Curtin University has developed a pipeline of support for entrepreneurial individuals who want to transform disruptive ideas into global businesses. Over the past 20 years this pipeline has been the foundation of many new Western Australian products, services and businesses.
Our programs
Our team have refined a suite of programs to support innovators and their startup companies, and we continue to develop initiatives to inspire and guide Western Australia’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
To date, these programs have supported the formation of more than 440 businesses that have collectively raised $200 million in funding and sold products and services to the value of $215 million. With the growth in entrepreneurial activity in WA, we aim to increase these outcomes tenfold over the next decade.
Trailblazer Program
Supported by the Department of Education, the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer builds new research capabilities and drives commercialisation outcomes in the technology and critical minerals sector.
Curtinnovation Awards
The Curtinnovation Awards recognise and celebrate individuals and teams developing new innovations through research, study, or work at Curtin University that could significantly benefit society. Discover the 2024 Curtinnovation Award winners announced on Friday 30 August at Optus Stadium.
Curtin Ignition
Curtin Ignition is an intensive training program for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and corporate innovators to trial and then prepare business ideas for the commercial environment. The program runs for one week in September with applications for Ignition 2025 opening early next year.
Curtin Accelerate
Accelerate is a free, 12-week program that will grow your entrepreneurial capabilities and transform your innovative product or service into a thriving scalable business. Applications for Accelerate 2025 are now open and close on Friday 25 October 2024.
Curtin Kickstart
Kickstart offers early-stage funding support for pilot trialling, prototyping, commercial proof of concept, and bringing in experts to help progress your idea to market.
Join the Curtin Entrepreneurs Community
Are you someone who thinks outside the box and is looking to connect with like-minded individuals?
Curtin Entrepreneurs is a free, year-long membership available to Curtin students, staff, alumni, and graduates of our Entrepreneur programs Curtin Entrepreneurs that provides budding or established entrepreneurs and startup founders with the support, resources, and network they need to scale global businesses.
Other Entrepreneur programs
Curtin University hosts an entrepreneur-in-residence program and two annual entrepreneur events, which are helping drive the culture of innovation in Western Australia and our region.
Entrepreneurs in Residence
Mentorship, guidance, and support are critical for emerging entrepreneurs and startup founders. Our Entrepreneurs in Residence provide expert advice on key areas of entrepreneur and business development with Office Hours sessions available to book with our Entrepreneur Experts throughout the year.
West Tech Fest
Curtin initiated Australia’s longest running tech and innovation, West Tech Fest, to showcase Western Australian entrepreneurs and startups to attract greater investment to the state. This is a must-attend event for anyone interested, working in, or building great startup companies. West Tech Fest runs from 2 – 6 December 2024.
Curtin Startup Year
Open to Curtin students, recent graduates, and eligible participants from various backgrounds, this program offers a comprehensive pathway to transform your idea into a viable business. A 20-week immersive experience designed for aspiring founders and innovators ready to turn their business ideas into reality. The program runs from Monday 28 October to Friday 28 March 2025.
Introducing the Curtin Venture Studio
An Australian-university first initiative.
The Curtin Venture Studio will provide researchers and founders with access to infrastructure and human resources to fast-track the building of ‘protoventures’, successful enterprises based on demand driven research. Discover how you can engage with this exciting new opportunity.
For investors
Curtin University has been one of Western Australia’s leaders in technology commercialisation for more than 20 years.
From new devices for bone surgery and methods for assessing pain in individuals with dementia, to digital resources that empower us to address sustainability issues and climate change, the diversity of our startups reflect the core role of future-focused universities and honour the entrepreneurial mindset of researchers.
Curtin Invest: Deal
Registrations for the next instalment of Curtin University’s investor education series, Curtin Invest, are now open. Angel investing presents an exciting opportunity for traditional investors to diversify their financial interests, but the opportunities to learn how to become an Angel Investor are few and far between. Sign up for this free workshop today.
Curtin Angel Syndicate
Are you interested in investing but don’t know where to start? You can now benefit from joining our angel syndicate. The syndicate is designed to provide funding for early-stage founders whilst giving Curtin Alumni and staff the opportunity to learn about angel investing and financially benefit from Curtin’s entrepreneur pipeline.
Contact
We welcome enquiries from investors and industry groups, and from Curtin community members with exceptional ideas for new products or services.
Email: entrepreneurship@curtin.edu.au
Danelle Cross
Director of Entrepreneurship
Sarah Kahle
Manager, Entrepreneurship Programs & Community
Anna Lee
Manager, Entrepreneurship Pathway Programs
Cameron Thorn
Director of Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Western Australia (YEA WA)
