Education Minister Alan Tudge recently called for a push to translate more Australian universities’ research into real-world application. And new data shows the University of Melbourne is leading the way.
The League of Scholars list measures the number of graduates from Australian universities who attracted venture capital funding for their start-ups over the past 10 years – acting as a signifier of success among this group of entrepreneurs.
The University of Melbourne came in first, with 100 of its graduates attracting funding for their emerging businesses in the 10-year period.
The study used data from Crunchbase – the world’s largest source of data on new organisations funded by venture capital.
Innovation improving sleep apnea therapy
One such start-up emerging from the University of Melbourne this year is Cari Medical – a digital mask selection tool that helps sleep apnea patients choose the mask best suited to their needs.
Di Miao and Lyra Li, the two co-founders, studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne and were part of the University’s Biodesign Innovation program. Both are passionate about helping patients and health professionals by addressing unmet clinical needs.
Nearly 1 billion people around the world suffer from sleep apnea, yet traditionally, many patients have had limited access to clinical guidance on mask selection. And 40% of patients find it challenging to select well-fitted masks.
Cari Medical’s technology will help more sleep apnea patients get the most out of their therapy – improving their quality of life and reducing their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.
Pushing University research into real-world application
The news of the University of Melbourne’s entrepreneurial success comes as it continues its strategic focus on research commercialisation – or the pursuit of better translating research findings into practical and commercial use.
The University has developed targeted programs to support this critical ability. To date, this has included supporting 180+ start-ups through the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), together receiving over $100 million in funding and generating over $120 million in revenue.
More than $5.3 million has also been invested in research programs and start-ups through Translating Research at Melbourne (TRAM). 126 Intellectual Property disclosures were submitted by University researchers in 2020 alone – signalling the successful development of practical services and products for public use.
Additionally, the University of Melbourne has developed research in partnership with two major companies – Rubicon and Clarity Pharmaceuticals – who debuted on the ASX in 2021.
Over the next five months, the University will be focusing specifically on emerging research in biomedicine and climate – including energy, water, agriculture and environment, and infrastructure.
The new Climate Hub microsite showcases the depth and breadth of the University’s climate research, with a focus on capability, collaboration, and big ideas. It explores a variety of topics from Indigenous land management to the latest in clean technologies and preserving our biodiversity.
Stay connected
Your diverse alumni network offers unique opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally. Explore events, lectures, inspiring stories, global groups, and so much more.
-
Find an alumni event
From public lectures to alumni events that keep your community connected across the globe, see what’s on at the University of Melbourne.
-
Find a group
Join a vibrant alumni network in your local area to boost your career, build friendships, or connect with like-minded individuals.
-
Alumni Council
The Alumni Council champions your community worldwide, shaping events, student experience and more. Learn how to get involved.
How can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions or contact the alumni office.
Stay in the know
Learn how to set up your UniMelb account to access perks and discounts.
UniMelb account log in
Access your account to update your personal details and access benefits.