The NSW Government has announced a new plan to unlock the full potential of the Tech Central Innovation District (Tech Central) - Australia's largest technology and innovation hub.
Tech Central, a six square kilometre precinct bordered by Haymarket, Camperdown, and South Eveleigh in the heart of Sydney's CBD, currently has the highest concentration of
technology businesses anywhere in Australia, including Atlassian, Block (Afterpay), Canva, Safety Culture and Rokt, along with 150 research institutes and two world leading universities.
A fresh vision for Tech Central will establish the district as a leading place to live and work, and will play a critical role as a future driver of NSW Government key priorities including housing, healthcare, night-time economy, visitor economy, and world-class transport infrastructure.
The NSW Government is committed to the success of Tech Central and seeing it flourish as a melting pot for groundbreaking innovation, research, and lifestyle.
The new measures announced today include:
The development of a Tech Central Strategy
Tech Central is in a prime location with many beneficial new property developments, public transport links, as well as vibrant dining and entertainment options.
The development of a Tech Central Strategy will consider how Tech Central can empower the innovation ecosystem, as well as play a greater role in supporting housing, creative
industries, and the visitor and 24-hour economies.
This will ensure the district is a leading place to live, work and play-all key ingredients in continuing to attract and retain leading innovative businesses.
Investment NSW will lead the development of the strategy in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and Transport for NSW.
The transition of the Sydney Startup Hub to Tech Central
With Tech Central positioned as Australia's leading hub for technology and innovation, the Sydney Startup Hub will move to a location in the heart of Tech Central in October 2025.
This will ensure founders, entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and the entire innovation ecosystem, can collaborate with universities and research institutes that are right on their doorstep.
The NSW Government is engaging closely with key stakeholders at the Sydney Startup Hub to facilitate a smooth transition and service continuity, including the international landing pad.
This will support the Hub's residents, founders and entrepreneurs to continue to collaborate and scale their innovative products and ideas.
The NSW Government's Innovation Blueprint-to be released in the coming months-will explore a new accommodation model at the Tech Central Scaleup Hub, including refreshed services and support for businesses across the ecosystem at all stages of growth.
Specialist support within Investment NSW will drive investment and activity at Tech Central
Investment NSW will be responsible for attracting investment and talent into Tech Central, facilitating better coordination between startups, research institutes, and universities.
It will also ensure alignment of existing and future NSW Government programs with district residents' needs.
This approach will ensure the NSW Government's investment and vision for the precinct continually focuses on growth in sectors of critical importance to the NSW economy.
To find out more about Tech Central visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/innovation/precincts/tech-central/
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Tech Central hosts the largest tech innovation ecosystem in the country.
"We are proud of Tech Central being Sydney's heart of innovation, but there is potential for it to be much more.
"Specialist support within Investment NSW will scale existing work in investment attraction, brand promotion, and community building to improve the district's economic potential.
"We're also giving NSW start-ups the best chance to flourish by transitioning the Sydney Startup Hub to the heart of Tech Central."
Co-Founder and CEO of Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes said:
"So many great tech companies have been born in Australia, but this journey is infinitely easier when you have a strong community around you.
"That's why Atlassian is such a big supporter of Tech Central - the new home for Australia's technology industry.
"Today's announcement helps breathe life into Tech Central, because a precinct without people is just buildings, it's not a community.
"For Tech Central to thrive, it needs to be a vibrant part of the city and support work, home and life."
Head of Policy at the Committee for Sydney and Chair of the Innovation District Alliance Jeremy Gill said:
"It's fantastic to see the government putting a sharp focus on innovation districts.
"Sydney has all the makings of a globally strong innovation city.
"As a key part of Greater Sydney's innovation district network, Tech Central has a crucial role to play in shaping the state's economic future.
"The news that a strategy's on the way for Tech Central is a great step forward, as it gives the certainty we need to keep the economic engines firing in Sydney's universities, research institutes, startup and business communities."
