Ernesto Vargas

Ernesto Vargas is a seasoned professional in the field of intellectual property and commercialisation, currently serving as Senior Manager - IP & Commercialisation at Deakin University since October 2025. Previously, Ernesto held the position of Senior Commercialisation Manager at Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd from January 2015 to September 2025 and worked as a Commercialisation Associate at the University of Melbourne from 2004 to 2015, where expertise included identifying, protecting, and commercialising intellectual property. Additionally, Ernesto served as an Investment Analyst at the Trans Tasman Commercialisation Fund in 2012-2013, advising on industry trends and the commercial viability of early-stage technologies. Ernesto's academic qualifications include an MBA from Melbourne Business School, a VC Catalyst in Venture Capital from Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, a GAICD from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a PhD from the University of Melbourne.