Accelerating innovation on the Central Coast: new hub opens in Gosford
Innovation on the Central Coast was front and centre today as innovators, founders and business leaders came together to celebrate the official opening of the Gosford Innovation Hub.
A partnership between the University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) and Central Coast Council, the Hub represents a significant milestone in the development of the Central Coast's innovation and startup ecosystem.
Located within the new Gosford Regional Library, it will serve as a dedicated space for entrepreneurs, startups and technology ventures to connect, collaborate and grow.
The opening featured a panel discussion on innovation on the Central Coast, followed by a formal opening with Central Coast Mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna, University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Engagement Mr Warwick Dawson and Director Knowledge Exchange & Entrepreneurship Mrs Siobhan Curran.
For the past 10 years, I2N has been fuelling the success of innovators and entrepreneurs by connecting them to community, customers, coaching and capital.
It was recently named Australia's most recommended startup accelerator and incubator by Startup Muster, the nation's largest survey of the startup ecosystem.
Director Knowledge Exchange & Entrepreneurship Mrs Siobhan Curran said that the expansion to Gosford marks a new chapter for I2N, which has supported more than 200 startups and small businesses since 2016. Founders backed by I2N programs have gone on to raise more than $63.2 million in capital, create 280 jobs, and contribute $44.1 million in wages for the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
“Through the Gosford Innovation Hub, I2N will help curious problem solvers become budding entrepreneurs by connecting them with mentors, investors, small and medium enterprises, researchers, students, and industry and government partners with a shared vision – to support successful, sustainable companies,” Mrs Curran said.
Central Coast Mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the opening signals a deepening partnership between the University of Newcastle and Central Coast Council to foster economic diversification and job creation through innovation and entrepreneurship across the region.
Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the opening marks a growing partnership between Council and the University of Newcastle, focused on supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s economy.
“The opening of the Innovation Hub is a proud moment for our community because it strengthens our ability to support local ideas, nurture local talent and create spaces where people can learn, collaborate and create new opportunities together,” Mayor McKinna said.
“By working closely with the University of Newcastle, we’re ensuring the benefits of innovation stay here on the Coast, enhancing the foundations for a community that’s ready to shape its own future.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the new Gosford Innovation Hub would prove transformative for the region’s start-ups and technology entrepreneurs.
“We are fortunate to have a burgeoning innovation community here on the Central Coast,” Ms Tesch said.
“The Gosford Innovation Hub will give start-ups and entrepreneurs access to accelerated programs providing the mentorship, coaching and investment edge they will need to succeed in a competitive market.
“It will also mean that innovators won’t have to travel to Sydney or Newcastle but enjoy the facilities of the brand new hub here in central Gosford.”
The Gosford Innovation Hub will deliver I2N programming to the Central Coast, including its Pre-Accelerator, and community engagement initiatives. The Hub will give local founders access to mentoring, coaching and investor networks without the need to travel to Sydney or Newcastle.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.