MEC Student Startup Competition Launch

The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre is your gateway to discovering the entrepreneurship opportunities available at the University of Melbourne.We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship within the University, aiming to create innovative leaders of the future.Our mission is to offer students, staff, alumni, industry professionals and the general public the chance to engage with and advance innovation forward to create real-world impact.

Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC)

Want to try something different at uni? Come to our Launch event to learn how to get involved. No prior ideas or experiences needed.

The Forum, Melbourne Connect

What is the MEC Student Startup Competition Launch? It’s the kick-off event for the MEC Student Startup Competition. If you're a student at the University of Melbourne, come along to find out how the competition works, meet other curious minds and maybe even find the dream team to build something amazing with. Here’s what you’ll get out of the Launch event: ✅ A clear understanding of what the competition is and how to enter ✅ Involvement in activations to help you step into what the startup and entrepreneurial space could feel like ✅ Real talk from students who’ve done it before ✅ A chance to meet new people who are also keen to try something different ✅ An opportunity to form or join a team who you'd like to go through the competition with ✅ A chance to network with our industry sponsors ✅ Some awesome merch prizes What's the competition about?The <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTqEsq" title="https://bit.ly/3FTqEsq" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">MEC Student Startup Competition</a> is the pinnacle pitching event of the year! Running over eight weeks, the competition empowers you to form a team and develop your own startup idea. You'll gain access to entrepreneurial-based workshops, receive mentorship and have the chance to enter a final pitch submission. Finalists will then have the opportunity to pitch live in front of a judging panel at Finals Night for some epic prizes (a share of $15,000 worth!).The MEC Student Startup Competition is <a href="https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-life/melbourne-plus" title="https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-life/melbourne-plus" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Melbourne Plus</a> accredited, with a digital credential available in Innovation.Learn more about the competition and apply: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTqEsq" title="https://bit.ly/3FTqEsq" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bit.ly/3FTqEsq</a>

What is a startup?A startup is something new you build to solve a problem and make a difference.It could be an app that helps students swap second-hand textbooks, a platform for finding affordable mental health support, or a way to connect international students with local experiences.Startups usually start small (even messy), but they’re designed to grow. You don’t need a polished idea or a business plan – just something you care about, or the curiosity to figure it out. Why should I care about entrepreneurship?Entrepreneurship isn’t just for founders – it teaches you to think differently, act on ideas, and develop practical skills like pitching, problem-solving and teamwork.Even if you never launch a business, you’ll walk away with more confidence, a stronger resume and the experience of building something from scratch. Who is MEC?The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) is the University of Melbourne’s gateway for students, staff, researchers and alumni to explore ideas, develop projects, and launch or scale innovative ventures.Visit our <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/mec" title="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/mec" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">website</a>. <h2>🫶 Thanks to our sponsors</h2>This event and the broader competition are made possible thanks to our incredible sponsors who believe in backing the next generation of founders.Principal sponsor:<ul><li><a href="https://www.airwallex.com/au" title="https://www.airwallex.com/au" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Airwallex</a></li></ul>Major sponsors:<ul><li><a href="https://research.unimelb.edu.au/industry/melbourne-innovation-investments/genesis-pre-seed-fund" title="https://research.unimelb.edu.au/industry/melbourne-innovation-investments/genesis-pre-seed-fund" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thinkandgrowinc.com/" title="https://www.thinkandgrowinc.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Think &amp; Grow</a></li></ul>Supporters:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nextgenventures.com.au/" title="https://www.nextgenventures.com.au/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">NextGen Ventures</a></li><li><a href="https://www.melbconnect.com.au/" title="https://www.melbconnect.com.au/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Melbourne Connect</a></li><li><a href="https://wadeinstitute.org.au/" title="https://wadeinstitute.org.au/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship</a></li></ul> Please note:This event will be photographed. If you have any issues with photography consent, please speak to a staff member on arrival at registration

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