Program Snapshot

FEIT PhD Lab to Launch, a new faculty initiative designed to support our PhD researchers in translating their research into startups, ventures, and real-world technologies.

This structured three-stage program will equip selected participants with the tools, mentorship, and industry networks needed to explore the commercial potential of their ideas, build entrepreneurial capability, and take early steps towards venture creation. Selected teams will also receive prize funding to support early company formation and related startup activities.

FEIT PhD Lab to Launch Student Handbook

Three-stage program journey

  • Build the skills and confidence to explore research commercialisation.

    Participants gain access to:

    • Interactive workshops on pitching, storytelling, commercialisation, IP, and company formation
    • Mentor drop-in sessions
    • Self-paced entrepreneurial learning through Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre
    • Practical support to shape and position their idea

    Time commitment: Approximately 9 - 10 hours

    Register here

    Program Highlights

    Workshop: Pitch & Storytelling
    📅 Thursday 18 June | 11:30am–1:00pm
    📍 Level 7, Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect (hybrid)
    Learn how to communicate your research idea with clarity, confidence and impact. This session will help you craft a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences beyond academia.

    Presented By: Nick Kirkwood | PhD Innovators Program Manager | Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) &

    Katrina Gaskin | Project Manager | Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC)

    Mentor Drop-In Session
    📅 Tuesday 23 June | 11:00am–12:30pm
    📍 Level 7, Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect (in-person)
    Bring your questions, test your ideas, and gain tailored feedback from mentors with startup, innovation and commercialisation experience.

    Presented By: Brian Pang | PhD | Investment Manager | UoM Genesis Pre-Seed Fund | Research, Innovation & Commercialisation | The University of Melbourne

    Workshop: Understanding the Problem
    📅 Thursday 25 June | 11:30am–1:00pm
    📍 Level 7, Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect (hybrid)
    Strong ventures solve meaningful problems. Explore customer discovery, problem validation, and how to assess whether your idea addresses a genuine market need.

    Presented By: Nick Kirkwood | PhD Innovators Program Manager | Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) &

    Katrina Gaskin | Project Manager | Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC)

    Workshop: Establishing a Company Entity
    📅 Wednesday 1 July | 12:00pm–1:30pm
    📍 Level 7, Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect (hybrid)
    Demystify startup structures, legal basics and founder considerations. Learn what’s involved in establishing a company and what this means for future venture progression.

    Presented By: Yehuda Orelowitz | UMC Investment And Portfolio Director| Commercialisation Ventures, Research, Innovation & Commercialisation Directorate &

    Tristonne Forbes | Director, Venture Studio | Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC)

    Workshop: IP Knowledge & Transfer
    📅 Thursday 9 July | 12:00pm–1:30pm
    📍 Level 7, Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect (hybrid)
    Understand the fundamentals of intellectual property, research commercialisation, and pathways for translating university-based innovation responsibly and effectively.

    Presented By: Luke Restorick | Senior Commercialisation Lead | Commercialisation Ventures, Research, Innovation & Commercialisation Directorate

    Mentor Drop-In Session
    📅 Thursday 16 July | 11:30am–1:00pm
    📍 Level 7, Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect (in-person)
    A final opportunity to refine your thinking, strengthen your submission, and seek advice before progressing to the next stage.

    Presented By: Tim Kay| Investment Manager | Tin Alley Ventures

  • Applications submit via Canvas LMS and will be assessed by an Academic and Industry judging panel.

    Applicants submit:

    Submissions will be assessed on:

    • Innovation and research significance
    • Commercial potential
    • Clarity of communication
    • Strength of storytelling
    • Accessibility for a non-specialist audience

    Outcome: Top seven finalists selected to progress to the live final.

    Applications Open
    29 June 2026

    Applications Close
    24 July 2026

    Final Submission Deadline
    Friday 24 July 2026

    Finalists Announced
    Monday 10 August 2026

  • 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.

    Finalists present their opportunity to a judging panel of university and industry leaders as part of the Graduate Research Showcase.

    Finalists receive support to prepare their pitch and establish the required company structure.

    Prize Packages Include

    Funding through the FEIT POC Innovation-to-Market Fund for company formation and related commercialisation activities .

    • 1st Prize — $15,000
    • 2nd Prize — $13,000
    • 3rd Prize — $12,000
    • 4th–7th Prize — $10,000 each

    Plus:

    • Strategic mentorship
    • Access to advanced entrepreneurship programs
    • Pathways into the University innovation ecosystem
    • Connections to investors, founders, and industry

FEIT PhD Lab to Launch Participant Journey

FEIT PhD Lab to Launch Participant Journey