Curtin University is encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and early-stage business founders to apply for the 2025 Curtin Ignition program – an intensive one-week experience turning big ideas into a real business proposition.
Now in its 15th year, the program is offering up to 80 fully funded scholarships, giving participants a unique opportunity to access world-class training and mentorship.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Vanessa Chang said Curtin Ignition had been a launchpad for some of WA’s most exciting new businesses and entrepreneurial success stories.
“Curtin Ignition is about helping people gain the confidence and capability to take their ideas to the next level,” Professor Chang said.
“We’ve seen incredible outcomes from participants. Over the past 15 years, the program has supported 846 aspiring founders and business owners, with 377 going on to create ventures or join Curtin’s follow-on Accelerate program.”
Running from Saturday, August 30 to Friday, September 5 at Curtin’s Bentley campus, Ignition includes expert-led workshops, venture clinics, mentoring sessions and networking opportunities with some of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs and investors.
Ignition alumni include some of WA’s standout startups such as Rhinohide – a removable paintwork protection system for four-wheel drives; SpaceDraft – a digital platform for visually representing plans, workflows, and operations in real-time; Co-Architecture – a digital freelance marketplace for designers; and OMNI Health – wearable tech software to monitor hydration and improve workplace health and safety.
Participants will leave the week with a refined business plan presentation, clarity on next steps and the tools to articulate their idea in commercial terms.
The program is open to people at all stages, whether they are considering starting a novel business, currently employed or at home with an idea, a student, graduate or academic exploring a new venture, or an existing business owner looking to diversify.
Scholarships for Curtin Ignition 2025 are supported by Business News, City of Bayswater, City of Cockburn, City of Subiaco, City of Swan, City of Wanneroo, Curtin Business School, Curtin Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation, Curtin Indigenous and TSI Scholarship, Curtin Trailblazer, CyberWest Hub, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Impact Seed, Landgate, the Malka Foundation, Peel Development Commission, Town of Victoria Park and Wrays.
Applications are open for six weeks from 1 May. More information about Curtin Ignition can be found here.
