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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 HouseMay 30 - 4:30 pm to 6:00 pmfor refreshments, a tour & pitchesRegister Now
- Investment Ready ClinicEOI's are now OPENA service for entrepreneurs who wantto scale and prepare for investmentLearn More
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
may, 2019
02may10:00 am11:00 amEntrepreneur's Exchange - First steps to commercialisation
Event Details
Entrepreneur's Exchange - First steps to commercialisation Open to IC Members, USC Researchers, Staff and Students Register via Eventbrite Then simply walk
Event Details
Entrepreneur’s Exchange – First steps to commercialisation
Open to IC Members, USC Researchers, Staff and Students
Register via Eventbrite
Then 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
08may9:30 am12:30 pmValue Proposition Canvas Workshop
Event Details
Most business plans fail and rarely survive first contact with customers! In this workshop you'll craft value propsition statements helping you tackle the core challenge of every business — creating
Event Details
Most business plans fail and rarely survive first contact with customers!
In this workshop you’ll craft value propsition statements helping you tackle the core challenge of every business — creating compelling products and services customers want to buy.
Create the value your customers want. Value Proposition Canvas is a simple way to understand your customers’ needs and design products and services they want. It works in conjunction with the Business Model Canvas and other strategic management and execution tools and processes.
Proposition Canvas segments including how to:
- Effectively apply the VPC methodology, used by millions business practitioners worldwide
- Turn fluffy discussions into practical artefacts
- Create a shared language in your team around value
- update / develop your marketing plan
What will you get from the workshop?
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.
Value Proposition Design Workshop is supported by funding from the Australian Government under its Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
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.
Who do I contact regarding special dietary needs?
If you have any special dietary needs please contact us upon registration to ensure we can meet your requirements.
Time
(Wednesday) 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (GMT+10)
Organizer
The Innovation Centreic@innovationcentre.com.au
13may10:30 am12:15 pmPrivacy Awareness Week Launch
Event Details
Join us for this free community event and hear from experts in Business, Cyber Security (public and private sectors), Cyber and Privacy Law and Cyber Forensics, as they take part
Event Details
Join us for this free community event and hear from experts in Business, Cyber Security (public and private sectors), Cyber and Privacy Law and Cyber Forensics, as they take part in a panel discussion around this year’s theme of Building privacy into your everyday.
Your workshop presenters are:
- Mr Philip Green, Queensland’s Privacy Commissioner
- Professor David Lacey, Director of the USC Institute for Cyber Investigations and Forensics and Managing Director of ID Care
- Leah Mooney, Legal Consultant and Lecturer in Cyber Security and Privacy Law
- Mark Paddenburg, CEO of the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast.
Morning tea will be served from 10.30 am and the official launch event will begin at 11am.
Register HERE
Time
(Monday) 10:30 am - 12:15 pm (GMT+10)
13may12:30 pm2:15 pmCyber Security and Privacy Essentials for Small Business workshop
Event Details
We invite current and future small business owners and representatives to join experts in Cyber Security, Law and Forensics for a light lunch, followed by a one-hour workshop, which will
Event Details
We invite current and future small business owners and representatives to join experts in Cyber Security, Law and Forensics for a light lunch, followed by a one-hour workshop, which will explore the following questions:
What data breaches and scams are currently impacting on Australians? What toll is it taking on people’s economic and emotional well-being?
What are your legal responsibilities around privacy practice and keeping your clients’ information safe?
Is your business currently front-end resilient to potential data breaches and scams?
What strategies and practices can you employ in your day to day business and personal life to mitigate risk and engender your clients’ trust in your business?
Your workshop presenters are:
Professor David Lacey: Director of the USC Institute for Cyber Investigations and Forensics and Managing Director of ID Care
Leah Mooney: Senior Legal Officer and Lecturer in Cyber and Privacy Law, USC
Connie McIntosh: Manager of Cyber Security Operations, USC Institute for Cyber Investigations and Forensics
The cost of the afternoon session is $25. This includes a light lunch, the workshop, and take-home materials. Register and pay online to secure your spot.
Register HERE
Time
(Monday) 12:30 pm - 2:15 pm (GMT+10)
29mayAll Day31National Clean Technologies Conference
Event Details
First ever National Cleantech Conference! 250+ Delegates, 40+ Exhibitors, 70+ Keynote and Industry SpeakersBuilding on the
Event Details
First ever National Cleantech Conference!
250+ Delegates, 40+ Exhibitors, 70+ Keynote and Industry Speakers
Building on the success and need for expansion of The Cleantech Effect 2017, The National Clean Technologies Conference & Exhibition will provide Australian and cleantech innovators the opportunity to focus on ‘National’ issues, opportunities and latest developments by coming together to network, learn and do business.
With a world class program of international speakers, industry leaders and change makers, the conference and exhibition will encompass all clean technology growth areas including energy, waste, water, built environment and transport.
Event Sponsors
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Who Should Attend?
The conference theme ‘Creating Connections: Building Business’ is a proactive call to thought leaders, industry members, clients and influencers to come together to discuss national issues, opportunities and latest developments – it’s all about forging new relationships, learning and doing business.
Attendees will include representatives from:
- Start-up, growth and advanced Cleantech companies
- Investors
- Corporate executives
- Business cluster members and managers
- National, state and local government agencies
- Large infrastructure projects
- Industry bodies
Time
may 29 (Wednesday) - 31 (Friday) (GMT+10)
Location
The Events Centre, Caloundra
20 Minchinton Street
30may4:30 pm6:00 pmIC Thursday Open House
Event Details
IC Thursday Open House May 30th @ 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
May 30th @ 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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