2026 Program Timeline
- Tuesday 9 June 2026
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
FEIT PhD Lab to Launch KickOff Event
The launch event will bring together participants, mentors, program partners and FEIT leaders to officially commence the program, hear from inspiring speakers, and celebrate the innovation potential within our PhD community.
- Thursday 18 June - Thursday 16 July 2026
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11:30am - 1:00pm
Stage 1 - Capability Building
A series of interactive workshops and events to support skill development for PhD Students.
Transform your research into real-world impact through the FEIT PhD Lab to Launch Competition workshop series. A practical, fast-paced program designed to equip emerging research founders with the tools, confidence and connections to move from idea to opportunity.
Delivered through a series of focused, high-impact hybrid sessions at Melbourne Connect, this program supports FEIT PhD candidates to explore the commercial potential of their research in an IP-safe, founder-friendly environment. Across expert-led workshops, mentor drop-ins and hands-on learning, participants will build the foundational skills needed to shape a compelling venture concept, validate a real-world problem, understand commercialisation pathways, and prepare for the next stage of venture development.
Whether you’re refining an early-stage idea or simply curious about what research translation could look like, this series offers a structured introduction to startup thinking tailored specifically for researchers.
- Friday 24 July 2026
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Stage 2 - Application & Digital Submission
Submit an application, a video pitch, and an IP disclosure form. Refer to the University’s online IP policy for details.
Stage 2 finalists announced Monday 10 August 2026
- Wednesday 26 August 2026
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6-7:00pm
Stage 3 - Final Pitch Event
Live pitch event (~ 5 mins per participant) as part of the FEIT Graduate Research Showcase.
The fourth annual FEIT Graduate Research Showcase will feature cutting-edge projects from our top graduate research talent, highlight graduate researcher innovation, and provide networking opportunities to foster partnerships with academia and industry.
Further details, including the program and RSVP information, will be shared closer to the event.