Investment Funds
Whether developing a prototype, exploring industry collaboration, or scaling a new venture, our funds are designed to help you take the next step with confidence.
La Trobe University is committed to accelerating research innovation and amplifying real‑world impact. Our suite of investment funds provides our researchers and industry partners with the financial support, strategic guidance, and commercialisation pathways needed to transform bold ideas into tangible outcomes.
PROOF OF CONCEPT FUND
The Proof of Concept (PoC) Fund empowers La Trobe researchers to progress early‑stage ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Offering between $50,000 and $350,000 in investment support, the Fund helps bridge the gap between conceptual research and prototype development - maximising the economic, social, and cultural impact of La Trobe’s research.
PoC funding supports feasibility testing, prototype creation, and the development of intellectual property or teaching materials that can lead to licensing opportunities or the formation of start‑ups. Open to all La Trobe researchers with University‑owned or University‑beneficial IP, the Fund encourages applications from every discipline, including social impact and for‑purpose innovations.
Key goals of the Fund include:
- Establishing proof of concept for research‑driven opportunities that can progress toward commercialisation
- Supporting the preparation, publication, and licensing of specified works, software, or audio‑visual materials
- Enabling projects that demonstrate strong commercial potential or significant reputational impact.
Applications are reviewed by the Industry Engagement Commercialisation team, with viable opportunities progressing to final assessment by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Office.
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY EAGLE FUND
The La Trobe Eagle Fund is an $18 million pre‑seed investment fund, established through a La Trobe University and Breakthrough Victoria partnership, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of La Trobe research. It provides early investment to help researchers and founders turn university‑developed intellectual property into viable start‑ups or sustainable social ventures.
The Fund supports projects across a wide range of fields - including digital health, AI, disease detection, advanced treatments, and food security - helping teams validate market potential, build prototypes, protect IP, and attract follow‑on investment. To be eligible, ventures must be based on La Trobe‑owned or La Trobe‑associated IP.
Investment decisions are made by an independent committee of industry, government, and university experts. The Eagle Fund forms part of the broader $100 million Breakthrough Victoria University Innovation Platform, which aims to boost the commercial impact of Victorian research.
OPTUS X LA TROBE UNIVERSITY INNOVATION FUND
The Optus x La Trobe University Innovation Fund fuels collaborative innovation between La Trobe researchers and Optus, supporting projects that advance digital technologies, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and future‑focused solutions. This fund strengthens the strategic partnership between Optus and La Trobe, enabling co‑designed research that addresses industry challenges and accelerates commercial pathways.
Projects supported through this fund benefit from industry expertise, access to cutting‑edge technologies, and a clear route to real‑world deployment.