bridging the gap from an idea to commercialisation in Tassie

The Tasmanian government has injected half a million dollars into two innovation hubs – in Launceston and Hobart, helping to leverage the region’s emerging innovation activity.

The hubs will create a connection point for local innovators, entrepreneurs and startups to commercialise their ideas through a collaborative design space.

With educational institutions, government and industry on board, and access to capital – Tasmania will be able to leverage its talent in science, business and tech, which currently operate in clusters around the state.

“With the right programs, the right supports, we’ll be able to build a startup ecosystem in Hobart, Launceston and anywhere in the state that can compete with Melbourne or Sydney on a per capita level,” Farrell  – the Incubator guru says.

The announcement follows the government’s $3 million investment in the Macquarie House Innovation Hub. 

Proposed fees for the Macquarie House are $50 a day for casual access, $225 per month for part-time membership or $450 per month for full-timers or $1800 per month for a private office. 

Industry and government-funded scholarships and grants will be offered to entrepreneurs with the aim to create fairer access towards a diverse and inclusive community of young talent and experienced professionals.

“It’s really about being able to hold up our heads and say it’s a bit smaller here but these are some of the great things that we’re working on,” Farrell says.

Posted on March 10, 2016