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Entrepreneurship at Curtin

As the world seeks out the 21st-century disruptions that will deliver positive changes for society, universities play an important role in backing individuals who can initiate or contribute to those disruptions.

Curtin Ignition

Phase 1: Ignition starts with a great idea

If you’ve thought of an idea for a new product or service but you’re unsure of the next step, our Curtin Ignition program will help you identify your pathway to market.

Ignition comprises practical teaching sessions, expert workshops and mentoring with successful entrepreneurs and innovators. Whether you’re a researcher, businessperson or a member of the public with an entrepreneurial spirit, the goal is to prepare and pressure-test your idea for the commercial environment. By the end of your Ignition program, you’ll have the tools, the contacts and the confidence to transform your idea into a successful business venture.

Curtin Accelerate

Phase 2: Accelerate to market

If you are ready to scale your business, consider Curtin Accelerate as your next step. 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. The program is available to teams with at least one Curtin alumnus, student, staff member or researcher; or an alumnus from one of our Entrepreneur programs such as Curtin Ignition or the Curtinnovation Awards.

Accelerate offers a $5,000 equity-free grant, access to Curtin infrastructure, resources, and networking opportunities, amongst other benefits.

Curtin Kickstart

Phase 3: Kickstart your idea with funding

If you are an entrepreneurial Curtin researcher or student, or a previous participant in one of our Entrepreneur programs, you may be eligible to access Kickstart funding to help seed your business idea. 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.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Our entrepreneurs-in-residence inspire and guide teams that have embarked on a process of commercialisation.

Curtin’s inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence was Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur Bill Tai. Bill helped us establish the annual West Tech Fest and enabled fledgling local businesses – including Canva and Power Ledger – connect with global markets.

Previous entrepreneurs-in-residence include Perth success story Olivia Humphrey, a well-known Perth entrepreneur who founded video streaming platform Kanopy, and the role is currently filled by Marvin Liao, a former Yahoo executive and ex-500 Startups Partner.

Curtinnovation Awards

The Curtinnovation Awards celebrate those individuals or teams who are working on next generation products and services that can transform and diversify our economy. The awards are now a focal point of the innovation calendar in Western Australia.

The annual prize pool is valued at $100,000.

West Tech Fest

West Tech Fest is a week-long festival that helps aspiring entrepreneurs access national and international entrepreneurs and investors; and fosters relationships between universities, industry, investors and government stakeholders.

The festival features global founders, investors, CEOs and tech industry visionaries sharing insights on technology trends and on building great companies with outstanding products or services.

Group photo of part Curtinnovation award winners

Curtinnovation Awards 2023

Do you have a great idea for a new technology, product or service? Time to make your idea a reality.

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