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
- July 2023
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InnovatEd Bootcamp applications open
- July 2023
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Incubation Funding applications open
- Monday 7 August to Friday 11 August 2023
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Employability week
- August 2023
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TBC
InnovatEd Bootcamp applications close
- TBC August 2023
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InnovatEd Bootcamp
- August 2023
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Incubation Funding applications close
- September 2023
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5MF pitch event
- October 2023
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Incubation Funding awarded
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. To ensure we offer a diverse group of Bootcampers the opportunity to participate we consider applications based on merit and our program selection criteria.
Incubation Seed Funding applications
InnovatEd Incubation Seed Funding engages a three step application process to learn not just about the idea but importantly the team involved. Step 1 is a brief written application, step 2 short listed applicants pitch their project and in step 3 finalists define with the program team what support will benefit and grow their project. It is anticipated applications will open for the 2023 funding round in July.
Selection criteria
2022 InnovatEd Selection Committee
- David Israel (Chair), Director, Educational Innovation and Commercial Development, Chancellery (Academic), Office of the Provost
- Professor Colin McLeod, Executive Director, Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre, Faculty of Business and Economics
- Kylie Brown, Deputy Director, Teaching and Learning Innovation, Student and Scholarly Services
- Dr Caroline Steel, Senior Strategic Consultant, Blackboard
- Associate Professor Kate Tregloan, Teaching and Learning; Assistant Dean (Teaching Quality), Director - Built Environments Learning + Teaching (BEL+T), 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
- Enterprise Professor Sandra Milligan, Director, Assessment Research Centre, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
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 |
|---|---|
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. |
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Written application
Eligible individuals or projects should complete and submit the provided application form addressing the selection criteria. Applicants are not required to have participated in the InnovatEd Bootcamp. Completed applications should be submitted via email to mim.ingvarson@unimelb.edu.au. An application is expected to take 1 – 2 hours to complete. Submissions are reviewed by an expert panel to shortlist a small group of applicants who are invited to pitch to the selection panel the following week at the 5MinuteFunding event.
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5MF pitch
At the 5MinuteFunding shortlisted applicant teams have 5 minutes to convince the selection panel of their projects potential. Panel members engage with applicants to learn and discuss projects.
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Bespoke tailored support
The final stage includes a negotiation process between the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I have to have participated in the InnovatEd Bootcamp to be eligible to apply for the Incubator Funding program?
No, InnovatEd Incubation funding applicants are not required to have participated in the InnovatEd Bootcamp.
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I am a University of Melbourne Alumni, can I apply for the InnovatEd program?
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.