A regional base of the University of South Australia’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC) was opened recently at the University’s Whyalla campus.
According to a recent press release, the new Whyalla innovation hub is underpinned by a government grant of A$ 500,000, through the Entrepreneurs Programme of the Department of Industry and Skills.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews announced the grant as part of the Federal Government’s A$ 23 million Incubator Support Initiative.
The Federal Government’s recognition and support of this initiative is truly appreciated by the institution.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor David Lloyd explained that the new hub highlights the University’s long-term commitment to regional engagement.
It will also serves as the building hub of learning, innovation and enterprise beyond the CBD.
Creativity and innovation know no geographic boundaries.
By providing expert support for the entrepreneurs onsite, in places such as Whyalla, most of the talent and ideas that exist across the whole State can be utilised.
They are looking forward to seeing the longer-term results of regionally-based support for innovations.
Beneficial for regional start-ups and local businesses
The ICC Whyalla will create a dynamic pathway for innovative start-ups to reach their global capacity.
The regional hub will help local start-ups develop their capabilities and support them on the path to commercial success.
It will be providing educational programs, expert mentors and fast gigabit network speeds to set them on a path to success.
Moreover, ICC’s innovation hub in Whyalla will connect the community with a range of services, programs and activities.
These are designed to inspire would-be founders about the start-up process and provide guidance on what is required to get a business idea off the ground.
In addition to start-up activity, the new hub will give support to local businesses that are looking to grow.
This can be achieved by providing access to a global network and a series of workshops, programs and other development activities.
The hub will deliver a plethora of programs, events and activities that inspire the business and innovation as well as nurture start-ups. These are:
- Hackathons to inspire the local community and nurture business thinking.
- Start-up incubator support programs such as Venture Catalyst which provides structured business advice, co-working support and mentoring to founders.
- Founder Talks and community events to develop a healthy and vibrant business development ecosystem where knowledge and experience can be shared and transferred.
Why Whyalla?
A local Whyalla resident has been appointed as the University’s Community Manager of the ICC Whyalla.
The Community Manager’s tasks include engaging the region’s stakeholders and developing the products and services that the hub will deliver to entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Whyalla is already innovating and attracting new industries and businesses to the region.
Therefore, this is the perfect time to open our innovation hub and provide the right spaces, services and enterprising community to encourage entrepreneurs and innovators.