TRAM runs a series of programs designed to build entrepreneurial skills for researchers. We're developing a culture of research entrepreneurship that allows researchers to create their own pathways into industry and work effectively with commercial and entrepreneurial colleagues.

TRAM was started in 2016 to provide the University’s research community with a clear pathway into industry and maximise the impact (including commercial impact) of their work. We’re building an entrepreneurial reputation for the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct by delivering tangible, real-world research impact.

There is an increasing focus on universities delivering impact and outcomes, rather than just research outputs. This means funding and careers for researchers and higher degree students will increasingly require them to be as engaged with industry as they are with publishing research. TRAM is developing and celebrating the capability of our research community to be the engines of our knowledge economy, helping create dynamic and disruptive innovations and companies that create export revenue and employment.

We're developing an entrepreneurial mindset among the University of Melbourne’s research community, and this can look slightly different depending on where you're at in your research career and what you're researching. For established academic research staff, we work with you to develop your ability to engage with industry, manage your innovation pipeline, and support career options for junior staff in your teams. For early-career researchers, we help you to develop an innovation toolkit that will help you to have greater impact with your work, no matter what area your research is in. For those who are considering a commercial-career orientation, we give you the toolkit you'll need to commercialise the research projects you're working on.

TRAM is open to researchers from across the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, along with their students and collaborators. We encourage all researchers who are passionate about having impact to consider applying.

The TRAM programs are designed to be matched to how advanced teams are along their research impact and/or commercialisation journey. TRAMx provides a taster for new research teams and individuals into the world of research impact, TRAM Track is for early-stage teams ready to tackle their project, Runway is for teams that already have some traction and TRAM Air assists incorporated businesses (research startups) that are working toward commercial outcomes. Head to our programs page to find out more.