I2N connects students with international startups thanks to $572,000 NCP grant
The Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has taken 32 students to Hong Kong to hone entrepreneurial skills across a range of real-world startup projects.
The I2N team, in partnership with the Newcastle Business School, received $572,000 in New Columbo Plan funding, which was nearly a third of the $1.9 million granted to the University to support undergraduate students in international host locations over the next two years.
I2N and the Newcastle Business School used part of the funding for the startup placement tour to Hong Kong in June and will facilitate upcoming tours to Shanghai, Taiwan and Bangalore.
Each location will host up to 40 students who will complete career-ready placements with international startups over a four-week period.
The students also receive $5,000 from the funding pool to help cover travel and living expenses during the tour.
Students taking part in the two-week Hong Kong tour were immersed in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), the largest innovation and technology ecosystem in the Special Administrative Region. It manages $2.2 billion (HKD) in assets and supports 14 startup companies valued at more than $1 billion, known as 'Unicorns' in the industry.
The New Columbo Plan students completed placements with startups that are part of the Park's accelerator programs. The projects they worked on included weather-prediction software, physiotherapy gamification technology, HR software, AI vocal training technology and circular economy technology, to name a few.
“In addition to its support for researchers and innovators across the region, I2N has been increasing its opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, new ideas, and startups regardless of their degree or discipline," said Mr Nick Stevens, I2N Manager, Pre-Startup Programs.
Students were also invited to HKSTP’s 10-year Anniversary of its Techathon+ event, an event series that invites international entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to HKSTP to win funding. The University of Newcastle, as a strategic partner, will nominate up to 20 startups to pitch their ideas and winners will receive their flights and accommodation provided by HKSTP in January 2026.
The opportunities build on I2N’s previous innovation tour to Taiwan in November 2024, where students received $3,000 in New Columbo Plan funding to dive into Taiwan’s robotics, semi-conductors and research facilities.
Third-year Bachelor of Business (Marketing and International Business) student Ned Collins was on the tour and described the experience as “eye-opening”.
“Being immersed in Taiwan's startup scene showed me how deeply culture, tech, and local mindset can shape innovation,” he said.
"What stood out most to me was how resilient and resourceful their entrepreneurs are, as Taiwan’s political climate has created a unique environment where innovation is necessary to survive and thrive under external pressure.
“The Meet Startup Festival and visits to places like the Industrial Research Park and Taipei 101 were inspiring. They helped me understand how global ecosystems interact and the ever-evolving nature of startup culture."
Students can register their interest in upcoming innovation tours and find out more about I2N's courses here.
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