What is Launchpad Academy?
Launchpad Academy puts you on the fast track to entrepreneurial know-how, supporting you to think bigger, discover new skills and experiences and to show your potential to the world!
The program runs through semester two and gives you the opportunity to get your business idea, social enterprise, or project off the ground with our online program, mentor clinics and the opportunity to pitch your idea for the chance to win $10,000!
Launchpad Academy is home to our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, industry expert advisers, mentors and opportunities for seed funding with a dedicated team to ensure that you have access to the skills and knowledge you need to take your idea to the next level.
Whether your dream is to build a business, work in a start-up, start a social enterprise, develop a project or movement, Launchpad Academy is the place that helps to unlock your creativity and your passion. Entrepreneurial skill sets are also highly prized by business and industry, big and small and Launchpad Academy will let you demonstrate your secret capabilities.
Become part of a community, make new friends, and challenge yourself to develop the next big idea!
How much time will the Academy take?
This is up to you. The Academy Program has around 40 hours of commitment over Semester two (or more, depending on you). You will need to commit to attending the in-person sessions, completing the online modules and working with your team and mentor to develop your ideas.
Dates for workshops are as follows:
| Type of workshop | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Launchpad Academy and design thinking challenge | Wednesday 3rd August | 9am – 12noon |
| Mentor workshops – come and brainstorm your ideas with our start-up mentors | Wednesday 10th August | 9am – 11am |
| Mentor workshops – come and brainstorm your ideas with our start-up mentors | Wednesday 24th August | 9am – 11am |
| Mentor workshops – come and brainstorm your ideas with our start-up mentors | Wednesday 7th September | 9am – 11am |
Students will also be required to book a minimum of 2 x 1-1 appointments with Entrepreneur – in Residence Jeremy Chetty throughout the semester (flexible times online and in person).
Student Entrepreneur-in-Residence Rebecca Thompson will also be available for appointments throughout the semester.
Registrations are open until Thursday 30th June. Short online interviews will be arranged on application. If you are looking to apply for MSP201 you will also need to apply through the MSP201 registration process.
What will I get?
Access to training outside of your degree, which will cover entrepreneurial mindset, design thinking, problem solving, personal branding, learning about business models and pitching skills and much more! With support from industry and start-up mentors and access to use of the Launchpad space, facilities and services.
There is also the opportunity on completion of the program to pitch your idea in October 2022 at Pitchfest for the chance to win $10,000 in seed money to take your idea forward. You will also have opportunity to gain MSP201 credits for your time completing the program.
Pitchfest 2022
Pitchfest 2022 invites all Murdoch innovators to pitch their idea to a live audience in a 3-minute pitch for the opportunity to win $10,000. A maximum of 10 finalists will be selected to Pitch their ideas.
Pitchfest applications will open in August and close on September 15th. Applications will be a 3-minute pitch video submission which can be recorded via zoom, a format will be provided.
Pitchfest workshops will take place in October for finalists:
| Type of workshop | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch workshop | Wednesday 12th October | 9am – 11am |
| Pitch practice session | Wednesday 19th October | 9am – 11am |
| Pitchfest Final | Thursday 27th October | Participants will need to be available from 4pm – 7.30pm |
Want to find out more?
If you would like to learn more about events and facilities at Launchpad or how you can work with us, contact us at launchpad@murdoch.edu.au, or visit us at 350.3.003.
