Goal 1:
No Poverty
Local Start-Up Assistance
The University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) continues to empower innovators and entrepreneurs through coaching, community, capital, and connections. Open to the entire community, in 2024 I2N supported over 155 teams through pre-accelerators and accelerators, facilitated 105 research collaborations, and engaged 166 students in real-world startup experiences. Through mentorship programs, training workshops, and access to University facilities, I2N helped founders validate ideas, build enterprise skills, and scale sustainable ventures across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
2024 Highlights
- I2N Accelerator Demo Night (November 2024)
The 2024 Demo Night showcased ideas from I2N’s All‑Industries & Cleantech accelerator cohorts, including projects such as surf‑lifesaving robots, green hydrogen from biomass, accessible beauty technologies, wild yeast innovations, and more. This event is the culmination of a 13‑week journey offering founders the chance to pitch publicly and connect with mentors, investors, and the broader innovation community. - Startup Stars of 2024: Turning Ideas into Impact (Accelerator Cohort Introduction)
In 2024, I2N’s Accelerator cohort (All‑Industries & Cleantech) was announced, supported by partners including Port of Newcastle and the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE). These cohorts focused on moving ideas out of the lab and into market‑ready ventures. - I2N wins Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year at the 2024 Asia‑Pacific Triple E Awards
In September 2024, I2N was awarded “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year” in the Asia‑Pacific Triple E Awards. This recognition reflects I2N’s leadership in supporting start‑ups, building community, mentoring and generally catalysing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Our programs
Pre-accelerator
The Pre-accelerator helps ambitious founders quickly and cost-effectively validate market pathways for their ideas, inventions, or research projects. You'll put yourself in the best position to work through one of our Accelerator programs.
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Accelerators
Transform your startup journey with our specialised accelerator streams. Our programs provide founders with hands-on experience and expert support to validate, build, and scale their ventures.
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Join the Hub co-working community
The I2N Hub supports our region’s business and innovation, providing you with the space, tools, and connections you need to grow your startup. Whether you need a desk for a day, or office space for your growing team, our memberships have something to offer.
Enrol in our university courses
Discover entrepreneurship as part of your undergraduate degree with an I2N-led elective course - no pre-requisites required.
CATEGORY WINNER
FLIP Showcase
I2N is home to the #1 Accelerator Program in regional Australia, and is working to make the Hunter and Central Coast the nation's epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us for the first Showcase of FLIP, our program designed to best support female founders launch and grow their ventures.
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From early ideas to enterprise insights
Dr. Laurence Lock Lee is the founder of Swoop Analytics, a platform that transforms how large organisations understand and improve internal communication.
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Students, alumni among region's top innovators in 2025 I2N Accelerator cohort
Twelve standout teams from the Hunter and Central Coast have made it to the final stage of this year’s I2N Accelerator program, including several ventures led by University students and alumni.
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Collaborating for Change: Healthy Ageing Innovation Challenge Sparks Breakthrough Ideas for Equitable Ageing
In a vibrant show of collaboration, creativity, and community commitment, the Healthy Ageing Innovation Challenge wrapped up this past weekend at the I2N Hub Honeysuckle, leaving participants energised, inspired, and more confident in their ability to innovate solutions for some of society’s most pressing challenges.
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Beauty without barriers
At Startup Stories on Wednesday 4 September, Storm described how a broken hand exposed the hidden design flaws in everyday makeup products.
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Automating green spaces for thriving cities
Claire and Jared, co-founders of Cloud Grow, are innovators in automated irrigation technology for green infrastructure. Their journey began with Herb Urban, a community gardening startup that evolved into a tech-driven solution for watering green roofs and walls.
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New I2N program to support female leaders and entrepreneurs
The Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has launched FLIP - a new program designed to support female entrepreneurs, innovators and aspiring leaders across the Hunter and Central Coast.
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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.