Short course to back big opportunities

A NEW free program is coming to the region with the aim of supporting local start-ups and entrepreneurs with ideas relevant to the manufacturing sector.

Known as ManuFutures Ignite, the program is being run by Deakin University and offers participants an opportunity to speed up business and product development.

“Our first ManuFutures Ignite program was a huge success with the inaugural cohort graduating in August,” said Mark Curnow, Deakin University’s director of regional manufacturing.

“Many participants are now taking the next steps to become market-ready start-ups, after working on accelerating their ideas and entrepreneurial ventures.

“This second intake will allow us to not only increase participant numbers but offer sessions in regional areas such as Bendigo… to support goals of reviving Victoria’s manufacturing industry.”

The 12-week course is run in person from Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong with a live stream made available at Bendigo TAFE.

As part of the program, ManuFutures aims to fast-track manufacturing business ideas from initial concept through to the factory floor with backing from Deakin’s talent and research pool.

There’s also a chance for to up to $10,000 worth of engineering support as part of the program.

Bendigo TAFE’s higher education pathway partnerships manager, Selda Koc, said ManuFutures offered an opportunity not previously available in the region.

“Bendigo TAFE is delighted to offer learning spaces for ManuFutures Ignite participants who may find it challenging to attend Deakin’s Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus in-person,” she said.

The program gets underway from Monday, 24 October.