I2N Pre-Accelerator expands to Central Coast
The University of Newcastle is expanding its successful I2N Pre-Accelerator program for 2025, delivering the program across two locations: Newcastle City Campus and Gosford.
In addition to its All-Industries and Cleantech streams, this year’s program will also launch a dedicated Healthtech stream across both sites, delivered in partnership with the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab, an initiative of the University and the Central Coast Local Health District, with support from the NSW Government.
The I2N Pre-Accelerator offers aspiring entrepreneurs in both Newcastle and the Central Coast access to a comprehensive program designed to validate early-stage business ideas and build foundational startup skills. The expansion marks the first time the program will be delivered simultaneously across both regions.
Director, Entrepreneurship, Siobhan Curran said the program's expansion to Gosford reflects the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem across the broader region.
"The Hunter and Central Coast regions are experiencing rapid growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the health technology sector. By expanding our Pre-Accelerator program to Gosford to include dedicated streams in Healthtech and Cleantech in addition to our All-Industries stream at both locations, we're creating new opportunities for founders to develop solutions that address critical challenges," Ms Curran said.
The new Healthtech stream will provide specialised mentorship and industry connections for startups developing innovative community healthcare solutions, while the program continues to welcome founders from all sectors at both locations.
Manager of the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab, Courtney Molloy, highlighted the program's potential to accelerate health innovation in the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
"By bringing together clinicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs through this program, we're creating a powerful ecosystem for Healthtech innovation. This collaboration will help drive the development of solutions that address real challenges and improve patient outcomes across our communities," Ms Molloy said.
The program will be delivered from the University's Q Building in Newcastle's CBD and the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Precinct at Gosford Hospital, offering participants access to purpose-built innovation spaces and connection to a growing network of mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs across both regions.
Applications for the I2N Pre-Accelerator are now open to innovators across the Hunter and Central Coast regions regardless of their affiliation to the University. The program will run Healthtech, Cleantech and All-Industries streams simultaneously at both locations, with participants having the opportunity to connect and collaborate across sites.
Find out more information about the program here.
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