Partnerships and Collaboration

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy thrives on strong connections across the University and through active engagement with industry.

Jointly funded by all three Colleges, the Academy reflects a shared commitment to fostering interdisciplinary excellence and removing traditional barriers to collaboration.

We work closely with the Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), supporting the development of student entrepreneurs. By equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to launch and scale new ventures, we help build a vibrant pipeline of future business leaders and innovators for our region and beyond.

Our emphasis on design science and commercialisation aligns directly with the University’s Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise (KEE) initiatives. Through this connection, our programs ensure that innovative ideas translate into real-world applications that generate meaningful economic and social impact. For us, impact is not incidental — it is embedded from the start of every project.

You can see our collaborative approach in action through the Central Coast Health and Wellbeing Living Lab. This partnership between the University of Newcastle, the Central Coast Local Health District and the broader community provides students with hands-on opportunities to contribute to social impact research that drives real change.

The Academy continues to expand its partnerships with companies and international institutions.