Deakin University‘s ManuFutures has launched a free manufacturing business pre-acceleration program for businesses in Geelong, Bendigo, and Warrnambool.
The 12-week ManuFutures Ignite program is intended to help entrepreneurs fast-track the development of their product-based ideas into successful startup businesses.
The program will commence on 24 October at Deakin’s Warun Ponds campus. All sessions will be streamed for new participants located in Bendigo, Bendigo TAFE, as well as in Warrnambool at Deakin’s South-West campus.
Participants for the program will be provided with access to Deakin resources, skills, and research. They can also receive up to $10,000 worth of product engineering services from ManuFutures.
Mark Curnow, Deakin’s director of regional manufacturing, will lead the expanded Ignite program, with support from experts across business, engineering, and manufacturing spaces.
Curnow said the ManuFutures team was excited to partner with Bendigo industry bodies to facilitate the expansion of the program into the Bendigo region.
“Our first Manufutures Ignite program was a huge success with the inaugural cohort graduating in August. Many participants are now taking the steps to become market-ready start-ups, after working on accelerating their ideas and entrepreneurial ventures over 12 weeks,” Curnow said.
“This second intake will allow us to not only increase participant numbers but offer sessions in regional areas such as Bendigo and Warrnambool, to support gaols of reviving Victoria’s manufacturing industry.”
ManuFutures was established to serve as Australia’s unique advanced manufacturing innovation hub equipped with manufacturing incubator programs, tenancy opportunities, and product engineering services.
Interested participants can apply for the program at manufutures.deakin.edu.au.
