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. It comprises a training program and a research impact accelerator, both of which are run annually.
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 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 our bootcamps provide an accessible entry point to those who are keen to learn more but not sure where to start.
TRaM bootcamps: 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
March – Applications open for TRaM bootcamp
April – TRaM bootcamp
May – TRaM Track commences
Late June – TRaM Track breakfast
Meet our Alumni
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
Rehab Robot – a stroke rehabilitation robot
Nanocosmetics – improving cosmetics at the nanoscale
So-Mo Mapper and Intelligence – soil moisture
Fourth Element Energy – web-based geothermal design
Getting on board!
TRaM19 applications will open in March 2019. Researchers from across the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and their collaborators are invited to get in touch regarding the TRaM program for 2019.
For more information: