For the past twelve years, Dr Michael Akindeju has called Lucas home. Arriving in 2012, he quickly fell in love with the suburb’s unique blend of community spirit, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient amenities—a place where city life meets a welcoming, close-knit neighbourhood.
Lucas is more than just a location to Michael; it is a vibrant, multicultural hub where diverse backgrounds thrive side by side. He affirms that for many residents, especially those from multicultural and African heritage, “opportunities drew people here, but community made it home.”
A committed leader and advocate, Michael has been deeply involved with the Ballarat African Association (BAA), a non-profit organisation supporting Africans and their families in Ballarat. Founded in 2006, the BAA fosters cultural exchange, social connectedness, and empowerment for African Australians.
Serving as President from 2019 to 2023, Michael spearheaded initiatives to celebrate African identity, combat discrimination, and nurture self-confidence within the community. Under his leadership, the association launched workshops and programmes that not only challenged stereotypes but also encouraged entrepreneurship. His efforts helped establish eight African-owned businesses in Ballarat, creating over 40 employment opportunities and amplifying the African community’s influence in local and state policy and social spheres.
Beyond his community work, Dr Akindeju is a leading figure in nanotechnology—a highly specialised field focused on manipulating materials at the atomic and molecular level. Through his consultancy, MKPro Engineering Pty Ltd, he develops innovative nanoparticles with wide-ranging applications, from medicine to electronics. His company strives to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical industry needs. Michael is also an Adjunct Assoc. Professor at the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability | Federation University, Australia.
Operating a business in Ballarat comes with challenges but also unique opportunities. “Ballarat has limited diversity in chemical process engineering, which means there’s a real need for innovation and specialised expertise,” Michael explains. Balancing his professional ambitions with family life, he remains committed to pushing technological boundaries while meaningfully contributing to his local community.
One of MKPro’s latest ventures, IntoxiSense by MKPro, exemplifies its mission to drive innovation. This groundbreaking tool provides a non-invasive, precise solution for detecting substances and assessing cognitive impairment—a technology with potential applications across law enforcement, defence, healthcare, mining, and aviation. Michael invites community members to explore this exciting technology through the MKPro website, emphasising the importance of local engagement in advancing science and industry.
As he envisions the future, Dr Akindeju remains deeply rooted in Lucas. For him, the suburb is more than just a place to live—it is a place to grow, connect, and thrive. With his unwavering dedication to community building and technological innovation, he continues to shape Lucas into a hub of progress and inclusivity.
Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
