ManuFutures 2 is to be built at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus to help accelerate innovations in manufacturing and promote Geelong and the region as the nation’s leading advanced manufacturing precinct.
The new $20 million innovation hub is the second advanced manufacturing hub of its kind at the Waurn Ponds campus. It is to be partly funded by the state government and is expected to create more than 170 jobs. The original Manufutures was established in 2017.
Products manufactured at the site include the world’s lightest and strongest carbon fibre road bike wheels, enhanced fabrics used for athletic clothing and equipment, and smart sensors to improve water management on farms.
ManuFutures 2 will include a product engineering development laboratory and six adaptable spaces for tenants to develop, field test and manufacture products to market.
The facility will create jobs in areas like construction and manufacturing, double the number of resident start-up companies to 28, and support research and work opportunities for Deakin University staff and students and provide a space for the community to attend events and training.
Planning for the project is already well advanced, with construction to begin in September 2021 and take about eight months.
ManuFutures 2 received $10 million from the state government and is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
The $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney said the government was proud to be investing in a project that will boost local jobs, grow the economy and put Geelong at the heart of advanced manufacturing in Australia.
“This project is a great example of what the Higher Education State Investment Fund is all about – giving Victorians more opportunities, strengthening the skills and training sector, creating jobs and boosting the economy,” Ms Tierney said.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the project is a great example of how universities, governments and the private sector can work together – and it will link-in and enhance Geelong’s existing strengths.
For information on ManuFutures: Deakin Uni media release or manufutures.com.au
Photo:
Deakin University is now a start-up and SME powerhouse, connecting the Geelong region to global industries.
Dr Murray Height, co-founder & Chief Science Officer of HeiQ, is one of Deakin’s innovators. Dr Height, pictured here with G21 CEO Giulia Baggio, develops technology used in textiles to block viruses & bacteria.
Source: Based on Deakin University and State Government media releases