Monash University has launched a $15 million Pre-Seed Fund in partnership with Breakthrough Victoria, setting out to turn homegrown research into investable, real-world ventures. The initiative is part of a new body called Monash Ventures, which brings together the university’s investment efforts to back early-stage spinouts and support researchers on the edge of commercial breakthroughs.
Backed by the $100 million Breakthrough Victoria University Innovation Platform, the fund will provide up to $1 million per spinout, with investments offered on a rolling basis. The focus will be on ventures tied closely to Monash intellectual property, licencing agreements or deep research collaborations. The idea is to support researchers with a pathway connecting them to mentors, investor networks and the know-how needed to move from lab to market.
Speaking at the launch, Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering said the university was placing confidence in its own ideas and people.
“At Monash, we are committed to transforming outstanding research into tangible outcomes that benefit our communities, our economy and the world,” she said. “The launch of Monash Ventures and the Pre-Seed Fund marks a bold step in strengthening our impact through innovation and enterprise.”
The new venture arm will work hand-in-hand with Monash Innovation’s New Ventures team to guide startups through early commercialisation, strategy development and company formation. Investments will be made under the oversight of an Investment Committee that includes representatives from Monash, Breakthrough Victoria and external industry experts.
Chief Commercialisation Officer Dr Alastair Hick said pre-seed backing helps build credibility for fledgling companies and paves the way for future capital.
“Providing access to pre-seed funding is key to enabling Monash-founded companies to grow, build momentum, and attract follow-on investment,” he said. “This launch sets the foundation for a new era of venture creation and impact from Monash.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President Professor Robyn Ward AM said that giving ideas a runway at this early stage could make all the difference for the startups and strengthen Australia’s place in the global innovation economy.
“This fund ensures innovators are supported at one of the most challenging points in their journey – turning ideas into investment-ready ventures,” she said. “By supporting our spinouts with early-stage investment, we are creating pathways for researchers to take their transformative ideas to the market.”
Breakthrough Victoria, the university’s partner in the fund, was set up in 2021 by the State Government as a private investment company that supports projects with long-term value and economic returns for Victoria.
The Monash Ventures launch adds weight to the idea that some of the best ideas don’t need to be imported. They may just need a little belief, and the right backing, closer to home.
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