Higher Degree Research students

Entrepreneurship education foundations

Start your entrepreneurial journey with a strong foundation. UQ offers HDR students access to world-class entrepreneurship education, equipping you with the mindset, tools, and frameworks to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and lead with impact. Explore workshops, masterclasses, and online modules designed to build your entrepreneurial confidence from the ground up.

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Have you considered the Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation before embarking on your HDR studies? In this program, students complete a set of foundational courses, as outlined on the MEI program page.
The UQ Entrepreneurial PhD empowers you to create the career you want. It combines the discipline and rigour of a PhD, with the strategy and creativity of entrepreneurship.
AIBN is the ideal destination for enterprising PhD students seeking to undertake research in the disciplines of precision nanomedicine, nanoengineered materials and advanced biomanufacturing.

Graduate Research School: building capability for impact

The UQ Graduate Research School underpins this journey by developing the professional, commercial and translational capabilities of HDR candidates. Through its year‑round researcher development and career frameworks, HDR students are supported to build the skills needed to create impact beyond academia.

Key offerings include:

Researcher development and transferable skills training
HDR candidates can access structured training that strengthens communication, leadership, industry engagement and innovation capability—skills essential for commercialisation and entrepreneurship.
HDR industry, government and NGO placements
The Graduate Research School’s HDR Placement Program enables candidates to apply their research expertise in real‑world settings, build professional networks, and explore non‑academic career pathways. Placements support translation of research into practical outcomes and products, while maintaining focus on thesis progress.
Communicating research for impact
Flagship initiatives such as Three Minute Thesis (3MT) help HDR candidates develop clear, compelling narratives about their research—an essential skill for pitching ideas, engaging partners and attracting investment.

Together, these Graduate School offerings ensure HDR students are not only producing excellent research, but are also equipped to recognise opportunities, engage end‑users and translate discoveries into real‑world impact.

Idea development and validation

Do you have a research idea with commercial potential?

Discover how to shape, test, and validate your concept through structured programs that guide you from identifying the problem to ensuring your solution fits. UQ offers HDR students access to expert mentorship, customer discovery tools, and validation frameworks to make sure your idea is viable and impactful.

Validate is the next step for those progressing from the Ventures Curiosity program or for students already deeply engaged with a project. This program provides the tools and guidance to refine, test, and prove your ideas.

Transforming research into product

Transform your research into practical applications. UQ assists HDR students in converting academic knowledge into concrete products, services, or startups. Whether focusing on deep tech, social innovation, or digital tools, you gain customised support to guide you from the lab to market launch.

The UQ Ventures Empower Pre-Accelerator is your launchpad to build a strong, scalable startup—designed for women ready to make their mark.
You can then accelerate your business growth with Ventures' Momentum Accelerator program

Manage a startup and drive innovation

Ready to dive into entrepreneurship?

UQ provides HDR students with a chance to start and expand their own startups. Get practical experience in business development, team building, and innovation through incubators, accelerators, and startup support programs.

The ilab Accelerator is UQ’s flagship program designed to fast-track UQ student, staff, and alumni startups. Delivered in collaboration with the Momentum Accelerator, this combined initiative offers two tailored tracks for founders at different stages of their journey.
Through workshops, exposure to industry experts, and individualised coaching, the Food Innovation Challenge will empower student teams to design and validate their innovation projects towards the development of a viable food and beverage business.

In-depth education and training

Enhance your entrepreneurial skills through advanced training options. UQ’s ecosystem offers intensive programs, micro-credentials, and interdisciplinary courses that enable HDR students to focus on fields such as innovation management, venture finance, and design thinking.

UQ Ventures Industry Challenge is an exciting, 8-week, industry-supported experience where students tackle real-world problems with bold, innovative thinking.
Ventures Hustle is your fast track to launching a successful business while still in university.
Entrepreneurship courses at UQ (PDF, 69.7 KB) (correct at 11/03/2026)

Support and resources

You are not alone on your entrepreneurial journey.

UQ provides HDR students with access to a rich network of mentors, funding opportunities, co-working spaces, and legal and IP support. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, the right resources are within reach.

Curious about the problems you want to solve? Or what ideas you might want to explore? Perfect! Join Curiosity to meet students from diverse fields, share your idea, and build it in a safe, supportive environment.
Ventures LeadHers is an introductory program for UQ women students, staff and alumni across all disciplines to develop their leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Global entrepreneurial exposure

Broaden your horizons through global entrepreneurship experiences. UQ links HDR students with international programs, pitch competitions, and innovation tours that provide exposure to global markets, investors, and startup ecosystems.

UQ students are provided the opportunity to explore international entrepreneurship courses to gain insights into the global innovation ecosystem.

Our Careers and Employability provide a Global Experiences program
UQVentures’ News and Blogs pages are also a great way to engage with upcoming opportunities
Startup AdVentures are four-week learning experiences specialising in innovation and entrepreneurship with local, regional Queensland and global startup communities.