University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This graduate diploma combines core subjects in innovation and entrepreneurship with technology-focused electives to build practical capability in creating and scaling technology ventures. Teaching emphasises applied learning: design thinking, customer discovery, business modelling and lean startup methods sit alongside modules on technology commercialisation, intellectual property, venture finance and product development.

• Innovation and Design Thinking — creative problem solving, user-centred research and prototyping.
• New Venture Creation — opportunity evaluation, business model development and go-to-market strategies.
• Technology Commercialisation — pathways from research to market, licensing and spin-out models.
• Intellectual Property and Legal Issues — IP management, contracts and regulatory considerations for tech firms.
• Entrepreneurial Finance — funding sources, financial planning for startups and presenting to investors.
• Project and Product Management — agile methods, roadmap development and cross-functional team leadership.
• Electives and Industry Projects — students can often choose project-based units or electives that reflect current technologies (software, medtech, agritech, AI, etc.) and work on a live consultancy or prototype.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or substantial professional experience that demonstrates capacity to undertake graduate study. Academic entry is typically based on previous tertiary performance; applicants without a degree but with relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or recognised prior study in English where required by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across startups, corporates and research organisations. Typical roles include startup founder or co-founder, product manager, innovation or incubator manager, commercialisation officer at universities and research institutes, business development manager, and roles in early-stage investment or venture capital. The programme is also well suited for professionals seeking to lead digital transformation projects or to move into innovation policy, consultancy or technology transfer functions.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide combines a long-established research university environment with strong links to South Australia’s growing innovation ecosystem. Students benefit from practical, industry-engaged learning opportunities, access to entrepreneurial support networks and campus-based incubator and mentoring initiatives. The programme draws on multidisciplinary expertise across business, engineering and science, positioning graduates to bridge technical and commercial perspectives when taking ideas to market.