Melbourne InnovatEd: an incubation program for educational technology (EduTech) innovations at The University of Melbourne.
Melbourne InnovatEd opportunities
Open to staff, students and alumni* of the University, Melbourne InnovatEd is designed to incentivise, support and drive the creation and uptake of EduTech innovations within the University.
Information and Q&A Workshops
- learn how the Melbourne InnovatEd program supports the development of EduTech innovations
- prepare for the selection process for the InnovatEd Bootcamp and Seed Funding Program
- discuss your EduTech innovation with program staff
Bootcamp Program
- identify, test and explore if an idea or innovation solves a real problem existing at the University
- get exposure to key entrepreneurial skills and frameworks
- support for shaping ideas into commercially viable solutions
- opportunity to practice and refine your pitch
- prepare for the selection process for InnovatEd seed funding
- meet and connect with innovators and experts at the University
Seed Funding Program
- mentoring support from EduTech and subject matter experts
- funding of up to $25,000 for up to four participating projects
- connections to the wider EduTech innovation community
Seed Funding Applications
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday 20 August 2020 | Applications open for 2020 intake |
| Wednesday 23 September 2020, 5pm | Application deadline for 2020 intake |
| Friday 2 October 2020 | 5 minute funding: Pitch shortlisting and selection |
| October 2020 | Application outcomes |
Application and selection procedure
- Application
Eligible individuals or projects should complete and submit the provided application form addressing the selection criteria. Completed applications should be submitted via email to mim.ingvarson@unimelb.edu.au
For those attending the Bootcamp it is suggest that you wait until after the session to complete your application. The application is expected to take 1 – 2 hours to complete. - Shortlisting
The Selection Committee will shortlist applications to participate in “5 Minute Funding” pitch event where those selected will present and discuss their EduTech idea - Funding based on need
The Selection Committee will set milestones and award funding based on the identified needs of the project after discussion with each successful applicant / team. Funding will be tied to reporting obligations and will be released in tranches tied to milestones where appropriate.
Selection criteria
The InnovatEd selection committee will consider seed funding applications from projects at any of the stages of maturity below. Applications should address an identified problem related to teaching, learning and assessment applicable in the higher education domain, the solution options, market and competition, team composition and the stage of development of that team, possible impact or anticipated impact of their solution, and planned use of seed funds.
Stages of innovation project maturity | Description or characteristics |
|---|---|
Idea | An individual or team identify a substantial pain point or problem, have scoped solution options, and outlined the market and users for the solution. |
Proof of concept (POC) | The project founder or team have a strong understanding of the pain point or problem, a developed proof of concept illustrates the solution's potential to address users’ needs and the solution's target market is defined. |
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) | The project founder or team have validated a substantial problem, designed a minimum viable product that reflects their understanding of the market and competitive landscape. |
In trial or part use | The project founder or team have a deep understanding of the pain point or problem, have developed a solution that is in trial or part use and are building measurement evidence of its’ market fit. |
In use (scale / growth) and/or prior participation in an incubator or accelerator program | The project founder or team justify the product market fit of their developed solution against a validated problem. |
Selection Committee
- Mr David Israel (Chair), Director, Educational Innovation and Commercial Development, Chancellery (Academic)
- Enterprise Professor Colin McLeod, Executive Director of Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre, Faculty of Business and Economics
- Ms Deb Jones, Associate Director, Learning Environments
- Dr Caroline Steel, EduTech industry representative, Global Client Experience, Blackboard
- Associate Professor Kate Tregloan, Assistant Dean (Teaching Quality), Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning incorporating the Melbourne School of Design
- Associate Professor Anna Ryan, Director of Assessment, Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School
- Enterprise Professor Sandra Milligan, Director, Assessment Research Centre, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Key Contacts
For more information or to discuss your interest, please contact Melbourne InnovatEd Program Manager, Mim Ingvarson mim.ingvarson@unimelb.edu.au
How to keep up to date
Express your interest to stay up to date with InnovatEd event opportunities and application news.
*alumni who have graduated in the previous 3 years may apply