We are passionate about enriching the culture of entrepreneurship within the University and creating the entrepreneurial leaders of the future.
Our aim is to offer students, alumni, academics, industry and the general public opportunities to engage with and move innovation forward to create real world impact.
Our Purpose
- Engage and inspire
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MEC offers a gateway to the entrepreneurial opportunities available within the University for students, alumni and the general public including Pitch nights, hackathons, masterclasses, workshops and programs.
- Entrepreneurial venture support
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MEC supports the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) and Translating Research at Melbourne (TRAM) and the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship.
- Research translation support
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MEC seeks to build capability in IP commercialisation.
- Educational opportunities
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MEC promotes the formal entrepreneurship education offerings of the University including undergraduate and graduate subjects and our flagship Master of Entrepreneurship program.
- Research leadership and collaboration
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MEC provides thought leadership in entrepreneurship and the opportunities to engage with government and industry on research.
Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP)
Launched in 2012, the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) has supported over 100 startups, who have raised over $70 million in funding, generated over $98 million in revenue, and created over 1000 new jobs
MAP offers its flagship 5-month Accelerator starting in June each year in addition to its early stage founder Velocity Program, Female Founder program, the Franklins, and popular public Masterclass series.
Translating Research at Melbourne (TRAM)
Translating Research at Melbourne (TRAM) is Australia’s premier University-based research impact accelerator program. Since launching in 2016, TRAM has seen over 40 teams complete the program with many going onto commercial success.
TRAM offers University and affiliated researchers an opportunity to realise their product or service commercial value through their bootcamp and dedicated training program.
Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur and Ormond College alumnus, Peter Wade, started the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship based at the Ormond College, with a gift in 2015.
Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship is a leading hub for entrepreneurial training delivering a range of programs to help you learn, create and connect. With over 250 alumni, we are a place to go further faster by learning from experts and entrepreneurs. To fail safe with continuous feedback loops, and by testing and iterating your ideas. An outcomes-focused environment to realise your ideas.
The Institute is the home of the University of Melbourne's Master of Entrepreneurship as well as programs, events and custom masterclasses.
Structure and Governance
Structure
The Director, Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) and Director, Translating Research at Melbourne both report to the Executive Director, Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre. The Executive Director also works in a collaborative partnership the Director, Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship based at Ormond College.
The Board
The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre will be guided by an industry board the purpose of which is to:
- Provide advice and support the development and positioning of entrepreneurship within the University of Melbourne
- Assist in the development of links between MEC, the entrepreneurship ecosystem, government and industry
- Provide curriculum and research guidance