Curtin University is giving up-and-coming innovators, business leaders and founders the chance to put forward their ideas for Curtin Ignition 2026, a fast-paced program designed to help early-stage concepts move towards commercial reality.
Now in its 16th year, Curtin Ignition will be held from Saturday August 15 to Friday August 21, 2026, at Curtin University’s Bentley campus, offering participants an intensive week of practical learning, expert mentoring and investor-focused development.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Vanessa Chang said the program continued to play a vital role in strengthening Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
“Curtin Ignition has built a strong legacy of supporting entrepreneurs to turn ideas into viable, scalable businesses,” Professor Chang said.
“Over more than 15 years, the program has helped create new ventures, generate jobs and attract investment, while equipping participants with the skills, confidence and networks needed to succeed.”
Delivered through Curtin Executive Education, the program features a mix of workshops, hands-on venture support sessions and mentoring, as well as networking with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry specialists.
Throughout the week, participants will develop and test their ideas, refine their business models and work towards a final pitch presented to a panel of startup and investment experts.
Silicon Valley-based investor and startup mentor Marvin Liao will join Curtin Ignition again in 2026, providing guidance and feedback to participants across the program.
“Start-ups are a critical driver of innovation and economic growth,” Mr Liao said.
“Programs like Curtin Ignition give founders the tools, perspective and support they need to navigate uncertainty and turn ideas into impactful businesses.”
Curtin Ignition participant Aaron Norrish, Founder of Simplified Plan Management, which supports people to manage their NDIS funding, said the program fast-tracked his journey from idea to a sustainable organisation.
“I got more done in one week at Ignition than I would’ve done in probably 12 months on my own,” Mr Norrish said.
“The connections and quality of people involved advanced it so much further – I was able to secure legal support, connect with potential board members and even access warehouse space. It turned something I was doing in my spare time into something much more real.”
Since launching in 2011, Curtin Ignition has supported more than 900 participants and contributed to the development of hundreds of new ventures, with many alumni continuing their entrepreneurial journeys through initiatives such as Curtin Accelerate and beyond.
Curtin Ignition also maintains a strong focus on widening access, with up to 70 fully funded scholarship places available through support from government, industry and community partners.
Applications for Curtin Ignition 2026 open on May 7, with scholarship applications closing on June 4 and fully funded applications closing on June 11.
People with early-stage business ideas – or the ambition to develop one – are encouraged to apply.
Further details, including program information and application guidance, are available here: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/professional-development/executive-education/ignition/
