A Perth entrepreneur who ran a fledgling business from her living room before turning it into a thriving global enterprise is among the guest speakers who will share their insights at the tenth annual instalment of Curtin University’s popular Ignition program.
Applications are now open to attend Curtin Ignition 2020, which runs from August 30 – September 4 and is a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and innovators to develop their business ideas through workshops and mentoring sessions, as well as clinics, advice and support from leading experts.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel de Bussy said the Curtin Ignition program has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, with last year’s program successfully held in Singapore for the first time as well as Perth.
“Entrepreneurs with a desire to further develop their ideas are able to benefit from the mentorship, knowledge and skills of the Curtin Ignition team and top experts,” Professor de Bussy said.
“The Curtin Ignition program has helped diversify WA’s economy and fuel our start-up ecosystem. Over its 9 years, the program has played a vital part in launching 370 new businesses, creating 297 jobs and helping its alumni raise more than $56M in start-up funding.
“The keynote speaker at Ignition 2020 will be Perth success story Olivia Humphrey, who founded video streaming platform Kanopy in 2008. Five years later, she took Kanopy to the USA where it grew into a global enterprise.”
Curtin University Executive Education Manager Ms Danelle Cross said Ignition has already helped launch the successful careers of almost 500 entrepreneurs and businesses, including SEQTA, CV Check, UDrew, PainChek, Climate Clever and many others.
“For anyone considering launching a new business or turning a commercial idea into reality, or wanting to take an existing venture to the next level, Ignition will empower you to do this,” Ms Cross said.
“Early stage entrepreneurs from any industry sector can learn the skills required to launch and then scale their business. The program culminates in a commercial pitch to high level investors and entrepreneurs from the innovation community.
“The program has a proud record of having kick-started the careers of some of the brightest new innovators and entrepreneurs and in doing so has helped foster innovation, new industries and economic growth.”
A number of scholarships will be available for the 2020 Ignition program with applications open until July 10. Limited scholarship places are offered by City of Canning, City of Subiaco, City of Vincent, City of Wanneroo, Curtin Commercialisation, Department of Communities, Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, Town of Victoria Park, University of Western Australia, Wrays, Business News, WA AustCyber Innovation Hub, Curtin Business School, Landgate and City of Cockburn. Other sponsors are AusIndustry, RSM and Startup News.
Ignition will be held at Curtin University’s Perth campus and will be delivered face-to-face with appropriate social distancing, while also including digital components.
More information about Ignition, including available scholarships and how to register, can be found here.
