Local Start-Up Assistance

In 2025, I2N was open to the wider community and supported more than 210 teams through its pre-accelerator and accelerator programs. Participants could access a range of free opportunities, including mentoring, skill-building workshops, networking activities and coworking facilities for pre-startups. I2N also connected founders with University expertise, facilities and industry networks to help validate ideas, develop enterprise skills and grow sustainable ventures.

These initiatives supported ventures across areas including the circular economy, cleantech, healthtech and healthy ageing. Participating teams raised $63.2 million in funding and generated $44.1 million in revenue, contributing to more than 280 new jobs. Across the network, 36 patents were filed and more than 746 students participated in real-world startup experiences

• I2N named the most recommended startup accelerator in Australia (December 2025)
  I2N was named the most recommended startup accelerator in Australia by Startup Muster – the largest survey of the nation’s startup ecosystem.Thisrecognition reflects I2N’s leadership in supporting innovators, entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses by connecting them to community, customers, capital and coaching.
• I2N Accelerator Demo Night (October 2025)
  The 2025 Demo Night showcased ideas from I2N’s All‑Industries, Cleantech and Healthtech accelerator cohorts, including AI-powered industrial automation, venue-based dating apps, shift-worker health solutions, innovative plant pots, and live streaming for grassroots sports. The event was the culmination of a 13‑week accelerator journey, giving founders the opportunity to pitch publicly and connect with mentors, investors, and the broader innovation community.
• Healthy Ageing Innovation Challenge (September 2025)
  The multi-part event set its sights on an ambitious goal: to generate bold, actionable ideas that enhance equitable access to healthy ageing resources for older Australians, especially those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It brought together a unique mix of voices: students, researchers, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, tech developers, older adults with lived experience, and community advocates.
• I2N selected to help more women turn their ideas into viable ventures (May 2026)
  I2N was selected by the NSW government to help female founders across the state accelerate new business ventures and commercialise their ideas. As part of the new $4 million Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program, I2N will expand its FLIP program to back female-led ventures not just in the Hunter and Central Coast regions but across all of NSW.