An enviro-friendly app that enables schools, homes and businesses to track and improve their carbon footprint while saving money is one of many success stories to emerge from Curtin University’s popular Ignition program, which is now taking registrations for its 11th annual instalment.
Curtin Ignition 2021 runs from September 5-10 and is an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and corporate innovators to develop and trial their business ideas during an intensive week of workshops, mentoring sessions and clinics involving leading experts.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel de Bussy said the Ignition program has a strong track record of helping to kick-start the business dreams of early stage entrepreneurs in Western Australia.
“Since its inception in 2011, Ignition has helped launch nearly 450 new businesses and successfully upskilled more than 500 entrepreneurs who benefitted from the mentorship, knowledge and skills of the Curtin Ignition team and top experts,” Professor de Bussy said.
“Over the past decade, the program has created nearly 300 jobs and has helped its alumni raise more than $56 million in start-up funding through investments, grants and donations.
“The Curtin Ignition Program is proud to continue to play an important role in helping to diversify WA’s economy and revitalise our start-up ecosystem.”
Curtin University Executive Education Manager Ms Danelle Cross said Ignition had helped launch many thriving enterprises including ClimateClever, whose user-friendly app helps people and organisations reduce their carbon footprint while saving money and learning about sustainability concepts and practices.
“Another of Ignition’s notable alumni is WA Innovator of the Year Award-winning SEQTA, whose software helps schools better manage teaching and learning. SEQTA has more than 600 client schools in Australia and South East Asia as well as major contracts with the WA Catholic Education Office and Adventist Schools Australia,” Ms Cross said.
“Whether it be the initial spark of an idea for a new business that is ready to become reality, or an established venture set to be taken to the next level, Ignition is the ideal platform.
“Early stage entrepreneurs from any industry sector wanting to launch and then scale their business will learn the skills to do this. The Ignition program also includes the chance to make a commercial pitch to high level investors and entrepreneurs from the innovation community.”
A number of scholarships will be available for the 2021 Ignition program with applications open until July 16. Limited scholarship places are offered by City of Canning, City of Cockburn, City of Vincent, City of Wanneroo, Constable Care Foundation, Curtin Commercialisation, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Landgate, RSM, Startup News, Town of Victoria Park, University of Western Australia, WA AustCyber Innovation Hub, Woodside and Wrays.
Other sponsors are AusIndustry and Business 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.
