Making Research Commercialisation Work: Lessons from the University of Melbourne

What does it take to move beyond individual commercialisation success stories and build an institutional approach that consistently turns research potential into real-world opportunities? Through sustained investment in commercialisation, entrepreneurship and venture development, the University of Melbourne has sought to create stronger connections between research, industry and investment. But building such an ecosystem raises difficult questions: Where should a university invest its resources? How do you build a pipeline of opportunities? How do you balance institutional interests with what founders and investors need?

Drawing on Melbourne’s experience, Ken will explore these choices and the lessons learned along the way. We’ll also examine the University’s recently introduced IP Licence Economic Framework, and what it signals about rethinking traditional approaches to IP, reducing commercialisation friction and creating better conditions for university ventures to succeed.

This Fireside Chat will focus on:

1. How Melbourne has evolved its approach to research commercialisation, and the strategic choices behind its development.
2. What it takes to build a connected commercialisation system that brings together research, entrepreneurial talent, industry expertise and investment.
3. Where promising research opportunities tend to stall, and how universities can address the institutional barriers that slow progress.
4. How Melbourne is rethinking IP licensing to balance university interests with the needs of founders and investors.

Ken Jefferd is Vice President, Melbourne Enterprise and Managing Director of UM Commercialisation Ltd at the University of Melbourne. He leads the University’s enterprise agenda, strengthening research impact through industry partnerships, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and venture investment. Ken brings extensive experience across university leadership, industry and investment, including two decades in global executive roles at BP and board positions across Melbourne’s venture and commercialisation ecosystem.

A UIIN Fireside Chat is a 30-minute interview session between a UIIN facilitator and an external industry expert on a high-level topic. Participants will leave with insights and inspiration after hearing the experiences and perspectives of the guest speaker, and have the opportunity to ask questions during the session. Fireside Chats are also recorded for UIIN podcasts and are available after the session.