GOT a great idea for the next must have bit of tech or killer app?<\/p>\n
Well, with last week\u2019s opening of Runway Ballarat \u2013 The Workshop, your ability to get it developed and locally just got a lot better.<\/p>\n
\u201cA large part of what we look to do is to derisk your investment before you start building product,\u201d Runway CEO Peter Dostis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure your solving a problem, there\u2019s a big enough market and you know how you\u2019re going to get out to that market.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first Runway opened in Geelong two years ago and the kind of solutions and products being developed were varied.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s an agricultural start-up that uses a spectrometer to help in fruit harvesting and another that monitors infants sleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a bit of tech, but there are not necessarily tech companies,\u201d Mr Dostis said.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a few different entry and exit points available within Runway. You can pitch a fully formed idea or product, or they\u2019ll help you develop your kernel of a concept.<\/p>\n
The main point is program participants are supported throughout their journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe help you though that whole process,\u201d Mr Dostis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is an application process to get in to the program, but it\u2019s not a competition. We say to people we\u2019ll help you with the application because it\u2019s not about the application, it\u2019s about your idea and is it unique enough and can it scale.\u201d<\/p>\n
Runway Ballarat isn\u2019t just for software and app ideas.<\/p>\n
A Fabrication Laboratory, or FabLab \u2013 the only in Victoria and one of four in the country, means there\u2019s opportunity to develop prototypes for physical technology.<\/p>\n
The FabLab includes a bank of 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and soldering irons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s an important component for anyone who wants to do a prototype,\u201d Mr Dostis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the moment you go to a uni, who\u2019s going to charge you money, or you\u2019re gong to go to designer, who\u2019s going to charge you a whole lot of money, whereas what we\u2019re saying is effectively for the price of materials people can come in here and prototype their idea.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
GOT a great idea for the next must have bit of tech or killer app? Well, with last week\u2019s opening of Runway Ballarat \u2013 The Workshop, your ability to get it developed and locally just got a lot better. \u201cA large part of what we look to do is to derisk your investment before you […]<\/p>\n