TRAM FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our team includes Andrew Rowse (Program Manager), Sarah Robertson (Marketing, Events & Communications Manager), Jenni Kirkbright (Executive Officer), Adam Hodgson (Design and Content Manager), Katherine Papiccio (Event Coordinator), Gemma Melville (Marketing and Communications Coordinator) and Hannah McLean (Marketing & Events Coordinator). Get to know us on our Team page!

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.

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.

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.

No, there is no cost to participate in any of the TRAM programs.

No, we do not take equity. There is no impact on your IP position as a result of participating in any of our programs.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

The Tram Air program is designed for startup teams working towards their investment raising goals.

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.

Participants are required to attend a three-hour session in-person, per week. In addition, you’ll be spending time meeting with your mentor and working on your business.