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https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedInnovationNetworkI2NThe University of Newcastle's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) is pioneering a grassroots approach to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Hunter region. Unique in its openness to the entire community, regardless of university affiliation, I2N has become the epicentre of a thriving startup ecosystem. I2N's innovative and free programs span from high school engagement to advanced acceleration and scale-up support. The Startups @ School initiative has already inspired 3,575 students, with 40% expressing a newfound interest in entrepreneurship. Our immersive events, including Grand Challenges and New Futures Hackathons, have engaged over 17,900 participants. Our pre-accelerators and accelerators, developed in collaboration with industry leaders, have supported 155 teams, Participants consistently rate their experience highly, with a 9/10 satisfaction rating and an overwhelming 9.5/10 likelihood of recommending I2N to others. This reflects the program's profound influence on entrepreneurial journeys, evidenced by a remarkable 9.5/10 attribution of impact. The Venture Mentor Service, modeled after MIT's program, has attracted 55 volunteer mentors, creating a robust support network for emerging entrepreneurs. The impact of I2N extends beyond numbers. Our supported startups have raised over $60 million in funding, generated $36 million in revenue, and created more than 250 full-time jobs. Moreover, we've facilitated 105 research collaborations and 166 student engagements for our startups in the past year alone. By integrating entrepreneurship into academic curricula and fostering a 'give back' mindset among participants, I2N is creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation that continues to grow and inspire new generations of entrepreneurs in the Hunter region and beyond.
Finalist
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year Award
Integrated Innovation Network (I2N)
Finalist of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year Award
University of Newcastle, Australia - Australia
"The epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Hunter region."
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Summary
Key People
Professor Zee Upton
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)
University of Newcastle
Warwick Dawson
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Engagement)
University of Newcastle
Siobhan Curran
Director, Entrepreneurship
I2N,
University of Newcastle
Richard Berry
Manager Startup Programs
I2N,
University of Newcastle
Kelly Peihopa
Coordinator Startup Programs
I2N,
University of Newcastle
Nick Stevens
Manager, Pre-startup Programs
I2N,
University of Newcastle
Tayla Furey
Coordinator, Pre-statups Programs
I2N,
University of Newcastle
Lily Dixon
Coordinator, Pre-startup Program (High Schools)
I2N,
University of Newcastle
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge all of our Venture Mentor Service mentors, coaches, facilitators, and collaborators who share our passion for supporting the next generation of founders in our region.
We are grateful for the support of the NSW Government, the Port of Newcastle, and Davies Collison Cave and for the visionary leadership of the University of Newcastle's Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Zee Upton, in enabling I2N programs to be open to anyone from the Hunter and Central Coast regions, regardless of their affiliation to the University.
We would also like to acknowledge the founders who inspire our team every day to keep going.
Images
Female Founders Program
Newcastle Tech Futures Student Careers Expo
Join the Dots Networking Event
Venture Mentor Service volunteer mentors
Mental Health Innovation Challenge in partnership with Hunter New England Primary Health Network
I2N Accelerator Bootcamp (All-Industries & Cleantech streams)
Incubator Lunch and Learn for UX
I2N Accelerator Demo Day
Startups@School Presentation led by Leonie Cutts, founder of Carisa app
NSW Premiers visit to I2N Hub Honeysuckle
Research to Impact program for HASS academics
Cleantech Industry Connector, Charlotte Connell, at I2N Accelerator Bootcamp
I2N founders meeting with US investor Bill Tai on the MV 'Steve Irwin' in Newcastle Harbour
The University's innovation hub, I2N Hub Honeysuckle in Newcastle's CBD
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
ihydRATE, a local biotech startup, exemplifies the transformative power of university-industry collaboration. It began when founder Lisa Winn joined I2N's Female Founders Program, followed by Venture Mentor Service and I2N Accelerator, turning her novel idea for a personal hydration test into a commercial product.
Six UON students across medical, chemical, and software engineering have found more than part-time work at ihydRATE; they've discovered mentorship, real-world experience, and a launchpad for their careers. For example, student Angela Domingues is now studying for her Masters at Porto University Portugal because her ihydRATE mentor introduced the program with his international connections.
The impact extends beyond individual students. IhydRATE's journey through UON's programs has accelerated its innovation and enriched the University's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their sponsorship of events like UON Med Makers student society has inspired students to envision their paths in industry.
Perhaps most exciting is the burgeoning research collaboration with UON's Exercise and Sports Science team. This partnership aims to improve product biomarkers while advancing scientific knowledge, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry.
Lisa's journey from program participant to job creator and research partner is a testament to the profound impact that can occur when a university nurtures local startups, fostering a culture of innovation that benefits students, researchers, and the wider community alike.
Our focus on increasing the number of female founders like Lisa Winn is bearing fruit. Our 2024 Accelerator cohort comprises 5/11 all female-led teams and 3/11 teams comprising a female co-founder (72% of teams including a female founder), triple the industry standard (~22%).
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
Our journey in building the Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has been filled with unexpected lessons and surprising outcomes. Here are some key learnings and advice for those embarking on a similar path:
1. Embrace an open ecosystem: One of our most significant learnings was the power of openness. By extending our programs beyond the University community to the entire Hunter region, we created a more diverse, vibrant, and impactful ecosystem. This approach fostered unexpected collaborations and accelerated innovation.
2. Adapt and innovate continuously: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly pivoted to virtual platforms, unexpectedly expanding our reach globally. This taught us the importance of being agile and seeing opportunities in challenges.
3. Foster a 'give back' culture: We were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of program graduates to return as mentors, speakers, and supporters. Cultivating this mindset has created a self-sustaining cycle of support and inspiration.
4. Integrate with academia: Developing programs like 'Acceleration for Student Entrepreneurs' that blend academic curricula with practical entrepreneurship has proven more impactful than we anticipated. It bridges the gap between theory and practice effectively.
5. Measure impact holistically: While financial metrics are important, we've learned to value broader impacts like community engagement and cultural shifts. These often lead to more sustainable, long-term success.
6. Build strong partnerships: Collaborations with industry leaders, government bodies, and other institutions have been crucial. These partnerships often open doors to resources and opportunities beyond our initial expectations.
7. Embrace failure as a learning tool: Creating a culture where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success has been transformative. It encourages more risk-taking and innovation.
Our advice: Start with a clear vision, but remain flexible. Listen to your community's needs, be willing to experiment, and always keep the focus on creating value for the entrepreneurs and innovators you serve. Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem is a marathon, not a sprint – patience and persistence are key.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
Building on our success, I2N is poised to expand its impact and innovate further in the coming years. Our plans focus on scaling our initiatives, deepening our integration with academia, and fostering greater regional and global connections.
1. Expanding Startups @ School: Given the program's success in inspiring high school students, we aim to double our current impact, reaching over 5,000 students annually.
2. Launching Specialised Accelerators: We're developing industry-specific accelerator programs, starting with our Cleantech stream offering $20k in seed funding. Future streams will focus on HealthTech and MedTech, aligning with regional strengths and global trends.
3. Enhancing Academic Integration: Building on our 'Acceleration for Student Entrepreneurs' course, we're working to embed entrepreneurship modules across various disciplines, from engineering to healthcare, fostering interdisciplinary innovation. Students of these courses who are subsequently accepted into the I2N Accelerator will receive $25k in seed funding.
4. Expanding Global Partnerships: We're initiating collaborations with international universities and accelerators to create exchange programs for startups, fostering a global mindset among our entrepreneurs.
5. Launching a Seed Fund: To further support our most promising startups, we're exploring the creation of a University venture fund, providing crucial early-stage funding.
6. Focusing on Sustainable Innovation: We're integrating UN Sustainable Development Goals into our programs, challenging entrepreneurs to address global issues through innovation.
Through these initiatives, I2N aims to strengthen the Hunter region's innovation ecosystem and position it as a globally recognised hub for entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation.
