Major business and research institution Curtin University has completed its 2018 Ignition business acceleration program, fuelling 62 Australian entrepreneurs to accelerate the next wave of start-up enterprises.
The Ignition program offers a week-long intensive development course, culminating in a pitch presentation to business heavyweights, including global venture capitalist Bill Tai who has been an early investor in tech companies ranging from Twitter to local product, Canva.
Run annually, the program offers participants a mix of mentoring sessions, support from leading entrepreneurs and teaching sessions offering practical advice for start-up organisations.
This year’s edition featured to 19 speakers and two panel sessions hosted by Steve Carroll from RSM and Larry Lopez from AusIndustry, and at one stage had 11 pitch panels operating concurrently.
Participants received over 25 hours of mentoring involving approximately 200 prominent members of Western Australia’s startup ecosystem.
Curtin University executive education manager Ms Danelle Cross said Ignition has helped hundreds of Western Australian businesses fast-track development through strategic advice on marketing, business modelling, finance as well as technical development.
“Now in its eighth year, Ignition is a proven training ground for the entrepreneurs and innovators of the future, giving them the skills they need to launch their brilliant idea into a commercial reality,” Ms Cross said.
Whether you are considering starting a novel business, looking to propel a new idea, maybe you are a student, graduate or academic considering your own venture, or if you’re already running a business and want to take it to the next level. Ignition will be able to give you the tools you need to take the next step,” she said.
Curtin’s Ignition program has been running for 8 years firing up 414 alumni and delivering a high hit rate, with over 200 businesses emerging from the program, including some well known businesses: SEQTA, CV Check, RhinoHide, UDrew, Tap Into Safety and many more.
Three pitches: Maker Kids Club, Little Land and Club Soda, were voted to pitch to the full cohort, involving an estimated crowd of 120 delegates, panellists and investors such as Bill Tai.