Students at UTS College will have the opportunity to connect with founders, industry professionals and Sydney's innovation ecosystem through a new partnership with UTS Startups, giving them access to real-world entrepreneurial experiences integrated into their studies.
At the heart of the collaboration is the Entrepreneurship Immersion Certificate, a co-curricular initiative that combines UTS College learning experiences with startup-focused activities curated by UTS Startups. Designed to complement students' academic studies, the program provides opportunities to engage with entrepreneurship, develop industry connections, and build skills that are increasingly valued across a wide range of careers.
The certificate is open to students across multiple disciplines and offers a structured pathway for exploring innovation and entrepreneurship through participation in industry events, founder-led experiences, hackathons, networking opportunities and career-focused activities. Students are encouraged to step beyond the classroom, immerse themselves in new ideas and reflect on their experiences as they work towards formal recognition through the certificate program.
UTS College CEO Morwenna Shahani says, "Our collaboration with UTS Startups brings entrepreneurship to the heart of UTS College, creating exciting new opportunities for our students to innovate, create and shape their future. Through this partnership, we're empowering our students to turn ideas into action, explore new possibilities, and build the confidence to lead what's next."
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between UTS College and UTS Startups to create opportunities that begin from year one of the students' university journeys. The first year gives students early access to industry, innovation and entrepreneurship experiences that can shape the trajectory of their studies and future careers.
Learning beyond the classroom
The Entrepreneurship Immersion Certificate has been designed to be accessible and flexible, allowing students to participate in a range of startup and industry activities while completing their studies. Through a combination of participation and reflection, students can build confidence, expand their professional networks, and develop practical experiences that can strengthen internship, scholarship, and graduate employment applications.
Importantly, the program is not limited to students who aspire to launch their own businesses. Entrepreneurial thinking, including problem-solving, creativity, adaptability and collaboration, is increasingly sought after across industries ranging from technology and engineering to healthcare, science and business. The certificate aims to help students develop these capabilities while exposing them to the people and ideas driving innovation from the very start of their university experience.
"Entrepreneurship is about self-determination, career resilience and creating impact, but only so much can be achieved alone. The focus of UTS Startups is on providing access to opportunity, connecting students with networks, skills, industry experience and real-world learning environments that support their ambitions.
UTS Startups is working to ensure UTS and UTS College students aren't just studying in the heart of Tech Central but are actively engaged with the opportunities the precinct provides" explains Murray Hurps, Director of Entrepreneurship at UTS.
Together, UTS College and UTS Startups are creating an environment that encourages growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning. By combining academic learning with practical, real-world experiences, students are exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and networks that extend beyond the classroom. The initiative helps prepare students to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global workforce while building the confidence and capabilities needed to navigate their future careers.