Expanded ManuFutures hub builds sovereign capability in manufacturing
Deakin University’s expanded $20 million ManuFutures hub in Geelong has been officially opened by Victoria’s Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll.
The hub has doubled in size and will boost regional manufacturing capabilities through the addition of new manufacturing incubator programs, training, and product engineering services, providing opportunities for an increased number of innovation-focused tenants and start-ups.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said that the completion of ManuFutures laid strong foundations for building sovereign manufacturing capability in Victoria.
"First 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," Professor Martin said.
Deakin Research Innovations Regional Manufacturing Director Mark Curnow said the completion of the ManuFutures expansion 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. It also has an Innoveering Centre that boasts product engineering and development capability, as well as opportunities for research collaboration and integration.
"Four manufacturing businesses have already moved into the new spaces as tenants, with room for one more. A total of 14 successful and emerging global manufacturing businesses now call Deakin’s ManuFutures home," said Mr Curnow.
The team also has plans to expand its tailored advice and support programs into regional Victoria (Bendigo, Ballarat and Warrnambool), to provide support across the regional manufacturing eco-system and build a skilled regional workforce.
Minister Carrol said this investment will safeguard Victoria’s advanced manufacturing industry for the future.
"Victoria is the advanced manufacturing capital of Australia and the expansion of ManuFutures will help local businesses to innovate and create jobs" said Minister Carroll.
The expansion was funded by the Victorian Government ($10 million) and Deakin University ($10 million) as part of the Government’s $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF) launched post-COVID.
To learn more about ManuFutures tenancies, training and services visit: https://www.deakin.edu.au/manufutures
