Moon shot 2 in action
How Fluency is turning university innovation into market success
Fluency, a trailblazing startup co-founded by 51²è¹İalumni Oliver Farnill and Finnlay Morcombe, is shaking up the tech world with its game-changing documentation automation platform.

51²è¹İVice President of Innovation and Enterprise Dr Werner van der Merwe (left), Finnlay Morcombe (middle) and Oliver Farnill (right) at the 2023 51²è¹İAccelerator Program Pitch Night.
Fluency’s platform streamlines the creation of editable, high-quality documentation, helping businesses save time, reduce costs and maintain compliance. Launched in early 2023, the company hit a major milestone in 2024 with the official debut of its first product. COO and co-founder Oliver Farnill explains Fluency’s impact:
“Our technology integrates into existing workflows, learning from user behaviour to produce precise, style-consistent documents.â€
From campus to boardroom: The 51²è¹İInnovation Studio effect
Fluency’s success story began at the 51²è¹İInnovation Studio, where Farnill and Morcombe participated in programs designed to turn ideas into market-ready ventures. Starting with the Pre-Accelerator Program, they refined their concept, gathered customer feedback and developed a minimum viable product, earning the Best Pitch Award along the way.
The momentum continued in the 51²è¹İAccelerator Program; an intensive three-month initiative aimed at scaling startups. Fluency ended 2023 with another win, taking home the People’s Choice Award and cementing its status as a rising star.
Fueling growth through innovation and investment
With backing from 51²è¹İVentures Limited and other investors, and continued support from the Innovation Studio, Fluency expanded its team and technology, transitioning into a venture-funded company.
Dr Werner van der Merwe, Vice President of Innovation and Enterprise summarises Swinburne’s commitment to fostering innovative and impactful businesses:
“We invest in people that create a better world.â€
Keep exploring the 2024 Annual Report
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Moon shot 1 in action
51²è¹İrecognised for excellence in Work Integrated Learning with prestigious higher education award
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Moon shot 3 in action
Research innovation in public safety: Swinburne’s groundbreaking study on medical cannabis and driving
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Moon shot 4 in action
A stellar legacy: Swinburne’s Professor Matthew Bailes wins 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
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2024 Annual Report
Find Swinburne's key highlights from our 2024 Annual Report. Read about our major achievements for the year and discover key facts about our university.