Michael Poisel joins University of Melbourne to lead innovation Hub

The University of Melbourne has appointed global innovation leader Michael Poisel as Executive Director of the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC), following an extensive international search.

Poisel brings 15 years of proven venture building expertise from the University of Pennsylvania, where he established and led the Penn Centre for Innovation Ventures (PCIV). This was an internal venture studio that accelerated university technology commercialisation at unprecedented scale.

Under his leadership, PCIV launched more than 280 spinout companies that collectively raised over $900 million in funding.

University of Melbourne Managing Director, Research Innovation and Commercialisation, Ken Jefferd said Michael's appointment represents a transformational moment for Australia's innovation ecosystem.

"His global perspective and deep university venture building expertise will help ensure our programs remain best-in-class as we expand our national and international reach,” Mr Jefferd said.

The appointment aligns with the University of Melbourne's recently launched Advancing Research 2030: Excellence for Impact research strategy, which identifies a thriving entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem as core to research commercialisation success.

MEC plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem, equipping researchers, students and alumni with industry engagement skills and venture creation capabilities.

Mr Poisel said he was excited to join the University of Melbourne and lead the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre into its next chapter.

“The university's commitment to research excellence combined with Australia's dynamic startup ecosystem creates extraordinary potential for innovation impact,” Mr Poisel said.

“There's a big future ahead for MEC, and I look forward to working with the talented team here to unlock even greater opportunities for researchers, students and entrepreneurs to create ventures that matter."

Before joining Penn, Poisel honed his commercialisation skills in private equity with leading firms including Apax Partners, GE Capital, and NewSpring Capital – experience that proved invaluable in scaling university ventures from lab to market.

Poisel will lead MEC's next growth phase, working closely with faculties and external partners to strengthen entrepreneurial pathways from research to market impact. His mandate includes evolving MEC scope and expanding programs to serve Australia's ambitious innovation agenda.

The appointment comes as Australia seeks to strengthen its position in the global innovation economy, with university-led ventures increasingly recognised as key drivers of technological advancement and economic growth.

Poisel officially commenced the role on 4 August 2025.

About the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC)

The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre serves as the University of Melbourne's innovation hub, supporting the commercialisation of university research and fostering entrepreneurial capability across the institution. MEC's programs span early-stage venture creation and entrepreneurial skills development for researchers and students.