Launchpad Unit

Build a business in 12-weeks

Launchpad is a 12-week program that lets you develop a business idea and get academic credit towards your university degree. Launchpad provides students with an academic structure that encourages and supports entrepreneurial activity. Accepted students are provided access to Bloom's co-working space, allowing them to interact with members with small businesses and start-ups. Students also have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to investors and the public at end of the semester. Students are encouraged to continue their start-ups after the unit concludes.

Application Process

1. Make sure you have a second year broadening unit available.
2. Complete the application form below (Remember to BOOK AN INTERVIEW when filling out the form)
3. Attend your Launchpad interview
4. If you are successful, we handle the enrolment so you can start brainstorming!

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What our participants have to say…

Hear from past Launchpad students and how the unit changed their perspective on tackling hairy real world problems!

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FAQs

Applications need to be received 2 weeks prior to semester commencing. Follow our socials for exact dates.
Launchpad runs from late February until May, and again from late July until October in line with WA University semesters.
Nope! Here at Bloom, we only ask that you have a problem you are passionate in solving. Having a rough idea on a possible solution is great, but not a prerequisite. We'll work on better understanding the problem first, then through multiple workshops we'll guide you through developing a solution. Launchpad is about you learning how to develop and refine an idea that is targeted at a problem you want to solve.
Launchpad is accredited by which ever university you are currently studying at. The process for each university is different but we usually take care of it. We will ask if we need more information from you. Some universities have different requirements so some participants speak to degree coordinators before applying.
The unit is pass or fail, which means it’s not going to affect your GPA. To pass, you have to complete a series of weekly reflections tracking your progress, validate your idea/problem and pitch it at the end of the program to the Bloom community.
Launchpad is run for students and is designed to allow those in the program to collaborate and work in a constructive manner. This is not a university group project, everyone in the program is rooting for everyone to succeed. Its about your learning and developing your own idea in a supportive environment.

You'll learn how to start and create change. To do that we'll help you better understand a problem, develop a viable business idea and how to pitch that idea to anyone and everyone. You will also learn skills to develop as a founder, from resilience to the confidence to pitch.
Launchpad is run out of the Bloom Lab, based at St Catherine's College which is just across the road from UWA.
If you are at any of the Western Australian universities you can apply.
Once your application has been approved by Bloom, your university will be in touch with you regarding enrolment. It is recommended that you have capacity for an elective or practicum unit in your degree.
NOTE: different universities have different accreditation process and credit allocations.
That's totally fine, we don't expect you to be an expert.

Launchpad isn't about testing you on your startup knowledge, its about getting participants to go on the journey of developing an idea to a problem you are a passionate about solving. Having knowledge about startups and entrepreneurship is great but definitely not a prerequisite, we'll teach and support you through everything you need to know.
Yes, of course. Instead of claiming the cost of Launchpad as a university unit through HECS or the university itself, Bloom will invoice you for a nominated fee (outlined in the application form). You will receive all the same support just not the university accreditation.
The main focus of Launchpad is to help you to test your bright ideas, so don’t worry - you will have lots of opportunities to figure out if you like your idea or not in the first few weeks!
Nope! All intellectual property developed in the program stays your own.
We want you to be as motivated as you can be to take this seriously and create something you are proud of.
Similar hours to what's recommended for your other academic units, 12 hours per week. 3 of those hours are a compulsory weekly time slot - where the Launchpad cohort participates in an intimate presentation, given by a startup expert on a different aspect of business building, before we get stuck into hands-on group work! The rest of the time you'll have access to the Bloom Lab, where you can work alongside other young founders for ongoing support and guidance while building out your idea.
Please don't think that you're not good enough to apply or only do what your others think you need to do. We aim to empower more people to go on this journey and build the confidence in them to lead things they are passionate about.
Contact jasmin@bloom.org.au as soon as possible to reschedule.

Meet the Program Director

Jasmin Ward has worked in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, consulting and finance. She has taught and coached many participants and students in these fields. Jasmin has a huge passion for innovation and technology and has been heavily involved in the start-up ecosystem in Perth, Edinburgh and London.

Over the past 6 years, Jasmin has taught and coached many companies and start-ups, in addition to 2000+ students studying entrepreneurship at the University of Western Australia.

Why Launchpad?

Learn How to Pitch

Gain the skills to effectively communicate your ideas in a susinct way that grabs peoples attention from the beginning.
Learn about Customer Validation

One of the most must-have skills in starting a business. Get intimate with your customers and target market, ultimately getting you closer to building a successful product for them.
Expediate Growth

Create a business idea from the ground up and watch it grow over the 12-week program.