As the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Industry Engagement at the University, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the powerful connections between academia, industry, and community.
This year marked a period of significant achievement as we advanced the University’s Research and Innovation 2030 strategy. Through transformative partnerships and pioneering research, we deepened our collaboration with partners to deliver practical solutions that address pressing challenges and create meaningful impact across our communities.
I want to share some of the key milestones that defined a year of substantial growth and impact.
Eagleworks - the epicentre of innovation in Melbourne’s north
Eagleworks, La Trobe's new Innovation Centre, was established this year. Located within the Jenny Graves Building on the La Trobe Melbourne Campus (Bundoora), it brings together the University’s cutting-edge digital and bio innovation hubs, Innovation Central Melbourne, commercialisation support, entrepreneurship programs, and industry engagement expertise in one location.
A vibrant ecosystem for collaboration and growth, our aim is for Eagleworks to support every stage of the innovation journey. It's a dynamic space for members of industry looking to upskill, innovate, or partner with the University to drive their business forward. If you’re a student with a big idea, a researcher ready to commercialise your work, or an emerging entrepreneur - the centre is a launchpad for success.
From pre-accelerator programs and innovation sprints to commercialisation advice and funding support, Eagleworks provides the infrastructure, expertise, and networks you need to thrive.
La Trobe’s AEA: Accelerating Research with Real-World Impact
2025 has been a milestone year for La Trobe University in the Federal Government’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) scheme, securing $9.3 million in federal funding to fast-track research with strong industry relevance. Through AEA Innovate and Ignite grants, six projects are moving closer to commercialisation:
- Wine Industry Smoke Detectors ($1.78M) – protecting grape quality during bushfire events.
- Digital Dairy-Farm Management System ($3.8M) – integrating drones and wearable tech for livestock health.
- NanoMslide Cancer Detection ($2.5M) – nanofabricated sensors for faster, more accurate diagnostics.
- Antibody-Based UTI Treatments ($500K) – tackling biofilm-related infections.
- Machine-Learning Materials Platform ($500K) – supporting advanced manufacturing and security.
- Protein-Biomarker Blood Test ($200K) – enabling early disease detection.
These projects deliver practical solutions in agriculture, health, and advanced manufacturing - areas critical to competitiveness. By accelerating commercialisation, AEA helps businesses reduce R&D risk, shorten development cycles, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into operations.
Milestones for Victoria’s biotech future
Our Bio Innovation Hub is filling up! Now calling the Hub home are VivaZome, Epigenes, BioNTech, and Aeterna Health, as well as a large agri-business (stay tuned for the official announcement).
The Bio Innovation Hub is a purpose-built laboratory and office facility designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage biotechnology and agritechnology companies. With access to PC2 laboratories, shared equipment, and world-class research infrastructure, our residents can focus their resources on innovation and R&D.
By joining the Hub, these companies become part of a vibrant ecosystem of like-minded innovators, leading academic researchers, and the future workforce - all working together to drive breakthroughs in life sciences and agriculture.
In other exciting news this year, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, BioNTech, officially opened a new research and development mRNA manufacturing facility at our Melbourne campus. The move comes ahead of the planned construction of a state-of-the-art clinical mRNA manufacturing facility.
This investment, backed by the Victorian Government, boosts our state’s clinical mRNA manufacturing capability, and underscores Victoria’s position as a leader in next-gen vaccine and therapeutic development. It’s a huge step forward for research, jobs, and global collaboration in biotech – and we are front and centre.
WIL: Learning with impact
In 2025, I have been struck by the transformative impact of engaging student talent through Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Student placements are not just an add-on to a degree; they are central to how students become ‘career ready’. I hear consistently that our students bring fresh ideas, skill, and a willingness to tackle challenges.
Industry partners who host students benefit from their contributions immediately, but they also see the longer-term value in building a talent pipeline. Don’t just take my word for it - read about the experiences of partners like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Melbourne Royal and Fujitsu Data and AI.
What excites me most is the reciprocity of these partnerships. Industry gains innovation and talent, while students gain networks, skills, and clarity about their future. WIL exemplifies La Trobe’s mission to connect learning with impact, and in 2025 it has become one of the clearest ways we demonstrate our commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to thrive in their chosen industries.
Accelerating commercialisation and entrepreneurship
Translating research from the lab to the market is a core component of our work. The newly launched Eagleworks Innovation Centre, within the Jenny Graves Building on the Melbourne Campus, serves as the dynamic hub for this activity, and, even though it is early days, 2025 saw several of its key programs deliver exceptional results.
The Eagle Fund
The La Trobe University Eagle Fund, established with support from Breakthrough Victoria, has been instrumental in accelerating the commercialisation of our intellectual property. This $18 million pre-seed investment initiative provides the crucial early-stage capital that researchers and startups need to thrive.
Officially launched this year, the Eagle Fund has backed two pioneering ventures. Yield X is developing technologies to transform controlled environment agriculture, while ExCelligent is creating novel blood-based diagnostics for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. With more spin-outs planned for 2026, the Eagle Fund is strengthening La Trobe’s contribution to Victoria’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator Program
We also remain committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Our LaunchPad program, a 12-week pre-accelerator supported by a $400,000 LaunchVic grant, provides early-stage entrepreneurs with the mentorship and skills to build scalable, tech-driven businesses. The 2025 pilot cohort of 10 participants demonstrated incredible promise. Notably, participant Avalon McWha with her venture, Pebbl Tech, beat out over 100 submissions to pitch at LaunchVic’s prestigious Smartmate Pitch Night – and took home first prize. Applications are open for the March 2026 LaunchPad intake now. If you or someone you know is an aspiring entrepreneur, learn more about the program here.
Forging global and industry partnerships
Innovation thrives on collaboration and in 2025, we expanded on our network of local and international partners.
A key development was the strengthening of our ties with India through Bio Innovation Corridor activities. We welcomed a delegation from India, including startups participating in the IND-AUS LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator – Microbeworks Scientific Pvt Ltd, Hornet Biologicals Pvt Ltd, and Charukesi Health Pvt Ltd. This milestone was further marked by the co-location of the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre at Eagleworks, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing global bio-innovation. Additionally, we established the IGNITE Lab, a virtual gateway that gives Indian startups access to our innovation ecosystem. These initiatives are building a robust international corridor for biotechnology and research commercialisation.
Our direct industry partnerships continue to deliver practical solutions with significant economic value. For example, our collaboration with Wine Australia on the Wine Industry Smoke Detector (WISD) project is tackling the costly issue of smoke taint. The technology, highlighted at this year’s Partner Showcase event - attended by over 250 guests - provides real-time data to help growers protect their harvests. Since 2003, smoke exposure has cost the Australian wine industry an estimated $1.6B. The WISD project, awarded $1.78M through the Australian Government’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) program, is pioneering sensor technology to monitor smoke events from bushfires and controlled burn-offs near vineyards.
Looking ahead
The achievements of 2025 have set a new benchmark for La Trobe Industry. From empowering remote communities and launching new commercial ventures to fostering global partnerships and training future innovators, we are delivering on our promise to drive economic and societal progress.
But there’s always more we can do.
Moving forward, we will continue to build on this momentum. Initiatives like our Research and Innovation Roundtables and Eagleworks will remain central to our strategy, ensuring we stay connected to the needs of industry and the community. Watch this space.
I look forward to a busy and impactful 2026!
For more information on La Trobe Industry activities and partnership opportunities, visit La Trobe Industry or email industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au
