Swinburne's epicentre of creativity and disruption
With the aim to fast-track the development and marketing of new ventures, the dynamic Swinburne Innovation Studio offers programs, events, creative spaces to students, startups and industry.
Whether your idea is big or small, we want to hear from you. With strong ties to industry, rigorous research capabilities and an approach that encourages multi-disciplinary teamwork, we can help you get real-world impact.
The Innovation Studio is supported by Design Factory Melbourne, Factory of the Future and Digital Innovation Lab.
Our 2026 programs
From pitch competitions and masterclasses to longer-term collaborative programs that help fast-track the best up-and-coming ventures, our calendar is jam-packed with ways to help you take your idea to the next level. So think big and get involved.
Initiate Program
February–December 2026
Luminate Program
April–May 2026
Elevate Program
August–October 2026
Venture Cup
October 2026
Programs at-a-glance
Your guide to Innovation Studio programs
2026 program timetable
Applications open: 12 January
Applications close: 4 February
Program period: 17 February – 10 March
Info night: 25 February
Applications open: 17 February
Applications close: 18 March
Program period: 14 April – 19 May
Showcase: 26 May
Applications open: 4 May
Applications close: 29 May
Program period: 16 June – 7 July
Info night: 11 June
Applications open: 2 June
Applications close: 8 July
Program period: 4 August – 20 October
Venture Cup pitch night: 27 October
Applications open: 28 September
Applications close: 23 October
Program period: 10 November – 1 December
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Swinburne Initiate Program
Have you always dreamed of starting your own business venture? Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge of launching a startup with the Initiate Program.
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Swinburne Luminate Program
Are you ready to take your early-stage startup to the next level? Join the Swinburne Luminate Program to ignite your entrepreneurial journey and set your venture up for success.
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Swinburne Elevate Program
Accelerate your startup's growth with equity-free funding, access to rent-free coworking spaces, and establish valuable connections with world-leading academics, founders, mentors and investors to navigate your path to success.
Success stories
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Partnering with Swinburne: EntroMat's startup success
Through co-creating with Swinburne and participating in the Founder-in-Residence program, EntroMat accelerated their pathway from research to commercialisation.
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Defying the Odds: The Launch of Student Innovation Crowdsourcing App Xolvit
Swinburne Design Factory Melbourne students collaborated with TOM:Melbourne and Untapped Group to improve banking accessibility for neurodiverse people.
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How Software Startup Fluency Went from Idea to Market
Co-founders Oliver Farnhill and Finnlay Morcombe built their startup through Swinburne Innovation Studio, which led to funding from Swinburne Ventures Limited.
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How mDetect turned scientific research into startup success
Swinburne scientists discovered how to see through rock. Then, leveraging Swinburne Innovation Studio’s support, they turned their research into a real-world product and secured funding.
Our latest news
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H3D secures Series A funding to advance AI design technology
- Technology
- University
Hearables 3D Pty Ltd (H3D), a Swinburne University of Technology investment, has secured $5.8 million in Series A funding to revolutionise the hearing and dental industries with their AI design software.
Friday 14 November 2025 -
Swinburne startups driving change in tech and sustainability
- Design
- Technology
Eleven startups pitched their ventures after completing Swinburne’s 2025 Luminate Program.
Monday 02 June 2025 -
Australian-made sustainable powders to drive the future of advanced manufacturing
- Aviation
- Sustainability
- Engineering
A high-tech spinout from Swinburne University of Technology will deliver Australian-made High Entropy Material (HEM) powders, developed from recycled industrial feedstocks, to advanced manufacturing and 3D printing facilities.
Thursday 27 March 2025 -
Swinburne Design Factory Melbourne appoints new Innovation Fellow and Acting Director
- University
- Design
Maureen Thurston, a global leader in innovating, by design, has been appointed as the new Acting Director of Swinburne’s Design Factory Melbourne and an Innovation Fellow.
Monday 03 February 2025 -
Startups lead the way in innovation at 2024 Venture Cup Pitch Night
- Business
- Technology
The 2024 Annual Venture Cup Pitch Night at Swinburne University of Technology celebrated the achievements of seven startups, marking the successful completion of their journey through Swinburne Innovation Studio's accelerator initiative, the Elevate Program.
Monday 02 December 2024
Study innovation with us
Swinburne offers cutting-edge courses and study streams tailored to help you think, act and succeed like a true entrepreneur.
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Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship
The Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship is Australia’s first dedicated entrepreneurship school. Our suite of postgraduate programs are co-created with industry to provide vital, up-to-the-minute, real-world knowhow.
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Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The first course of its kind in the world, our Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation course teaches how to successfully launch and scale a business idea, whether as a startup or within a company, and become a leader of innovation.
Study a minor in innovation as part of your bachelor degree
Through this specialisation, you’ll develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills in ideation, creative problem-solving and personal agency. Units include Lean Startup Springboard, Toolbox for Prototyping and Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Innovation Challenge Project.
Our people
To learn more about our dedicated Swinburne Innovation Studio team, visit Our People page.
Become a part of our vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship community
Sign up to the Swinburne Innovation Studio Newsletter or connect with us on LinkedIn to receive the latest news and updates.
Would like to visit us in person?
We are located in the Swinburne Innovation Hub (The Fire Station), 66–68 William Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122. Please enter from McLeod Lane.
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Start-up and spin-off companies for research translation
Learn more about our successful spin-off companies, formed through research partnerships with businesses and industry.
Helping you every step in entrepreneurial life cycle
Entrepreneurial Life Cycle
Ready to innovate?
If you have any questions, need more information or want to know how we can help turn your big idea into a real thing, email us at innovationstudio@swinburne.edu.au.