Murdoch University has launched an innovation hub to enhance opportunities for students to network, apply career ready skills and develop ideas with the support and guidance of business and industry.

Equipped with the latest technology, the Launchpad provides dedicated facilities where students and academics can participate in events to build entrepreneurial skills and engage with companies, employers and organisations who are seeking practical solutions to issues through the application of research and innovative ideas.

Designed to facilitate collaborative interaction, the space will incorporate a fabrication lab with state-of-the art digital technology including 3D printers and contemporary collaborative learning spaces, centrally located within the University’s Geoffrey Bolton Library.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Education Professor Romy Lawson said the Launchpad has opened the University’s front door and challenged students to extend their learning by contributing to real-world issues and projects through involvement in research partnerships, advisory groups and work placements.

“An essential goal of our education is to equip our students to graduate career-ready and with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference to society and the community,” Professor Lawson said.

“Mentoring by business and industry and learning the value of working together will help foster the skills our students require for success throughout their future careers.”

The initiative was also a valuable opportunity for organisations to tap into the brightest young minds and explore creative solutions to current challenges or “wicked” problems, Professor Lawson said.

“Murdoch is home to world-class researchers, academics and a pool of student talent with the latest specialist knowledge across a range of industry sectors who are equipped to work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to business challenges,” she said.

Murdoch alumnus and co-founder of online student service company Student Edge, Jeremy Chetty, will be the Launchpad’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence. From humble beginnings in Perth in 2003, the company now has more than 975,000 members nationwide, has secured sponsorship from major brands including Microsoft and established multiple partnerships across the government, commercial and education sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the Launchpad, Mr Chetty said the initiative would help build students’ confidence to recognise their talents and the support to translate their ideas into opportunities.

“Success is built from a combination of hard work, belief in your ideas and the persistence to find solutions to problems you confront along the way,” he said.

Director of Library and Knowledge Management Services Matthew Evans said the Launchpad provided a place for students, staff and organisations to connect, collaborate and develop ideas.

The multi-use space, fitted with the latest audio-visual and digital technology was available to host events, seminars, competitions and workshops.

Find more information on Launchpad.