The University of Newcastle's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has won the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year at the 2024 Asia Pacific Triple E Awards, which recognises excellence in entrepreneurship and engagement in the higher education sector.
From left to right: Lily Dixon, Tayla Furey, Kelly Peihopa, Nick Stevens, Siobhan Curran and Richard Berry.
Siobhan Curran, the University's Director of Entrepreneurship, accepted the award on behalf of the I2N team at the Triple E Asia Pacific Award night in Kuala Lumpur and said the accolade was truly a team effort.
"This award is an acknowledgement not only of the I2N team but of all those who share our passion for supporting the next generation of founders in our region. This includes our program mentors, coaches, facilitators, collaborators and of course the founders of startups and small business ventures who inspire us and keep us striving every day," said Ms Curran.
Professor Zee Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation was proud to celebrate the achievements of I2N.
"We are over the moon to see our I2N team receiving well-deserved recognition for their innovation and entrepreneurial efforts. Their work is central to the University's efforts to build and nurture an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports new businesses and growing industries, generates local jobs, and boosts our regional economy," said Professor Upton.
As the University's entrepreneurship and venture development unit, I2N fuels the success of local innovators, entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses by connecting them to customers, community, coaching and capital.
I2N has cultivated and nurtured a community of more than 5,000 entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners through innovative programs and engagement strategies, turning the Newcastle region into startup-central for local entrepreneurs.
2023 Highlights
- 51 founders supported (students, alumni & small business)
- 98% of founders working on business ideas aligned with the sustainability development goals
- 165+ student engagements
- 105 researcher connections & collaborations
Since 2016
- 150+ startups supported to-date
- $60 million+ in capital raised by I2N startups
- 250+ jobs created by I2N supported startups
- Over $11.7M in wages created for our regions
In the 2023 Asia Pacific Triple E Awards, Director, Siobhan Curran won the Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year Award as well as the People's Choice award in her category.
Looking towards the future, and with several successful funding applications, the I2N team will be expanding its efforts with:
- A cleantech stream in this year's I2N Accelerator program
- A Startups @ Schools program to help Year 9 and 10 high school students discover entrepreneurship – with 4,100 students reached to-date
- The delivery of the University's 2024 Grand Challenge, which focuses on helping us achieve Net Zero emissions
- The development of the Acceleration for Student Entrepreneurs course in partnership with the Newcastle Business School.
