A CLEVER mountain bike innovation designed and made in Waurn Ponds is among six start-ups selected for SPARK Deakin\u2019s 2017 Accelerator program.<\/p>\n
The teams of budding entrepreneurs, founded by Deakin University students, alumni, and staff members, were selected from a field of more than 40 potential start-ups through months of preparation, workshops and training.<\/p>\n
They include CentreHub, a new mountain bike hub device that allows riders to change gears at any point in time, even while not pedaling.<\/p>\n
The CentreHub has been fully designed, manufactured and tested at Deakin\u2019s Waurn Ponds campus using the latest technology, including 3D printing and laser cutting.<\/p>\n
The six Accelerator teams, announced in Melbourne last week, will now be provided with one-on-one mentorship, access to co-working spaces in Melbourne CBD and Geelong, and $10,000 funding to turn their ideas into reality.<\/p>\n
SPARK Deakin project manager Daizy Maan said the launch was the culmination of \u201ca rigorous application and pitching process\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s Accelerator launch is an opportunity to celebrate each team\u2019s entrepreneurial journey and listen to their stories.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also a great way to show our support for Deakin\u2019s emerging start-up network and demonstrate what the SPARK community is all about \u2013 an ecosystem designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The winning teams recently honed their pitches and business plans during a week-long intensive start-up course, led by international entrepreneur and business expert Adam Davies.<\/p>\n
A Sloan Fellow from London Business School, Professor Davies is the Program Lead for the University of Oxford\u2019s Entrepreneurship Program.<\/p>\n
Ms Maan said SPARK Deakin was designed as \u201can outlet for creative talent to collaborate together and take ideas to market\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those teams who successfully demonstrate a need and pathway for their start-up or business, SPARK Deakin provides funding, co-working space, connections, mentorship and expertise to accelerate the enterprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to invite everyone, teach the curious, empower the best, and create the future with SPARK through a program designed for students, staff, and alumni of Deakin University \u2013 a program with a strong focus on building connections with the entrepreneurial community outside of Deakin.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A CLEVER mountain bike innovation designed and made in Waurn Ponds is among six start-ups selected for SPARK Deakin\u2019s 2017 Accelerator program. The teams of budding entrepreneurs, founded by Deakin University students, alumni, and staff members, were selected from a field of more than 40 potential start-ups through months of preparation, workshops and training. They […]<\/p>\n