Turning Knowledge into Opportunity: Pathways for Innovation

You've got a great idea so where to from here?

Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI) share a common goal: to bridge the gap between academia and real-world innovation. Both organisations seek to achieve this by supporting students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs through structured programming, access to world-class facilities, and a network of likeminded changemakers. 

Convening in the CreatorsLAB - ECU's new creative innovation studio - this event will highlight the opportunities available to both ECU and CERI researchers and innovators; the opportunities and pit falls to look out for when pursuing a career in research commercialisation or entrepreneurship; and the steps ECU staff and alumni have taken to turn their innovative ideas into impactful companies. 

Joining us on the night will be Professor Paulo De Souza, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, who will outline ECU's approach to research and innovation; followed by a panel discussion led by Associate Professor Suku Sukunesan with leading academics and graduates of ECU as well as CERI's programs team to provide insights into the innovation development opportunities for researchers and innovators at ECU and CERI.

Registration is open to current ECU students, staff and alumni as well as CERI's program alumni network. 

WHEN: 5:30pm - 7:15pm | Monday 16 November
WHERE: CreatorsLAB (CC.1S.G40), Ground Floor, ECU City, Corner of Yagan Square and Wellington St, Perth

WHAT'S INVOLVED:
- Discover how to develop your innovation or research for commercial impact at ECU and CERI
- Find out what programs and opportunities exist to support your career at both organisations
- Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about creating real-world change through research, entrepreneurship and innovation 

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Professor Paulo de Souza
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Edith Cowan University

Professor de Souza leads ECU’s research operations and strategy, championing innovation, commercialisation and research translation. He holds senior senior positions in industry, CSIRO and universities and was a collaborator scientist with NASA's Mars Exploration program. With extensive experience bridging academia and industry, he has established strategic partnerships with global research organisations and industry, creating new opportunities for collaborative research, innovation and real-world impact.

PANEL

Associate Professor Suku Sukunesan
Associate Dean, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

Suku brings over 20 years’ experience in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship across academia, industry and government. A patent holder and startup founder, he has participated in university innovation initiatives, including CSIRO ON Prime, and actively supports emerging entrepreneurs as a mentor, coach and judge.

Mr Min Sheen Tan
Program Lead, Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI)

Min is a UX designer, former food technologist, author and speaker who leads CERI programs supporting researchers and founders to commercialise their ideas and innovations. Combining scientific expertise with design thinking and communication, he helps innovators navigate the journey from research and early-stage concepts to commercially viable opportunities.

Dr Matt Bray
CEO and Co-Founder, TELEMIDI | Adjunct Senior Lecturer, WAAPA, Edith Cowan University

Matt is a musician, researcher and entrepreneur who transformed his PhD research at ECU into TELEMIDI, a patented-pending technology enabling real-time musical collaboration worldwide. His startup has powered over 300 performances across 20 countries and is commercialising its technology through Decksi, a DJ collaboration platform.

Professor Amanda Devine
Associate Dean, Public Health and Occupational Health & Safety, Edith Cowan University | Co-Founder, ur gut™

Amanda is a public health researcher specialising in nutrition, prevention and research translation. With extensive experience in innovation, commercialisation and industry partnerships, she co-founded ur gut®, a university-developed dietary fibre supplement demonstrating how academic research can become practical products delivering community benefits and commercial value.

Associate Professor Claus T. Christophersen
Associate Dean (Research), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University | Co-Founder, ur gut™

Claus is an internationally recognised gut health and nutrition researcher committed to translating scientific discoveries into practical health solutions. Formerly leading the Western Australian Human Microbiome Collaboration Centre, he co-developed ur gut™ with Amanda.

ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (CERI)

CERI is a social enterprise supporting the next generation of Western Australia's entrepreneurs. Their programs have been designed to educate and empower early-stage entrepreneurs, PhD students and visionaries within the Western Australian community.

Since opening doors in August 2016, CERI and its Founder, Mr Charlie Bass, have led a passionate vision to catalyse Innovation and entrepreneurship in WA with the goal of enabling the Industries of the Future. They provide residency, mentorship and catalytic funding to high-potential startups.

To date, CERI has trained over 600 West Australians with an entrepreneurial mindset and the fundamentals of business formation and growth. They are a not-for-profit with ambitious plans to widen our Impact and scale operations. For more information about their programs, visit their website.

ABOUT CREATIVE FUTURES

Creative Futures works at the intersection of creativity, technology and innovation, connecting industry, government, community and creative practitioners to explore emerging opportunities and shape future-focused solutions. Through initiatives such as the CreatorsLAB, we combine creative practice, experiential design and technology to help organisations unlock ideas and opportunities.​ If you'd like to learn more about the space or discuss opportunities for a workshop, program or partnership, visit our website or please reach out to creative.futures@ecu.edu.au.