A new home for innovation will be provided
for leading startups as Victoria officially launches the refurbished Goods Shed
North. The innovation hub will be bringing together leading startups across a
range of sectors that include medtech, agtech, fintech and cybersecurity.
Found at the heart of Melbourne’s
Docklands, the Victorian Innovation Hub was launched by Minister for Innovation
and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis at the historic 111-year-old building.
According to the report
made by the Victoria
Government, the new hub will strengthen the economy of the state by
connecting startups and entrepreneurs with mentors and investors, and provide a
world-class co-working facility that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Minister for Trade and Investment Philip
Dalidakis said, “This hub is the next step towards giving Victorian startups
and entrepreneurs the help they need to expand, network and be in a supportive
environment that will help them turn their dreams into reality.”
LaunchVic will
be leading the space and will give home to 360 of Australia’s top startups,
accelerators and incubators. LaunchVic is the startup development agency of the
state of Victoria.
Among the startups that will be occupying
the multi-sector innovation hub are fintech startup hub Stone & Chalk,
agtech accelerator SproutX, Australia’s national medtech accelerator The
Actuator, leading technology accelerator Startmate and the CSIRO’s data
analytics experts Data61.
The reputation Victoria as Australia’s home
of innovation and technology is further cemented by the announcement of a
dedicated innovation hub for emerging industries.
Moreover, as part of a new A$ 1.1 million-partnership
with LaunchVic, the award winning online series That Startup Show will also be
moving their studio to the historic Goods Shed North. The partnership will see
the production and streaming of 20 episodes in front of a live audience in the
space.
Innovation will play a crucial role in
Victoria’s future economy and new technology will be a significant driver in
the creation of the jobs, businesses and industries of the future.
The Andrews Labor Government has been
investing in the sectors, skills, and training that will drive the future
economy of Victoria, which will also create jobs for its people. The Victorian
Innovation Hub is a part of this initiative.
Minister Dalidakis concluded that Melbourne
has indeed become Australia’s number one tech city and the launching of the
innovation hub will support the startups and at the same time boost the sector.