An innovation hub in Geelong will help expand manufacturing capabilities and create more regional jobs thanks to state government support.
ManuFutures 2 opened at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus on July 25 for local businesses to work with university researchers to develop, field-test, and manufacture new products.
Deakin University vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the new facility, which received $10-million state government funding, was an extension of the original hub established in 2018.
“ManuFutures showcases Deakin’s commitment to building Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and creating a skilled local manufacturing workforce for the future,” he said.
Research Innovations Regional Manufacturing director Mark Curnow said the hub put Deakin at the forefront of manufacturing innovation for entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses.
“Our new ManuFutures building includes collaborative working spaces and further rental tenancy bays for manufacturing businesses,” he said.
“It also has an Innoveering Centre that boasts product engineering and development capability and opportunities for research collaboration and integration.”
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney said the new hub would help businesses access product engineering services, incubator programs, training spaces, and industry collaborations.
“We’re supporting Victorian businesses to build their links with university researchers to help them create innovative products that they can take to the world,” she said.
Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll said supporting ManuFutures 2 was a government initiative supporting manufacturing through higher education investments.
“Victoria is the advanced manufacturing capital of Australia and the expansion of ManuFutures will help local businesses to innovate and create jobs,” he said.
Victoria has a $33-billion manufacturing business comprising close to 24,000 companies and supports over 250,000 jobs.
The hub was funded with $10 million by the state government and Deakin University, respectfully, as part of the $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund.
