Product development

The key is choosing the right collaborators and how you want to manufacture and commercialise your new product.

Deakin University

Deakin University has a range of speciality research centres to assist businesses develop products and ideas for commercial purposes.

In addition, Deakin's researchers will be able to inform you of current research trends and developments to assist your products to evolve and grow.

At Deakin Commercial, we're the trusted and responsive conduit between industry and research. Our focus is on the innovative translation of world-class research to real business and community problems and opportunities.

 - Ben Spincer - Director Research Commercial

Speciality research centres

ManuFutures

ManuFutures is a manufacturing and industrial innovation hub where start up enterprises can lease space within Deakin University's innovation precinct.

The ManuFutures facility supports 15 new businesses with the ability to collaborate with Deakin University's researcher's.

Leaseholders also have access to business support, and commercialisation skills at Deakin and may benefit from a community of manufacturing businesses located in one spot.

Deakin University innovation precinct

The innovation precinct at Deakin University provides cutting edge research facilities to foster innovative opportunities for growth.

The precinct gives industry and business access to Deakin's world-class research capabilities and industrial-scale infrastructure and the opportunity to co-locate with a range of innovative companies such as:

• the $55 million Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training (CADET)
• the $34 million Carbon Nexus carbon fibre research centre
• the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research (IISRI)
• CSIRO manufacturing.

Deakin's successful partnership model has encouraged more than 40 industry collaborators and partners to connect with the future economy precinct, including Ford, General Motors, Barwon Health, Carbon Revolution, Le Monde Composites, Quickstep, HeiQ Australia and Conflux Technologies.

Federal Mills innovation precinct

The Federal Mills Innovation Precinct in North Geelong is a site dedicated to the development of technological and digital innovation.

Offering fibre connection to all tenancies, and free Wi-Fi to the site, the tech community has been well established and supported here.

Currently home to a range of tech businesses ranging from Tribal, InSite Logic, Neu21, Spirit, and Arro HQ, the site is also home to Geelong's own Runway.

Runway is a not for profit organisation which aims to support and launch viable start-ups by offering resources and assistance over the initial stages of establishment.

Runway

Runway aims to take great ideas to a global market and they look for startups that have global aspirations.

The Runway team work with startups from all walks of life and with any idea, regardless of industry and even if it is not technology based.

As part of a six month program (three months accelerator and three months incubation), businesses gain access to a purpose built co-working space, coaching, and a network of mentors, investors and partners.

The start-up will get the benefits of building lifetime connections with fellow startups, whilst working with Runway to create an acceleration path that best suits the needs of the new business.

Sample program:

• applications open
• Runway bootcamp - 4 days
• bootcamp final pitches
• accelerator start-ups accepted and agreements signed

Creative Geelong

The Creative Geelong hub in central Geelong is a place for creative types to collaborate and build new business.

The creative hub is a range of spaces housed in the Centrepoint Arcade the Little Malop Street Mall and includes:

• MakerSpace with 3D printers, laser etchers, small electronics, industrial sewing machines and other 'maker' equipment for use via a paid subscription model
• CoWorkSpace for coworking desks for rent daily and monthly that will target professional services tenants (media, PR, architects, marketers, designers) to support the rental needs of the premises and provide administration, strategic advice and coordination to the creative industries hub
• StudioSpace - a studio / workshop for artists/makers and artist groups who have a focus on inclusion and making for social engagement
• WindowSpace - local artist community engaged to activate a range of shopfronts and arcade display windows in the Arcade
• LearnSpace - larger areas for events and workshops/programs to be held.

Contact email ([email protected]) to learn more.

Business grants and funding

Visit our Business grants and funding page for more information on funding opportunities.

Business Victoria workshops

 Business Victoria offer a range of free workshops for small business. See the Business Victoria website for more.