Unveiling the UNE SMART Region’s Inland Innovators Program 2023/2024
The UNE SMART Region Incubator has played a crucial role in driving innovation and business growth in the New England North West region since launching in 2017.
In the last five years alone, the UNE SRI has delivered over 152 masterclasses and events that have collectively drawn in a remarkable 6,580 participants from across the New England North West region - demonstrating the UNE SRI's unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and knowledge-sharing within the community.
The upcoming Inland Innovators Program is expected to build upon these achievements by announcing a 12-month line-up of events designed to spur growth and innovation across primary production, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, circular economy, and value-added food products in the New England North West.
UNE SRI's vision for the Inland Innovators Program extends beyond traditional boundaries. The project will introduce Regional Connectors across key hubs, including Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, and Inverell/Gwydir.
The Regional Connectors will be pivotal in fostering innovation, facilitating meetings between business owners and business mentors, grant opportunities, researchers and industry experts.
In addition to tailored, one-on-one connector support for emerging and scaling business owners, the Inland Innovators Program will deliver:
Masterclasses:
UNE SRI's signature masterclasses will continue with group sessions followed by one-on-one meetings with experts for business owners and operators. The practical Masterclasses will equip over 270 individuals with the skills needed to turn innovative ideas into revenue-generating realities.
Futures Series:
The Futures Series events will be instrumental in inspiring business owners by showcasing opportunities for regional innovation and growth. With thought-provoking panel discussions and stakeholder meetings, this initiative will broaden horizons and nurture innovation for more than 150 business owners.
Step-Change Program:
Ian Mason, an expert in residence at UNE SRI, will facilitate the intensive Step-Change Program, which aims to guide 15-20 business founders, owners and operators through a transformative journey.
This program will empower participants to make substantial changes in their businesses by focusing on areas such as automation, adoption of new technology, waste stream management, diversification, value-adding, and scaling. Participants will receive a comprehensive curriculum covering organisational design, sales pipeline scaling, technology integration, productivity enhancements, and collaboration with larger enterprises. They’ll also receive personalised one-on-one consultations with Ian to consolidate strategic plans for swift implementation.
Pitch2Grow:
In May 2024 we will hold a pitch event in Moree called Pitch2Grow, and bring together Inland Innovators, investors, and customers, to facilitate the connection of 150 businesses with valuable investment opportunities.
The Inland Innovators Program will be steered by Dr. Lou Conway, Director of the UNE SRI. Dr Conway emphasises the diversity of solutions that UNE SRI founders have built and continues to develop across sectors such as agriculture, health, the environment, and creative and cultural industries.
Dr. Conway remarked, “As a community of innovators, we understand the importance of progress and how each small victory can bring new opportunities, economies, and jobs to our region.
The funding we have received is a valuable boost that will enable us to support innovation across the region by bringing together founders, researchers, students, mentors, experts, investors, and others to generate sustainable long-term growth.
We aim to engage up to 1,000 businesses through the Inland Innovators project, focusing on emerging opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, agricultural production, and circular economy.”
This Inland Innovator’s Program is funded through the NSW Government’s Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund. Together, we’re working with the NSW Government to help businesses in our region build their knowledge, skills, networking and investment opportunities.
