Swinburne University of Technology has teamed up with renowned international scientific journal, Nature, to look back on 30 years of innovation at the university.

In 2022, we celebrate 30 years since gaining university status. What do you gift a university on its milestone birthday? Nature generously pulled together a deep dive into our vibrant past – and even more exciting future – of research innovation, commercialisation, startups, product development and intellectual property development.

So, rip into the virtual wrapping paper and visit the timeline.

From the archives

Pitch competitions to fast-track programs. Hackathons to industry partnerships. Swinburne has been a launchpad to countless startups and innovative research that has gone on to be commercialised.

In our 30th year, Nature’s interactive timeline showcases just a few of those successes. It starts with the invention of a neurological research method in 1995 that spawned the founding of Neuro-Insight, a neuroscience-focused marketing agency employed by Twitter, Google, US National Public Radio and Samsung.

Other standouts include a:

• stormwater rubbish removal system
• emotional intelligence assessment company
• pre-pandemic telehealth service
• manufacturer of polymer microfluidics
• bushfire-proof skylight
• custom-fit in-ear headphones or hearing aids
• heart attack predictor

The mDetect team left to right: Dr Jerome Donovan, Craig Webster, Professor Alan Duffy, Dr Eryadi Masli and Dr Shanti Krishnan.

Research that has unseen potential

Sometimes research has unexpected applications, like innovative startup mDetect.

Five Swinburne experts led by renowned astrophysicist and director of Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute Professor Alan Duffy came together to develop a new technology that uses particles from space – called muons – to ‘see the unseeable’. Originating from space research, mDetect uses the technology to visualise underground conditions for mining and construction companies.

A culture of innovation

Swinburne is continuing to disrupt. We work with industry to ensure our big research ideas make an even bigger impact. For every partner who comes to us, we concentrate our efforts on a technology solution. Through these partnerships we solve problems; share cutting-edge research; create innovative products, solutions and services and make positive change in the world.

Innovation is also embedded in our learning and teaching. Our students are supported by our epicentre of startup energy, the Innovation Precinct, and range of entrepreneurship and innovation courses, including the new Bachelor of Applied Innovation double degree.