Earlier this year, the Murdoch Business School received a grant from the Malka Foundation, which has accelerated Murdoch’s mission to foster inclusion, curiosity, and positive social impact through entrepreneurship. 

This grant has been used to kickstart several innovative programs and activities, including a 5-week entrepreneurial sprint as part of the Business School’s Innovator’s Mindset unit — which has engaged students from business, engineering, and IT. 

Professor Peter Eastwood, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, first began discussions with the Malka foundation in early 2024 about Murdoch’s plans to widen their entrepreneurship programs across the university.  

“I’m excited about this grant because it directly supports our vision to empower students to turn bold ideas into real-world impact,” he said. 

“The relationship with the Malka Foundation is built on shared values of, innovation, and creating opportunities for the next generation of changemakers.” 

 Malka Foundation Chairman Derek Gerrard said there was “great potential to build WA as one of the world’s leading centres of innovation”. 

“We see Murdoch as an important partner in contributing to our goal of building a more diverse and bigger economy in our state,” he said. 

“The Board of the Malka Foundation are very pleased to add Murdoch University to the cohort of other organisations we support which share our goals of giving students the opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills and to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.” 

Business student Jasmine Hornby said it was “fantastic” to have the entrepreneurial sprint installed as part of the first-year unit. 

With support from the Innovator’s Mindset unit and Malka-funded resources, Jasmine is on her way to launching her own startup addressing real needs in the NDIS sector, exemplifying how the right support, mentorship, and industry connections can turn student ideas into meaningful ventures. 

“For any Murdoch students coming and doing their first year, I think it would be incredibly valuable to have that level of excitement and real-world experience,” she said. 

Professor Antonia Girardi, Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Business and Dean of the Murdoch Business School, emphasised the significance of the partnership with the Malka Foundation, describing it as transformative for students, staff and the university. 

“The collaboration with the Malka Foundation has truly elevated our ability to deliver on a shared vision,” she said. 

Key Achievements Enabled by Malka Funding: 

• Appointment of the Director of Entrepreneurship, consolidating a range of campus-wide initiatives aimed at improving the student experience and offering just-in-time support. 

• Launch of a centralised mentoring program for students and the business community, piloted with the Melville and Cockburn Chamber of Commerce members and other businesses. 

• Introduction of a 5-week entrepreneurial sprint in the Innovator’s Mindset unit, engaging students from business, engineering, and IT. 

• Live-streamed podcasts at alumni business sites, connecting over 300 students, alumni, and business professionals. 

• Enhanced visibility and coordination of entrepreneurship activities across digital platforms. 

  Jo Frith, Director Alumni and Philanthropy said the partnership would assist the growth of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Western Australia and provide unique opportunities for our students. 

  “We are delighted to partner with the Malka Foundation to support the development of our entrepreneurship program at Murdoch University,” she said. 

Building for the Future 

With continued Malka Foundation partnership, Murdoch University proposes to launch the Murdoch Entrepreneurs’ Collective — a centralised network connecting staff, students, businesses, venture capitalists, and alumni. 

This initiative will: 

• Scale student-facing programs, including sprints, mentoring, and scholarships. 

• Develop infrastructure and launchpad resources, including a digital hub and seed funding for startups. 

• Enhance technology, IP, and legal support for student ventures. 

• Broaden scholarships and targeted support for underrepresented groups. 

  Murdoch University Director of Entrepreneurship André deSouza said with Malka’s ongoing support, the university will “formalise and scale its entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring every student innovator has the tools, mentorship, and connections to succeed”. 

 “Together, we are building a thriving launchpad for startups and a brighter future for all,” he said.