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The inaugural semester of UWA’s Innovation & Startup Practice unit (BUSN3020) came to a culmination on Friday June 3 for the eagerly anticipated ‘Demo Day’.

Initiated through a partnership with the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (ECM) and Pollenizer, one of Australia’s leading digital incubators, 50-something students presented project ideas at the Ernst & Young Lecture Theatre at UWA’s Business School.

The exciting event was divided into two parts and provided a platform for students to showcase their project ideas and progress over the course of the semester.

The unit sees students form teams to create new startups and build real businesses with real customers. These startups develop innovative ideas and create a proposed business model. At ‘Demo Day’ the student teams have the opportunity to share their story, pitching their business idea to a room of student colleagues, university staff, industry leaders and investors.

Sam Birmingham, coordinator and senior startup coach from Pollenizer said, “The students have grown and embraced the lean startup approach to innovation and there definitely seems to be a willingness to experiment and get out of their comfort zone.”

Mr Birmingham has returned to UWA this year specifically to coordinate this exciting new unit, which is exactly the kind of class that he wishes he could have taken when he was completing his Bachelor of Law and Economics degrees.

“The unit uniquely identifies the mindset and tools it takes to launch a successful tech startup, along with the practical skills required to innovate, all whilst networking with industry experts,” says Mr Birmingham.

This year’s Demo Day pitches ranged from producing a more affordable and reliable 3D Bio printer to connecting tradespeople to reliable customers. With industry experts and mentors checking in periodically throughout the semester, the teams moved through a structured process, embracing the “Build, Measure, Learn” discipline that is central to the lean startup concept.

Innovation & Startup Practice unit (BUSN3020 ) is a Category B Broadening Level 3 unit open to all UWA students. Further information is available here: https://handbooks.uwa.edu.au/units/unitdetails?code=BUSN3020

Media references

Lauren Humfrey (UWA Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics) (+61 8) 6488 2260