Runway to help start-ups take off

GOT a great idea for the next must have bit of tech or killer app?

Well, with last week’s opening of Runway Ballarat – The Workshop, your ability to get it developed and locally just got a lot better.

“A large part of what we look to do is to derisk your investment before you start building product,” Runway CEO Peter Dostis said.

“We want to make sure your solving a problem, there’s a big enough market and you know how you’re going to get out to that market.”

The first Runway opened in Geelong two years ago and the kind of solutions and products being developed were varied.

There’s an agricultural start-up that uses a spectrometer to help in fruit harvesting and another that monitors infants sleep.

“There’s a bit of tech, but there are not necessarily tech companies,” Mr Dostis said.

There’s a few different entry and exit points available within Runway. You can pitch a fully formed idea or product, or they’ll help you develop your kernel of a concept.

The main point is program participants are supported throughout their journey.

“We help you though that whole process,” Mr Dostis said.

“There is an application process to get in to the program, but it’s not a competition. We say to people we’ll help you with the application because it’s not about the application, it’s about your idea and is it unique enough and can it scale.”

Runway Ballarat isn’t just for software and app ideas.

A Fabrication Laboratory, or FabLab – the only in Victoria and one of four in the country, means there’s opportunity to develop prototypes for physical technology.

The FabLab includes a bank of 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and soldering irons.

“That’s an important component for anyone who wants to do a prototype,” Mr Dostis said.

“At the moment you go to a uni, who’s going to charge you money, or you’re gong to go to designer, who’s going to charge you a whole lot of money, whereas what we’re saying is effectively for the price of materials people can come in here and prototype their idea.”