Eagleworks LIVE

Eagleworks Innovation Centre | Where partnerships spark and innovation accelerates.

Attend Eagleworks LIVE, at La Trobe University’s new Eagleworks Innovation Centre.

LIVE is a multi-format exhibition and conference day focused on innovation, partnerships, commercialisation, technology and entrepreneurship.

We’ve curated a line-up with 15+ speakers over 3 sessions, 3 tours, 15+ exhibitors and technology activations and 2+ networking sessions running over 5 hours for you to pick from.

Eagleworks Innovation Centre is La Trobe University’s innovation engine - where industry, researchers, startups and students, connect to turn ambition into real world impact. Eagleworks is built to move ideas beyond theory into testing, prototyping, commercialisation and scale.

Across four levels, you’ll see digital innovation, biotech, health, agrifood and emerging technologies come together - supported by real spaces, real expertise, and real momentum.

We challenge the ordinary.

Agenda

Networking

1:00pm to 1:30pm

Networking, technology and exhibition activations throughout Eagleworks Innovation Centre and welcome refreshments for guests

Official Welcome

1:30pm to 2:05pm

Official welcome and launch with overview of Eagleworks Innovation Centre hosted by La Trobe University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Chris Pakes.

Session 1 | Innovating Together: Building High‑Impact Partnership Ecosystems

2:05pm to 2:50pm

This panel explores the power of co‑creation and co‑location within innovation ecosystems. Industry partners BioNTech SE, Cisco, Coles and Broadwick Connect along with researchers, students and entrepreneurs will discuss why working side‑by‑side accelerates problem‑solving, boosts commercial readiness and drives real‑world impact. Through case studies and lived experiences, the session highlights how Eagleworks enables collaboration that is faster, smarter and more connected - bridging university expertise with industry needs.

Panellists

• Dr Sarah Herridge, Director – Research and Scientific Affairs, BioNTech SE
• Bruce Esplin AM, Chairman, Broadwick Connect
• Coming soon!
• Coming soon!

Session 2 | Eagle Fund Showcase

3:05pm to 3:50pm

This session will explore the transformative power of Eagle Fund, Breakthrough Victoria and La Trobe University’s investment scheme for high potential research and ventures. Attendees will hear from funded teams (female founders panel), discover the innovative projects currently being accelerated and gain insights into how the fund supports commercial readiness. Rod Bristow, CEO, Breakthrough Victoria and Chancellor, The Hon. John Brumby AO, La Trobe University will also unpack the purpose and impact of Breakthrough Victoria’s investment partnership and what it means for emerging technologies across research, government and higher education.

Speakers

• The Hon. John Brumby AO, Chancellor, La Trobe University, and Chair, Breakthrough Victoria
• Rod Bristow, CEO, Breakthrough Victoria

Female Founders Panel

• Dr Lesley Chang, Founder, Excelligent DX
• Professor Begoña Heras, Founder, BioBreak Therapeutics
• Professor Marilyn Anderson, Founder, Deftbiotech

Session 3 | Entrepreneurs + Industry: Driving What’s Next

4:05pm to 4:50pm

This high-energy, two-part session spotlights the entrepreneurial talent and industry-led innovation powering the future.

Part 1

An inspiring speaker session from industry and entrepreneurial leader, Nadun Hennayaka, CEO & Founder, YieldX who has navigated the university/industry entrepreneurial, funding, and research ecosystem. Nadun will share his founder journey, from idea to impact, including key lessons, challenges, and the real-world outcomes of university-backed innovation.

Speaker

• Nadun Hennayaka, CEO & Founder, YieldX
  

Part 2

Brings the conversation to life with a fireside chat featuring founders and industry partners who have built, scaled, or collaborated through La Trobe’s Entrepreneurship programs. Expect candid insights, practical takeaways, and honest reflections on what it takes to turn ideas into action.

Panellists

• Avalon McWha, Founder, Pebbl.Tech
• Devini Goonetilleke, Founder & CEO, FinWhiz
• Omkar Babu, Hornet Biologicals
• Ella Jackson, Academic Partnerships Lead - APAC, ServiceNow

Tours

Commencing each hour (2pm, 3pm, 4pm), participants can take a guided tour through key hubs within the Eagleworks Innovation Centre, including the Student Hub, Digital Innovation Hub and Bio Innovation Hub. These walkthroughs provide firsthand insight into the facilities, technologies and support pathways available for research translation, prototyping, capability development and venture growth.

Details

Date: Thursday 19 March 
Venue: Eagleworks Innovation Centre, Digital Innovation Hub (L2, Jenny Graves Building, Melbourne Campus). 
Map Reference: 8G
Format: In-person

Further information

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