Turning the Hunter into startup central for budding entrepreneurs
A commitment to developing the Hunter region’s entrepreneurial spirit has seen University-supported startups raise over $60 million in capital, create over 260 new jobs and contribute more than $16.8 million in wages for the region.
Over the past decade, Australia has produced a long line of world-class startups that are succeeding on the global stage. Think Canva, Airtasker, Temple & Webster, Freelancer, Afterpay and dozens of others.
While Australia’s startup scene has centred around large capital cities, a small team 2½ hours north of Sydney has been making big strides and delivering big results.
Based at the University of Newcastle, the Integrated Innovation Network (or I2N) was named one of the top three startup accelerator programs in the country in 2024 - and the #1 program regionally.
I2N is the University's entrepreneurship and venture development unit. It takes curious problem solvers and skills them up to become budding entrepreneurs.
Over the past eight years, I2N has cultivated and nurtured a community of 5,000 entrepreneurs, startups, small business owners and those curious about innovation through a host of programs and engagement strategies, including Grand Challenges, Hackathons and its flagship I2N Accelerator program.
It’s Venture Mentor Program sees 50+ entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from across the country volunteer their time and expertise to local founders and innovators keen to turn their ideas into viable and scalable business solutions.
From researchers with a new invention to social enterprises wanting to make a positive difference in their communities, the I2N team has supported more than 150 startups and spinouts so far.
Its programs are open to University of Newcastle students, staff, alumni and members of the community – but you don’t have to be affiliated with the University to get involved. Plenty of founders with no previous ties to the University have benefited from I2N’s pathways to community, coaching, capital and potential customers.
With an initial focus on the Newcastle area, I2N has expanded its scope to support founders from the broader Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW. It’s also integrating entrepreneurship into the University’s undergraduate curriculum and fostering a 'give back' mindset among participants, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation that inspires future generations of entrepreneurs.
Impact
I2N is central to the University’s efforts to build and nurture an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports growing industries, generates jobs and boosts the regional economy.
Since it was established in 2016, I2N has supported more than 150 startups and small businesses that have gone on to raise over $60 million in capital, create 260+ jobs and contribute more than $16.8 million in wages for the region.
It’s also supported more than 550 placement and employment opportunities for University of Newcastle students across the region while sparking nearly 200 engagements between local innovators and researchers.
I2N’s Startups @ School initiative has reached more than 7,000 year 9 and 10 high school students in two years, with 40 percent of students surveyed expressing a newfound interest in entrepreneurship.
It’s also giving University students opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with startups overseas. Across 2024 and 2025, I2N secured more than $650,000 to help 148 students complete career ready placements with international startups in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Bangalore.
Participants consistently give their experience with I2N high marks, with a 9 out of 10 satisfaction rating in its last pulse check and an overwhelming 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to recommending I2N to others.
Awards & Accolades
Startup Muster - Australia's largest survey of startup founders – named I2N as equal third for the most recommended accelerator program in the country in 2024 - and the #1 program regionally.
It won the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year at the 2024 Asia Pacific Triple E Awards, which recognises excellence in entrepreneurship and engagement in the higher education sector
I2N’s strategic lead Ms Siobhan Curran won the Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year at the 2023 Asia Pacific Triple E Awards, along with the People's Choice award in her category.
Startups that have benefited from I2N support have also been recognised for their innovations and commercial enterprises.
- MGA Thermal was named in The Australian’s list of the ‘Top 25 Entrepreneurs Breaking New Ground’ in 2025 and won the InnovationAus Translation Hero Award in 2022.
- In 2024, Saphi secured a Telstra NSW Business Award, a Business Hunter Award and a Hunter Manufacturing Award.
- Hey Zomi (founded by sisters Mika Koelma and Zoe Fehlberg) was named Outstanding Startup at the 2024 Business Hunter Awards and was recognised at the 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Awards.
- Jaegersoft won Outstanding Startup at the Lake Mac Business Excellence Awards in 2023.
Last updated March 2025
Siobhan Curran
Our region has all the right ingredients to develop and scale successful new business ventures: a growing and diverse population, a critical mass of industry players, and a resilient workforce known for its grit and determination to achieve great things.
More information:
Siobhan Curran, Acting Director, Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship
+612 4921 6951
siobhan.curran@newcastle.edu.au
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