, with an international focus for its activities and standards.
Innovation Cluster: Innovation Cluster is comprised of industry experts who are committed to supporting innovation, commercialisation and incubation for knowledge based ecosystems in Australia. They achieve this through best in class entrepreneurship, research-industry engagement and mentorship.
Atomic Sky: Atomic Sky is a Perth-based startup studio, focussed on helping founders develop and launch new products by providing them with the trusted network, expertise, and resources to execute. Atomic Sky is located in TechHub, one of Australia’s most successful privately funded incubators, and leads the Fusion Founder 12-week hands-on program accelerating ideas to investable businesses.
