A new $20 million innovation hub will create more than 170 jobs and establish Geelong as Australia’s leading advanced manufacturing precinct, state government has announced.
Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney this morning announced the facility would be built at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus.
“We are proud to be investing in this exciting project that will boost local jobs, grow the economy and put Geelong at the heart of advanced manufacturing in Australia,” Ms Tierney said.
ManuFutures2 will be the second hub of its kind at the campus, and will create 172 jobs in areas like construction and manufacturing, according to state government.
The hub will also double resident start-up companies to 26 and support research and opportunities for Deakin staff and students, government said.
Planning for the project is well advanced, with state government expecting construction to begin in September and take about eight months to complete.
Deakin’s existing ManuFutures hub currently manufactures the world’s lightest and strongest carbon fibre road bike wheels, enhanced fabrics for athletic clothing and equipment, and smart sensors to improve water management on farms.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the investment would help continue Geelong’s reputation as “a proud manufacturing city”.
“Through the ongoing efforts of Deakin University we are transitioning to high-tech innovations that will secure jobs and prosperity for our region for decades to come.”
ManuFutures2 will include a product engineering development laboratory and six adaptable spaces for tenants to develop, field test and manufacture products to market, according to government.
ManuFutures2 received $10 million from state government under the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund.
The pitch was one of many from Victorian universities for funding under the program, which state government developed in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the sector.
“This project is a great example of how universities, governments and the private sector can work together – and it will link-in and enhance Geelong’s existing strengths,” Deakin University vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin said.
The $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund supports capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focussed on productivity at universities.
