How to apply
Melbourne InnovatEd is designed to incentivise, support and drive the creation and uptake of EdTech innovations within the Tertiary setting at the University
Key dates for 2024
- 2 September
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InnovatEd Bootcamp applications open
- 22 September
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InnovatEd Bootcamp applications close
- 11 October
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InnovatEd Bootcamp
- 7 October
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2025 Incubation Funding applications open
- 27 October
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2025 Incubation Funding applications close
- 4 December
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2025 Incubation Funding Program Awarded
- February 2025
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2025 Incubation Funding Program Starts
Bootcamp applications
The InnovatEd Bootcamp is delivered free at Melbourne Connect and leverages the existing innovation ecosystem within the University, drawing on expertise from Chancellery, Learning Environments, Academic Divisions, the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) as well as engaging with industry mentors.
Who is it for?
Whether you’re a University of Melbourne staff member, student, or alum, this Bootcamp is designed for you. If you’re passionate about making a difference using digital solutions in the tertiary education space, this is your opportunity to turn your innovative ideas into reality.
What can you expect?
This one-day experience is built for participants with EdTech or education innovation ideas. You will:
- Learn entrepreneurial frameworks to transform your ideas into viable solutions.
- Develop the skills needed to test and validate your concept.
- Work alongside like-minded peers, mentors, and potential users to refine your project and explore the impact of EdTech innovations.
- Engage with a supportive community eager to innovate in teaching, learning, and student engagement.
Why apply?
The InnovatEd Bootcamp is your chance to receive hands-on support to turn your problem into a solution. It’s more than just learning – it’s about doing. You’ll walk away with practical tools, a roadmap, and a stronger network of collaborators to help push your idea forward. Imagine the possibilities of AI tutors, educational apps, virtual classrooms, and much more in transforming education.
If you're ready to unlock your potential as an innovator and harness the power of EdTech to bring positive change to the world of education, we want you to apply.
This is a free event, but spaces are limited
To ensure we offer a diverse group of Bootcampers the opportunity to participate we consider applications based on merit and our program selection criteria.
Applications have now closed.
Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to find out about 2025 dates.
Incubation Funding applications
InnovatEd is the University of Melbourne's bespoke EdTech incubator.
Our Incubation Funding Program provides up to $25,000 in funding, as well as customized support tailored to your project’s needs. Whether you're just getting started or are well on your way, our program offers exclusive access to key university stakeholders, resources, and the wider EdTech community. By joining InnovatEd, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on education, creating technology that enhances the student experience and transforms learning at the University of Melbourne.
Why Join InnovatEd:
- Tailored Support: Our incubator is highly bespoke, offering individualized guidance and mentorship based on your specific project stage, ensuring you get the support you need to succeed.
- Exclusive Connections: InnovatEd provides access to the University of Melbourne's leadership and the broader EdTech community, helping you build vital connections and advance your idea within the ecosystem.
- Long-Term Impact: With our focus on commercial viability and education innovation, InnovatEd positions you to create lasting solutions that not only benefit the University but also the broader education sector.
If you’d like more information or wish to discuss your ideas with our team, contact Dr Nicki Cranna n.cranna@unimlb.edu.au
Applications have now closed
Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to find out about 2025 dates.
InnovatEd Incubation Funding application process
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Written application
Eligible individuals or projects should complete and submit the provided application form addressing the selection criteria (will be available on application opening date). Applicants are not required to have participated in the InnovatEd Bootcamp. Completed applications should be submitted via online form. Submissions are reviewed by an expert panel to shortlist a small group of applicants.
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90 Second Pitch Video
If the written application is successful, the applicant will have 5 days to submit a short, 90-second pitch video for the panel to review. These videos are about finding out more about the project and getting the applicants to address key Problem-Solution-Impact statements.
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Interviews
Once the 90-second pitch video is submitted, we will shortlist these applicants and provide the opportunity to meet with the program manager and coordinator to discuss their project, their goals and their plans for taking their solution to the next level.
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Panel Pitch
At the panel pitch, the final shortlisted teams will have to convince the selection panel of their project potential. Panel members will then engage with applicants during a Q&A session to learn more about the applicant's plans and discuss the project's impact
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Bespoke tailored support
The final stage includes a negotiation process between the successful applicant team and the program staff to discuss and identify the milestones, both financial and non-financial for each InnovatEd project selected.
The Selection Committee will confirm milestones and award funding based on the identified needs of the project. Incubation Funding will be tied to reporting obligations and will be released in tranches tied to milestones where appropriate.
The program, which runs from February to November, will provide teams with a myriad of support and networking opportunities, workshops, and access to key EdTech mentors and industry connections.
Selection criteria
The InnovatEd selection committee will consider incubation 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 incubation seed funds.
Stages of innovation project maturity | Description or characteristics |
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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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, InnovatEd Incubation funding applicants are not required to have participated in the InnovatEd Bootcamp.
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Yes, University of Melbourne Alumni who graduated in the previous 3 years may apply
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The first step for all InnovatEd programs, is to register your interest so we can keep you updated.