Translating Research at Melbourne
What is TRaM?
Translating Research at Melbourne (TRaM) is the pathway for research impact at the University of Melbourne.
Established in 2016, TRaM delivers a suite of programs that supports researchers to maximise the commercial impact of their research by developing an entrepreneurial research culture around the University and enhancing Melbourne’s reputation for delivering tangible, real world research impact.
TRaM was established as a dedicated, institutionally-supported suite of programs supporting the professional development of our research community to accelerate the research translation and value creation process. As a strategic activation initiative of the University’s Enterprise Agenda, TRaM is a key element of the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem and one of the three pillars of the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre within the Faculty of Business and Economics.
TRaM’s programs
Our four programs are designed to create and deepen the understanding of research commercialisation within the research community, changing the perception of research impact. Our two flagship programs, Track and Runway, progressively build researcher capability via focused support and education for selected teams, giving them the best chance at continued success, while TRaMx provides an accessible entry point to those who are keen to learn more but not sure where to start, and Air for those that need ongoing coaching to help get their business to market.
All researchers employed by the University of Melbourne and any of the institutions that are part of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct are eligible for the program, along with their students and collaborators. TRaMx is open to individuals wanting to develop their understanding of research commercialisation, however, teams will be given preference for Track selection.
To find out if you’re eligible to apply, please get in touch.
TRaMx: Who cares?
A two-day experiential workshop that serves as a key part of the selection process for Track, exposing potential Track candidates to key approaches and frameworks for success.
TRaM Track: What do they want?
An eight-week training program based on the Lean LaunchPad methodology. The focus is for teams to understand if the problem their proposed solution satisfies actually matters, and provides tools and frameworks to guide the process. Teams work through market validation and business model generation based on iteratively interviewing customers.
TRaM Runway: Can we deliver it?
This is a 12-week program designed to support the teams by further applying the frameworks learned in the training program to their commercial venture. It provides teams with skills and connections to accelerate their research impact, and validating their business models and progressing commercial planning.
TRaM Air: Let’s work on getting it to market
New to TRaM in 2019, Air is a research impact incubator that supports past program participants to work on their businesses alongside other teams progressing through their research commercialisation journey. Teams will be co-located with the TRaM team and two energy start-up accelerators at Level 5, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton.
2019 key dates
January – Applications open for TRaMx
February 11-12 and 21-22 – TRaMx workshops
April 30 – TRaM Track commences
June 19 – TRaM Track breakfast
Meet our Alumni
- CorGel – improving the success of corneal transplants
- P.A.M – customisable robotic curved concrete moulds
- opVISIONary – revolutionising the way the mobility impaired navigate
- NeuroBit – translating thought into movement
- M2axLab – single-application sun protection for sensitive young skin
- Cellcraft – cell biology meets Minecraft
- Faramoon – 3D models from point cloud data for any application
- Somnivore – sleep scoring analysis and automation
- Bionic Hand – innovating upper limb prosthetics
- ReCubit – a stroke rehabilitation robot
- Aquaterra – smart soil moisture data collection
- Fourth Element Energy – web-based geothermal design
Getting on board!
Applications for TRaMx open in January 2019. Researchers from across the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and their collaborators are invited to get in touch regarding TRaM’s programs for 2019.
For more information: