NEWS
Inspiring and engaging the future of our entrepreneurial eco-system
RMIT is growing the eco-system to create a connected series of pathways for students to turn their business dreams into reality.
The University recently hosted media personality and Executive General Manager of Network Ten, Russel Howcroft, to speak about shaping the future of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Howcroft’s connection to RMIT spans almost 20 years – early in his career, embarking on a new advertising venture, he made his first pitch for business to RMIT! He also served as a valued member of the University community as the Advertising Industry Advisory Board Chair.
“We got very excited about what RMIT was all about, they were just about to remodel Storey Hall. We were amazed that RMIT was prepared to use the building to show the world what they were all about,” Howcroft said.
During the evening he advocated the importance of ideas as the essence of any successful venture – a sentiment which is central to the RMIT entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We need to support the idea first and foremost; it is the most important element in this cycle. Find the right idea then get the sponsor.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Business and Vice-President, Professor Ian Palmer, also addressed the guests by revealing all the new initiatives at RMIT which will support students to take their innovative ideas and build them into real businesses.
“We are passionate about fostering and creating an entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial mindset with our students and staff. We're about creating deep layering experiences, an entrepreneurial ethos and being a University of technology, design and enterprise,” Palmer said.
“RMIT is providing a range of programs to give students opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills to start their own businesses, including a new ideas platform to foster students’ business ideas, the Fastrack Innovation Program, New Enterprise Investment Fund, training and mentoring programs.
“This really is an incredibly exciting time for the entrepreneurial mindset in Australia with the Australian Government’s National Innovation & Science Agenda. RMIT is positioning itself to ensure our students are the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future Australia.”
Story: Rita Truong