Student ambassador program encourages entrepreneurialism and innovation

Three students have the unique opportunity to experience Swinburne’s startup ecosystem, as part of the Innovation Precinct’s Student Ambassador Program.

This year’s ambassadors are Bachelor of Business/Communication student, Mason Hayes; Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Business student, Lois Vergel; and Fergus Clancy, a Robotics and Mechatronics student.

The inaugural program is a 24-week paid opportunity for students interested in innovation and startups.

Through the program, student ambassadors will participate in a range of programs and events hosted by the Innovation Precinct, and engage with a community of growing startups. These include workshops to take startup ideas to market and to learn the tools and processes needed to efficiently and effectively test and develop business ideas. Other masterclasses available include fundraising, startup storytelling and marketing.

The students will receive training in effective communication and public speaking, and gain an understanding of the startup journey and innovation ecosystem.

Executive Director of the Innovation Precinct, Dr John Morrison, says the program plays an important role in encouraging students to engage with innovation and understand how startups work.

“This is a unique opportunity for students who are keen to engage with innovation and startups, and might be unsure how to.”

“Through engaging with the Innovation Precinct, we hope students can see the benefits of creating their own job by developing a new venture,’ Dr Morrison says.

Swinburne’s three faculties – Business and Law; Science, Engineering and Technology; and Health, Arts and Design - are represented in the program, providing an opportunity for multi-disciplinary collaboration between the students.

The engagement with all faculties strengthens awareness of the Innovation Precinct among students, bolstering awareness of the programs and events on offer.

Student ambassador, Fergus Clancy, says this opportunity is invaluable for anyone wanting to know how to start a company or work in the innovation space.

“I hope to further develop my understanding of how to create a successful startup, while also finding out more about the local ecosystem.”

“Taking part in masterclasses, startup workshops and the unique access to Swinburne startups working with the Innovation Precinct is exciting,” he says.

Visit the Swinburne Innovation Precinct website for more information on the Student Ambassador Program.

Applications are now open for the Swinburne Innovation Precinct’s Pre-Accelerator program. The 5-week program is designed to help founders take an idea or early stage startup to the next level.

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