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Minds of Melbourne Connect: Meet the Executive Director Shaping MEC's Next Chapter

March 2026

Five years on, Melbourne Connect has cemented its place as one of Australia's leading innovation precincts, thanks to the people and initiatives behind it. Among them is the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) — one of the founding pillars of Melbourne Connect and a driving force behind the precinct's vision to connect ideas with impact.

MEC has been empowering entrepreneurs affiliated with The University of Melbourne to launch ventures, create jobs and develop solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. As MEC enters this next chapter, we sat down with the Executive Director Michael Poisel to hear what drew him to the role, the community he has joined, and the bold vision he is working to build.

What stood out most about MEC's community when you became Executive Director?  

For over a decade, MEC has fostered the growth of transformative University-affiliated start-ups — generating jobs, investment and real world solutions to global issues. 

The culture here at MEC has always been very inclusive, ensuring that if someone wants to learn about entrepreneurship and build a company, we are here to help them. 

We have an incredibly dedicated and creative team committed to inspiring, nurturing and supporting innovators. They bring a wealth of experience as well as an innate sense of fun and camaraderie to their work.
 

What impact do you hope to have on the founders and entrepreneurs who come through MEC's doors? 

I want prospective founders to better understand the potential of their business ideas, and if those ideas are solid, I want them to have the confidence to move forward and actually build a company. It’s important that they know we are here for them throughout the journey and that this is an adventure worth taking. Whether their ventures succeed or fail, founders will learn and grow from the experience and be better equipped to handle future challenges.

Michael Poisel
What's your vision for MEC over the next 5 years and why is Melbourne Connect the right place to bring it to life? 

We want MEC to be the epicentre of entrepreneurial activity for everyone associated with The University of Melbourne. Our centre is the front door for innovation, entrepreneurship and venture creation. This aligns closely with Melbourne Connect as a physical representation of the same goal. Together, we can make an even greater impact on the community and help Melbourne grow its innovation economy.

Image credit: Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre, The University of Melbourne

Michael Poisel MEC