For founders who want to change the world
World class researchers. Translating discoveries. Benefiting society.
The University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund provides academic, staff, student, and alumni founders from the University of Melbourne ecosystem with pre-seed investment and support to build deep tech businesses that change the world.
Founders we support
"Genesis has been integral in getting us to the point we are at today."
Associate Professor Daniel Perkins, Neurala Biosciences
“By seeing more academics commercialising their ideas, researchers can appreciate that they can be amazing scientists and great entrepreneurs”
Dr Megan Coomer, Cell Bauhaus
"Genesis' unwavering support allowed us to unlock significant grant funding while leveraging their extensive network to connect to the broader investment community in Australia"
Pat Kelly, Remagine Labs
"The Genesis team are incredibly supportive! Their kindness, patience, and commitment to founders—especially female entrepreneurs—sets them apart, making them a true asset to the ecosystem."
Sara Khorasani, Flowing Bee
Our mission
The University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund (The Fund) was announced in 2022 (commencing operations in 2023) by the University of Melbourne and Innovation Victoria (formerly Breakthrough Victoria), a private investment company launched in 2021, that provides patient capital and investment to impact the State’s economy and wellbeing.
Making an impact through research translation is embedded in the University of Melbourne's Advancing Melbourne 2030 strategy.
The Fund responds to this strategy by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth through the successful translation of University-affiliated research into marketable products and businesses.
Our impact
Founders
46
$8.75m
Invested
$22.5m
From co-investors
Startups
20
Thin Air Technology
R2CRETE
LIRO TX
FLOW AI
The Fund
Co-funded by the University of Melbourne and Innovation Vic, the $15 million University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund provides investment to aid researchers, students and alumni in starting and growing startups.
