Innovation Launchpad to drive energy and resources startups

Wednesday, 3 October 2018

Businesses and startups in energy and resources will reap the benefit of world class research with the launch of a new research centre in Newcastle.

Minister for Resources and Energy Don Harwin opened the Innovation Launchpad today at University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).

“The NSW Government has provided $30,000 funding towards this project under the Knowledge Hub program introduced in 2014. The University of Newcastle and the energy and resources sector have contributed significant funding through the refurbishment of facilities and provision of ongoing administrative support.

“With the region’s experience in the energy space, Newcastle is the perfect location for the Launchpad to capitalise on local expertise and world-leading research work.

“The Launchpad will seek to commercialise innovation in the energy and resources sector, giving businesses across NSW access to world-class research and technology.

“The opening of the Launchpad is another exciting step this Government is taking in realising the potential of innovation as a stimulant for economic growth.”

Chair NSW Energy and Resources Knowledge Hub and Executive Director of NIER Professor Alan Broadfoot, Chancellor Mr Paul Jeans, Minister for Resources and Energy Don Harwin and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President - Global Engagement and Partnerships Associate Professor Kevin Hall.

Professor Alan Broadfoot, Chair NSW Energy and Resources Knowledge Hub and Executive Director of NIER said the Innovation Launchpad would draw on NEIR’s strength in fostering collaboration between the University’s researchers and industry.

“The Innovation Launchpad will connect established small businesses that have an innovative idea or product for the energy or resources sector with our world-class researchers at NIER to test, pilot, and demonstrate their products on the journey to commercialisation,” Professor Broadfoot said.

“The facility is designed to pave the way for an industrial-scale innovation and competitiveness agenda. It will give participants access to collaborative workspaces by embedding them in the research environment.

“Designed to drive an industry innovation competitiveness agenda, the facility will give participants access to collaborative workspaces, embedding them in the research environment; industrial-scale workshops which are a valuable asset often missing on the pathway to commercialisation; and access to a community of multi-disciplinary expertise.”


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