About
Since 2015, the Innovation & Collaboration Centre has supported early-stage startups through providing workspace, mentoring and funding. Read more about our staff and our startups.
Programs
The Innovation & Collaboration Centre is home to Venture Catalyst and the state's first space incubator program Venture Catalyst Space. These programs are designed to help founders start their business.
For Regional startups
100% equity free
Discover more of our program features
Participants accepted into the program will receive a tailored program of support designed to help early stage startup founders, plan and successfully execute their journey towards building a globally scalable and investment ready business.
Participants will also receive one-to-one mentoring from the ICC's Entrepreneur in Residence; Kirk Drage and his company LeapSheep.
Applications for regional Venture Catalyst program in 2020 have now closed. Stay tuned for 2021 updates. Feel welcome to submit an expression of interest in the meantime.
The General category is open to any industry sector and supports startups with the potential for high growth, who are developing new services, markets or business models that compete in global markets. Accepted applicants will receive a tailored program based on their current needs as well as the $10,000 stipend and other benefits mentioned above.
The Space category, supported by the State Government's Space Innovation Fund, is the state's first program designed specifically for startups who are developing new services or products for the space industry. The program gives founders the support and tools they need to plan and successfully build a scalable and investment ready business.
The Social Enterprise category is supported by the Pank Family who support social innovation and enterprises developed by UniSA students or alumni. Through the Venture Catalyst program, the Pank Family have ensured that new ideas that come out of the University have the support and mentoring needed to set up a new and innovative social enterprise in South Australia.
The Regional ICC was opened in early 2019 at the University of South Australia's Whyalla Campus underpinned by a grant through the Australian Government's Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
The new innovation hub provides a dynamic pathway for innovative startups to reach their global capacity by providing educational workshops combined with fast gigabit network speeds and injecting expert mentors.
The Whyalla business community will benefit from a suite of training forums led by professionals with a track record of driving a local innovation into an international market. In addition to startup activity the centre will provide support to local businesses looking to grow by providing a hub for their activity, with access to a global network and a series of workshops and other activities to support those businesses.
A series of capability workshops and pitch and feedback sessions designed for founders to accelerate growth
One-on-one mentoring sessions to support implementation of your learnings
Access to co-working space in either the Adelaide CBD or Whyalla, and access to UniSA’s support services including research and placements
Access to a pool of global industry experts and experts in residence who specialise in advice for the startup journey
Regular group activities supporting community building, resilience and access to networking events
A stipend of up to $10,000 AUD per company. Eligible startups only
2020 applications have now closed. Please stay tuned for 2021 updates.
If shortlisted, you are likely to be asked to attend a short (45 min) informal interview to expand on your idea and allow the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) to meet the key members of your team. This may be in person or online.
For regional startups, the program can be done at either the regional ICC in Whyalla or online. They will also have access to the metro ICC as part of the program.
The program is offered at the ICC Adelaide and the regional ICC. Regional applications will be accepted all year round.
This program is based on individual support and mentoring to help you get your idea off the ground. This is not a grant program.
This program is 100% equity free. You retain any and all of your equity and IP as a participant of this program.
"(The program provides) a chance to work with like-minded people and receive professional mentoring and tuition at a reduced cost and help us avoid the lethal pitfalls of startups and give our new business the best possible start."
Geoff Rayson
Director, True Algae
“The most important things you need to do to make your startup successful are not on your task list or in your inbox.”
– Terry Gold, Entrepreneur in Residence 2019
“Don’t compare yourself to the superhumans who started the latest and greatest tech wonder companies. It will only discourage you. Learn from them, but be thankful that you have what it takes”
– Terry Gold, Entrepreneur in Residence 2019
“Who you hire is more important than what you sell.”
– Terry Gold, Entrepreneur in Residence 2019
“Having lots of things on your task list means you have the opportunity to choose what is most important that only you can do. If it isn’t important, why is it on your task list?”
– Terry Gold, Entrepreneur in Residence 2019
Monday to Friday................8am to 5pm
Weekend & public holidays.....closed
Adelaide
Enterprise Hub, 9 Light Square (building access via Philip St)
Adelaide, SA 5000
(08) 8302 7368
Regional
UniSA Building L/111 Nicolson Ave
Whyalla Norrie, SA 5608
(08) 8302 7368
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