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entrepreneursforAn ecosystem of supportA University of the Sunshine Coast Company - Bring yourEverything you need toGreat facilities, technology & expert mentoringStartup to life & scale globally
- Join UsIC Thursday Open HouseOct 31st - 4:30 pm to 6:00 pmfor refreshments, a tour & pitchesRegister Now
- Register NOWNov 28 | 9am - 4pm
Welcome to the Innovation Centre
Sunshine Coast
Where innovation lives and entrepreneurs thrive
The Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast (IC) is located at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) campus at Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia. Opening in 2002, as not-for-profit company the IC is a major hub for innovators, entrepreneurial startups and high growth companies. The IC has a purpose built 1,700 square metre facility, a dedicated support team, incubator/ accelerator programs, collaborative events, 300MBps internet connection, video studio, prototyping lab, meeting rooms, mentor panel, professional partners and access to awesome USC facilities and talent.
With an extensive network of local and international connections, the IC provides a highly supportive ecosystem that enables you to take a viable product or service to the world with confidence. The IC is one of the most successful regional innovation centres, having assisted over 200 resident members since 2002 and created over $60M in economic value for the Sunshine Coast - find out how your company can benefit too.
One of ICs major partnerships is with the Sunshine Coast Regional Innovation Pipeline Team (#SCRIPT) – a collaboration of local entrepreneurs, businesses, government stakeholders and community members dedicated to growing innovation and business capacity on the Sunshine Coast.
First-Class Business Facilities
With flexible office space, 300MBps high speed internet, meeting rooms and more our space is built for entrepreneurs ready to grow and succeed.
Expert Mentoring & Support
We surround our members with great facilities, support and expert mentors as you move through your entrepreneurial journey. Our experienced and flexible mentors and regular events provide new perspectives and critical feedback.
Networking & Connections
The Innovation Centre's community is home to talented and passionate local entrepreneurs with a culture of willingness to share their experiences, challenges and connections and assist your business in reaching its best potential.
What the Innovation Centre has to offer your business!
Where innovation lives and entrepreneurs thrive
FLEXIBLE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
In the world of entrepreneurship, things change fast and flexibility is essential for established businesses and start ups. We're agile and provide a simple monthly membership to support your growth with no long-term, lock in contracts.
EXPERT MENTORING & SUPPORT
More than 30 experienced business mentors will provide you with new perspectives, critical feedback and access to valuable connections as you move through your entrepreneurial journey.
FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES
Our facilities include professional office spaces, high-speed fibre internet, VOIP capability, kitchen facilities, shared meeting rooms and more.
QUALITY CONNECTIONS
Our community is packed with talented and passionate local entrepreneurs. Share ideas and challenges, network with likeminded people and immerse yourself in the Sunshine Coast start up and business community.
EVENTS
Our regular events provide local entrepreneurs to new knowledge, services and connections. No cost attendance is included in Innovation Centre membership for a diverse range of workshops, presentations, networking and meetups.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership gives your business access to one of the most thriving entrepreneurial communities on the Sunshine Coast. Join now for access to a range of growth and support opportunities and top notch facilities.
Until next Innovation Centre event
UPCOMING
EVENTS
october, 2019
01oct9:30 am11:00 amEmployee Performance Management
Event Details
Employee Performance Management: A structured & fair process Your employee’s performance has the biggest impact on profit both positive and negative! This workshop will identify key opportunities to develop a
Event Details
Employee Performance Management: A structured & fair process
Your employee’s performance has the biggest impact on profit both positive and negative!
This workshop will identify key opportunities to develop a structured approach to managing your team, by providing regular, clear and professional feedback. We will also review how this approach mitigates risk by protecting the business from vicarious liability, discrimination and bullying claims
Facilitator: Sandra King
Sandra King is the Director of My Human Resources Manager established on the Sunshine Coast in 2008. Sandra has in excess of 23 years human resources experience across a variety of industries. Partnering with small start-ups to global organisations, Sandra has helped new and experienced business owners understand workplace legislation, recruited their teams, managed their poor performers, mitigated their legal exposure, developed their workforce capabilities and save them time and money.
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
If you have questions, please email Sandra King at sandra@myhrmanager.net.au
What’s the refund policy?
Full refund 7 days prior to event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No printed ticket is required.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes it is.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
Sure is.
Time
(Tuesday) 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Event Details
Entrepreneur's Exchange - Sales - overcoming objections – discussion, tips and tricksThe Entrepreneur's Exchange is a discussion about the issues facing entrepreneur's.Most of us hate selling
Event Details
Entrepreneur’s Exchange – Sales – overcoming objections – discussion, tips and tricks
The Entrepreneur’s Exchange is a discussion about the issues facing entrepreneur’s.
Most of us hate selling yet, whether we are selling ‘ourselves’ or ‘our product/service’ we need to know exactly how our customer ticks and, how to turn every encounter into an opportunity. Come and share your experiences or find some answers in our monthly group discussion.
Open to IC Members, USC Researchers, Staff and Students
Simply walk in 10am in the Boardroom – complimentary coffee & danishes. 1st Thursday of every month.
Our Facilitator
Claire Smith | Expert in Residence, Innovation Centre
“My aim is to help Australian innovation companies create cash flow, and successfully reach their goals through my company’s work with the Startup community.“
Claire Smith has been building businesses in Australia and the UK for the last 30 years. She is currently the Managing Director of Forbes Meisner Pty Ltd. Her specialist areas are R&D administration & project planning, troubleshooting, business development & communication.In her spare time, she writes and produces film and TV scripts and chairs a local voluntary organisation. She is a board member of the Animal Ethics Committee at USC and she resides in Nambour. Claire is passionate about innovation and assisting individuals and companies to realise their goals.
Event Partners
Entrepreneur’s Exchange is supported by funding from the Australian Government under its Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
Frequently Asked Question
Who can attend?
This event is for Innovation Centre Members, USC Researchers, Staff and USC Students.
Where shall I park?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (GMT+10)
Organizer
The Innovation Centreic@innovationcentre.com.au
03oct5:30 pm7:30 pmInnovation Insights
Event Details
Given the Sunshine Coast’s reputation for innovation and entrepreneurialism, what better location to extend your networks than the purpose-built Innovation Centre at the USC campus at Sippy Downs?
Event Details
Given the Sunshine Coast’s reputation for innovation and entrepreneurialism, what better location to extend your networks than the purpose-built Innovation Centre at the USC campus at Sippy Downs?
The Centre is an entrepreneurial hub for innovative enterprises and mature startups. At this networking evening you will have the opportunity to hear from local innovation experts Sandra Arico of aerospace tech company HeliMods and the Innovation Centre’s CEO, Mark Paddenburg GAICD. Sandra and Mark will provide their insights on how directors and executives can overcome challenges and foster innovation and fresh thinking.
Register via the Australian Institute of Company Directors website HERE
Time
(Thursday) 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
09oct9:30 am11:00 amEssential Workplace Policies
Event Details
Essential Workplace Policies: A positive impact on your business and profit. Case law penalizing organisations for failures when managing employees along with an employer's responsibility for the actions of
Event Details
Essential Workplace Policies: A positive impact on your business and profit.
Case law penalizing organisations for failures when managing employees along with an employer’s responsibility for the actions of their workers while they are on the job, is the basis for this fact-filled workshop.
We will explore the critical role of workplace policies in business and how policies will protect you, your business and your profit. We will also identify ‘reasonable steps’ an employer is required to take to protect their workforce from unlawful behaviour.
Facilitator: Sandra King
Sandra King is the Director of My Human Resources Manager established on the Sunshine Coast in 2008. Sandra has in excess of 23 years human resources experience across a variety of industries. Partnering with small start-ups to global organisations, Sandra has helped new and experienced business owners understand workplace legislation, recruited their teams, managed their poor performers, mitigated their legal exposure, developed their workforce capabilities and save them time and money.
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
If you have questions, please email Sandra King at sandra@myhrmanager.net.au
What’s the refund policy?
Full refund 7 days prior to event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No printed ticket is required.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes it is.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
Sure is.
Time
(Wednesday) 9:30 am - 11:00 am
24oct9:30 am11:00 amPart II, Getting Wages Right, Interpreting Awards
Event Details
Following on from the Intro to Getting Wages Right, Interpreting Awards, in this workshop we will explore the impact of rosters and hours of work, record keeping, conditions of employment
Event Details
Following on from the Intro to Getting Wages Right, Interpreting Awards, in this workshop we will explore the impact of rosters and hours of work, record keeping, conditions of employment and how to correctly calculate and determine salaries.
Facilitator: Sandra King
Sandra King is the Director of My Human Resources Manager established on the Sunshine Coast in 2008. Sandra has in excess of 23 years human resources experience across a variety of industries. Partnering with small start-ups to global organisations, Sandra has helped new and experienced business owners understand workplace legislation, recruited their teams, managed their poor performers, mitigated their legal exposure, developed their workforce capabilities and save them time and money.
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
If you have questions, please email Sandra King at sandra@myhrmanager.net.au
What’s the refund policy?
Full refund 7 days prior to event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No printed ticket is required.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes it is.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
Sure is.
Time
(Thursday) 9:30 am - 11:00 am
30oct7:00 pm9:00 pmEmerging Technologies Meetup - Designing Homes For The Future
Event Details
Designing Homes For The FutureWe speak alot at our emerging tech meetups about the consequences of emerging technology, automation, job losses and (in some more worrying predictions) the resulting homelessness.
Event Details
Designing Homes For The Future
We speak alot at our emerging tech meetups about the consequences of emerging technology, automation, job losses and (in some more worrying predictions) the resulting homelessness. This month we are doing something a little different.
Ian Ugarte our incredible presenter this month, is an educator, consultant, real estate adviser and the co-founder of ‘Small Is The New Big’ and ‘Circle of Life, an education company with a mission to provide the one million homes short in Australia over the next 10 years.
We are taking what we know about the future and looking at solutions.
The Sunshine Coast is home to over 319,922 people, living in over 130,378 dwellings with an average household size of 2.47 people. If we do the math, most of us live in 3+ bedroom houses with one or two rooms vacant.
Recent data pulled from the National Cities Performance Framework report showed there is an ever increasing need for housing in the region and we have the third highest rate of rental stress, and the fifth highest levels of mortgage stress. We are also the most un-affordable region to live in, considerably more expensive than Sydney and Melbourne.
So how do we build homes to maximise land area and cater to multi-generational living at an affordable price?
This month, we hear from Ian Ugarte from ‘Small Is The New Big’ and ‘Circle of Life’ on his solutions through smarter home design.
Ian Ugarte is a long time advocate and Small Space specialist, celebrity and spokesperson, Ian brings his own experience from his family upbringing into the context of a future living model for a Community – being that of the Extended Family – and how we may better adapt and shape living estates and housing models to reflect the changing needs of all people at different stages of their lives; from childbirth, to young adulthood, then to family life and old age – hence, The Circle of Life.
Ian brings his story into the modern context of how going small more readily accommodates affordable, adaptable living quarters and presents a huge economic opportunity for both investors and inhabitants. His passion is on bringing back the genuine connection of community through Elegant Housing Diversification.
Acknowledged for his contributions, Ian was awarded as a Top 50 Small Business Leader for Australia in 2018 and a finalist in the Telstra Business Awards 2019.
Ian’s ability to see the ‘Big Picture’ and articulate his vision, has brought him attention over all levels of media including Deborah Hutton’s Balance Program, The Sydney Morning Herald, SKY Business, ABC Radio, Virgins ‘Voyeur’ magazine and Channel 9’s ‘Today Extra’, as a specialist commentator regarding Australia’s affordable housing crisis and alternative solutions.
Join us this month as we learn how to design for the future.
Looking forward to seeing you there for an amazing presentation with networking and nibblies to follow.
Register via MEETUP.COM
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
31oct4:30 pm6:00 pmIC Thursday Open House October
Event Details
IC Thursday Open House October 31st @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pmYou are invited to our Monthly Thursday Drinks.Join us for our open house
Event Details
IC Thursday Open House
October 31st @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
You are invited to our Monthly Thursday Drinks.
Join us for our open house drinks and pitches. Once a month we open our doors to the community to give everyone a chance to drop in, meet the founders and entrepreneurs who run the Startups that call The Innovation Centre home. Take a tour, walk through our venue and make some new connections.
The event is informal yet a great opportunity to pitch your startup to a captured audience. We have time for approximately 5 Startup Pitches each Thursday, so put your hand up when you arrive if you are keen to stand up and pitch to the group. This is a formal invitation to our monthly open house celebrations. Take a tour around the Sunshine Coast’s biggest startup community, speak with high growth QLD-based tech startups over a drink.
RSVP so we can be well stocked.
Frequently Asked Question
Where shall I park?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
Time
(Thursday) 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm GMT+10
Organizer
The Innovation Centreic@innovationcentre.com.au
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