Curiosity

Gain the skills and mindset to innovate like an entrepreneur.

Get inspired, learn core entrepreneurial skills and immerse yourself in UQ’s community of entrepreneurs with the entry-level Ventures Curiosity program.

During the program, you will have the opportunity to form and test your early-stage ideas and equip yourself with foundational skills in entrepreneurship and innovation. You will also build networks and connect with undergrads, postgrads and PhD students from different disciplines for a strong, well-connected start to your journey.

Apply for Curiosity (In-person)

Please check the 'Apply' tab for more information on application close dates.

You will attend a combination of weekly workshops and listen to a series of inspirational speakers. This program will be delivered in-person only. Please note you will be required to attend all workshops in your chosen format.

Location: UQ Ventures GCI, Building 20, ground floor, Global Change Institute (GCI), St Lucia [MAP]

Session 1. Wednesday 7 August, 3-6pm. Team Building and Entrepreneurial Mindset.
It's time to meet the Ventures Curiosity team and students from different courses and backgrounds. You'll brainstorm crazy and meaningful ideas, and meet your teammates you'll be working alongside over the next few sessions. At the end of this session, you will have an opportunity to meet and network with a UQ founder who will share their experience from the startup ecosystem.
Session 2. Wednesday 21 August, 3-5pm. Design Thinking
Learn the human-centred design (HCD) tools needed to effectively interview and obtain insight from users and key stakeholders.
Session 3. Wednesday 28 August, 3-5pm. Design Thinking and Business Model Canvas
Rapid-prototype the user experience journey (storyboard) for your solution and learn how to create an impactful presentation. You'll also learn about the Business Model Canvas – a strategic management template used for developing new business models and documenting existing ones.
Session 4. Wednesday 4 September, 3-6pm. Universal Design
It's time to review your product or service idea and understand how to develop a solution that can be user-friendly to everyone and anyone. The Universal Design session goes from 3-6 pm (one hour longer) as we have special guests joining us for a talk on the topic.
Session 5. Wednesday 11 September, 3-5pm. Pitching and Storytelling
Pitching preparation! Put the final touches on your prototype and develop your pitch with the assistance of Ventures staff and ambassadors.
Session 6. Wednesday 18 September, 3-5pm. Pitch Event
It's time to shine: pitch your project to your friends, Ventures team, and guests.

You will attend a combination of weekly workshops and listen to a series of inspirational speakers. This program will be delivered online only. Please note you will be required to attend all workshops in your chosen format and the speaker session.

Session 1. Tuesday 18 June, 5-7:30pm Team building and entrepreneurial mindset.
Meet Ventures, brainstorm ideas, and network with your cohort.
Session 2. Thursday 20 June, 5-7:30pm. Design thinking
Learn the human-centred design (HCD) tools needed to effectively interview and obtain insight from users and key stakeholders.
Session 3. Tuesday 25 June, 5-7:30pm. Universal design
Review your product or service ideas and understand how to develop a solution for everyone.

Session 4. Thursday 27 June, 5-7:30pm. Prototyping and MVP
Rapid prototype the user experience journey for your solution and learn how to create an impactful presentation.
Session 5. Thursday 4 July, 5-7:30pm. Pitching and storytelling
Put the final touches on your prototype and develop your pitch.
Session 6. Thursday 11 July, 5-7:30pm. Pitch event
You will pitch your own idea to the Ventures team, invited friends and guests.

You will attend a combination of weekly workshops tailored specifically for UQ PhD students. This program will be delivered in-person. Please note you will be required to attend all workshops in your chosen format and the speaker session.

Session 1. Tuesday 4 June, 10am-12pm. Team building and entrepreneurial mindset.
Meet Ventures, brainstorm ideas, and network with your cohort.
Session 2. Tuesday 11 June, 10am-12pm. Design thinking
Learn the human-centred design (HCD) tools needed to effectively interview and obtain insight from users and key stakeholders.
Session 3. Tuesday 18 June, 10am-12pm. Universal design
Review your product or service ideas and understand how to develop a solution for everyone.

Session 4. Tuesday 25 June, 10am-12pm. Prototyping and MVP
Rapid prototype the user experience journey for your solution and learn how to create an impactful presentation.
Session 5. Tuesday 2 July, 10am-12pm. Pitching and storytelling
Put the final touches on your prototype and develop your pitch.
Session 6. Tuesday 9 July, 10am-12pm. Pitch event
You will pitch your own idea to the Ventures team, invited friends and guests.

Semester 1 program

Ventures Curiosity is open to students, staff and alumni from all disciplines and study levels. To be eligible to apply, you must be:

a current UQ student, staff member or young alumni (graduated in the last 10 years)
be interested in entrepreneurship and innovation
be ready to build your knowledge and skills
commit to attending all six workshops

PhD program

Ventures Curiosity PhD is tailored to UQ PhD candidates and early career researchers from all disciplines. To be eligible to apply, you must be:

a current UQ student, early career researchers, staff member or young alumni (graduated in the last 10 years)
be interested in entrepreneurship and innovation
be ready to build your knowledge and skills
commit to attending all six weekly workshops

In-person program

Apply for Ventures Curiosity (In-person)

Applications for Ventures Curiosity (In-person) will close Wednesday 7 August 2024.

Online program

Applications for Ventures Curiosity (Online) are now closed.

PhD program

Applications for Ventures Curiosity PhD are now closed

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