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
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year Award
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What does the next generation of Newcastle founders look like?
Still studying. Already building. Meet Newcastle's next founders.
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From mining safety startup to $150M exit
At I2N's Founder Stories, Adam and Jo Boyle shared how a Hunter Valley mine surveying business evolved into a contractor compliance system used across multiple industries and eventually, across the world.
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Student-led recycling innovation featured on the international stage
A student-led innovation that aims to make recycling fun and rewarding received global exposure at the 2025 Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Techathon+.
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University of Newcastle’s I2N takes out top honours
The University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has been named the most recommended startup accelerator in Australia by Startup Muster – the largest survey of the nation’s startup ecosystem.
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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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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.