News + stories
From classroom to carbon: Ella Crowley’s internship with GeXLab
When UNE Rural Science student Ella Crowley joined GeX Lab’s Armidale office in July, she wasn’t just starting an internship at one business; she was gaining insight into the broader UNE SRI start-up ecosystem.
Celebrating the launch of IMPACT 2025
On Tuesday, 10 September, more than 100 people gathered at The Welder’s Dog Brewery in Armidale to celebrate the launch of IMPACT 2025, the UNE SMART Region Incubator’s annual publication of founder stories. We’re sure anyone who was able to join us on the evening will agree that the event was much more than a launch. It was a tribute to the ingenuity, persistence and imagination of the almost 50 business founders who make up the SRI community, and to the spirit of regional entrepreneurship that is thriving in the New England North West.
HATCH with Edwina Sharrock: Turning ideas into action
On Saturday, 14th August, fourteen founders and soon-to-be founders spent the day pressure-testing ideas, mapping the first steps, and finding the confidence to speak about their work with clarity. Edwina Sharrock, our Entrepreneur in Residence, led the event. Edwina has a way of making the hard questions feel safe.
Ideas take flight: Women entrepreneurs shine at latest HATCH program
HATCH is a one-day deep dive developed specifically for early-stage founders (and those still exploring an idea in their notes app on their phone). This time, we welcomed a group of five women with ideas as varied as their backgrounds, spanning mental health, biomedicine, childcare, and circular manufacturing. Together, we worked through the Lean Canvas, asking the hard but helpful questions that help shape an idea into something viable.
Coffee, conversations and accidental connections
Sometimes, the most meaningful events are the least flashy… which was certainly the case at our recent Tamworth Founders catch up. Gathered around a long wooden table, complete with great coffee and a few cheeky croissants, a handful of business owners left their laptops at home for the morning and chose connection instead.
Young minds, bold solutions: Regional students lead agricultural innovation
In classrooms across the New England North West, a quiet revolution is taking place. Students as young as Year 9 are developing sophisticated solutions to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges, proving that fresh perspectives and creative thinking can unlock innovations that the industry desperately needs.
EMERGE: Turning research into real world Impact
How can research extend beyond a thesis and create a meaningful impact in the world? This was the challenge addressed at EMERGE: Forward Planning for Impact, a workshop hosted by UNE SRI at NOVA Armidale on Thursday, June 5
People, place, and getting out of the way
The answers to regional prosperity are here, the event told us, in people and their sense of purpose given scope to flourish in this place.
Pitch2Grow 2025: Showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship in Moree
Just after sunset on Friday night, Moree’s Social Co House became the backdrop for Pitch2Grow 2025. The event gave the stage to 6 locals who shared their unique ideas with a supportive audience of over 40 from the community.
Creativity and collaboration the key to boosting business, tourism and employment
A full house of local business owners, creatives, council and tourism personnel joined forces to brain storm how creative collaboration can boost tourism, business engagement and employment in Moree on Thursday 10th April 2025.
Moree Pitch to Grow Series: Pitch Workshop with Edwina Sharrock
We were absolutely thrilled to have Edwina Sharrock visit Moree to deliver an inspiring, hands-on, and game-changing workshop to 14 attendees on Saturday, 29th March 2025.
New Energy Expo Futures Series: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
The UNE SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) was delighted to be part of the Narrabri New Energy Expo, designed and delivered by Geni Energy Founder Sally Hunter. This community-focused event brought together local industry leaders, innovators, and high school students to explore cutting-edge opportunities in the energy sector.