Our Collaboration

Working together to deliver startup incubator programs in Ballarat since 2018.

• 15 cohorts delivered
• More than 100 entrepreneurs reached directly
• 50+ entrepreneurs supported indirectly
• 60% business survival rate
• $1.80 economic return per dollar invested

Dr. Rob Layton regularly contributes as an expert speaker, presenting on agile prototyping processes and startup development methodologies.

"Eurekative has been critical to our success in delivering our program, and to the success of our participants."

Innovation Infrastructure Development

Contributed to establishing Australia's third Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) at Federation University's central tech park.

• Part of $9 million Flecknoe Building refurbishment
• Advanced fabrication equipment access
• Regular workshop facilitation
• Hands-on prototyping education

Dr. Rob Layton holds the position of Honorary Research Fellow at Federation University.

Working closely with the City to transform Ballarat into a recognized innovation hub in Victoria.

• Innovation Precinct development
• Regular speaking engagements
• Ecosystem building initiatives
• Strategic advisory support

Contributing to making Ballarat a destination for technology innovation and entrepreneurship in regional Australia.

Community Education

Non-profit community group co-founded by Ian Firns and Scott Weston, providing STEM education and hands-on technology learning.

• 3+ years of continuous operation
• Regular workshops on electronics and programming
• 3D printing and digital fabrication training
• Accessible technology education for all ages

Scott serves as President, and Ian as Vice President, driving the vision for growing tech culture in regional Victoria.

"The team at Eurekative have been integral to the ongoing success of the Hackerspace, as a sponsor but also collaborator on many of our projects"

Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Regional artificial intelligence initiative focused on advancing AI capabilities and applications in Ballarat.

• AI research and development
• Regional AI ecosystem building
• Industry collaboration on AI projects
• Knowledge sharing and education

Dr. Rob Layton serves as Chief Research Officer, driving AI innovation in the region.

"Rob has contributed a rare combination of research expertise, technical capability, and stakeholder engagement across four completed projects. His work has delivered substantial outcomes, including the creation of high-quality, usable data sets and analysis that has deepened our understanding of the niche drivers and needs influencing AI adoption and readiness within our regional community."

IoT Infrastructure

Developing IoT infrastructure through LoRaWAN technology to support connected device innovation in the region.

• City-wide IoT network deployment
• Support for smart city initiatives
• Enabling sensor-based innovations
• Community-driven infrastructure

Co-founded Australian-made fleet management system that has helped businesses save over $250 million through smarter tracking and safer fleet operations.

• 98% customer retention rate
• Over 1,100+ 5-star reviews
• Real-time GPS tracking and route optimization
• Predictive maintenance and driver safety monitoring
• 24/7 Australian-based support

Dr. Rob Layton co-founded this successful technology venture, bringing cutting-edge analytics to fleet management and vehicle security. Visit protektgps.com

"Eurekative's speed and quality of innovation has helped Protekt develop quickly and create value for our customers."

Supporting regional Victorian bushfire protection technology with rapid-deploy sprinkler systems for property defense.

• Bushfire defense technology
• Rapid deployment systems
• Regional safety innovation
• Developed in Creswick, Victoria

Collaboration on bringing innovative fire protection solutions to bushfire-prone regional communities.

"I couldn’t of asked for a better team to work with. Eurekative’s broad range of knowledge & experience has been the difference going from concept to reality"

Strategic Advisory & Advocacy

Dr. Rob Layton serves on the Consultative Panel, bringing community perspectives and innovation expertise to the region's leading advocacy body.

• Consultative Panel member providing strategic input
• Direct engagement with board on regional priorities
• Advocating for liveability, sustainability, and inclusiveness
• Contributing technology and innovation perspectives
• Supporting regional economic development initiatives

The panel worked directly with board member Sara Quon (CEO of Sovereign Hill) to advance the Committee's vision for a thriving and vibrant regional community.