Group Created with Sketch.

TRAM FAQs

Have a question about TRAM? If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for below, get in touch through our contact page for more information.

General
TRAMx
TRAM Track
TRAM Runway
TRAM Air

General

add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What is TRAM?
TRAM is a research impact accelerator. Through four immersive programs, we give researchers the skills and mindset to become entrepreneurs. We'll help you transform your research into products and services that have real-world impact.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What does TRAM do?
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.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
Why was TRAM started?
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.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
Why do we need TRAM?
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.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What does TRAM focus on?
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.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
Why do universities care about commercialisation?
Real-world research impact inspires the research community, enhances investor and alumni engagement, promotes staff and student retention and attraction, and allows for expanded career prospects. Safe to say, this is why we do what we do.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What is TRAM modelled on?
TRAM was modelled on international best practice startup approaches, pioneered at Stanford and Berkeley, that focus on target customer engagement to better understand the customer experience of the problems researchers are solving and the associated care factor. We use the Lean LaunchPad methodology to guide research teams through the fundamentals of building a successful spinout. By taking a systematic, iterative approach, TRAM enables researchers to achieve the full impact potential of their research.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
Who is on the TRAM team?
Our team includes Andrew Rowse (Program Manager), Sarah Robertson (Marketing, Events & Communications Manager), Jenni Kirkbright (Executive Officer), Abbie Middlemiss (Events Coordinator) and Abi Ward (Marketing & Communications Coordinator). Get to know us on our Team page!
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
Who can apply to TRAM?
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.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What’s the difference between the TRAM programs?
TRAM's programs are designed to be matched to how advanced teams are along their research impact and/or research commercialisation journey. TRAMx is open to early stage or new research teams, TRAM Track and Runway are for teams that already have some traction, while TRAM Air assists more advanced teams who are working toward commercial outcomes. Head to our Programs page to find out more.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
How is TRAM funded?
TRAM receives funding from the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government (Department of Premier and Cabinet) with the aim of accelerating and enhancing commercialisation outcomes and economic growth for the State, and to enhance Victoria’s standing as a leader in research and education.

TRAMx

add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What is TRAMx?
A one-day intensive bootcamp to prepare you for the road ahead and get your head in the game. TRAMx is a great way to get started on your research impact journey.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What’s the difference between the TRAM programs?
The TRAM programs are designed to be matched to how advanced teams are along their research impact and/or commercialisation journey. TRAMx is open to early stage or new research teams, TRAM Track and Runway are for teams that already have some traction, while TRAM Air assists more advanced teams who are working toward commercial outcomes. Head to our Programs page to find out more.

TRAM Track

add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What is TRAM Track?
TRAM Track is undertaken by dynamic research teams over eight weeks to build their entrepreneurial capabilities. You'll speak to customers for market validation, generate a business model, and get your head into a business mind frame.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What’s the difference between the TRAM programs?
The TRAM programs are designed to be matched to how advanced teams are along their research impact and/or commercialisation journey. TRAMx is open to early stage or new research teams, TRAM Track and Runway are for teams that already have some traction, while TRAM Air assists more advanced teams who are working toward commercial outcomes. Head to our Programs page to find out more.

TRAM Runway

add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What is TRAM Runway?
TRAM Runway builds on work done in TRAM Track, fine-tuning a problem-solution fit. Over 12 weeks, teams are provided with intensive support to get market-ready and progress their commercial planning and business models.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What’s the difference between the TRAM programs?
The TRAM programs are designed to be matched to how advanced teams are along their research impact and/or commercialisation journey. TRAMx is open to early stage or new research teams, TRAM Track and Runway are for teams that already have some traction, while TRAM Air assists more advanced teams who are working toward commercial outcomes. Head to our Programs page to find out more.

TRAM Air

add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What is TRAM Air?
TRAM Air is for alumni teams who are working towards specific commercial outcomes. Teams receive tailored support as they move towards important milestones.
add Created with Sketch. substract Created with Sketch.
What’s the difference between the TRAM programs?
The TRAM programs are designed to be matched to how advanced teams are along their research impact and/or commercialisation journey. TRAMx is open to early stage or new research teams, TRAM Track and Runway are for teams that already have some traction, while TRAM Air assists more advanced teams who are working toward commercial outcomes. Head to our Programs page to find out more.

Want us to tell you about the cool stuff we do?

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and reminders from the TRAM team