The University of the Sunshine Coast’s focus on nurturing and guiding forward-thinking ideas, productivity and potential across its communities has been strengthened through the launch of UniSC Innovation.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett said the new UniSC Innovation department would support the translation of the University’s research expertise, skills and knowledge to businesses and organisations, to help them innovate and grow.
“This is a natural progression for our ongoing work in the innovation space,” Professor Bartlett said.
“UniSC has been an early pioneer and incubator for some of Queensland’s most innovative products, services, businesses and people, accelerating business start-ups and helping existing enterprises to expand.
“UniSC Innovation now transforms traditional business incubation into a unique blend of co-working, collaborative learning and testing labs, programs and networking – a space where great ideas can flourish, and knowledge and entrepreneurship come together for real impact.
“Through fully integrated collaboration and engagement across the UniSC’s schools and research centres it will drive and support innovation ecosystems that connect the University, private sector, individual entrepreneurs, governments and others.”
Professor Bartlett said this would add value to UniSC research and learning while creating pathways for enterprising researchers and alumni looking to turn transformative thinking into global business solutions.
“It will also facilitate greater student engagement with business, with opportunities for incubator work experiences and internships, hands-on learning to develop entrepreneurial skills, and avenues to future employment.”
UniSC Innovation will be based at the Sunshine Coast campus, where it will also deliver research and networking events and workshops.
The first flagship program is the Space to Sea Accelerator, which will provide support and resources to participants to combine geospatial intelligence with technologies such as drones, robotics and AI, to develop solutions to challenges across a range of industry sectors, including environmental sustainability and management; critical infrastructure, agriculture, and disaster preparedness and management.
UniSC Innovation was launched at a ‘quick fire pitch’ event on Wednesday, 23 October, where eight dynamic companies and eight research leaders each delivered a short pitch about their companies and research projects.
The event was sponsored by the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Program, funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO, to spark connections between UniSC research and businesses, fostering collaborations and seeding new applications.
The RUIC program is designed to drive innovation and economic growth in Queensland by connecting regional small and medium enterprises with universities, providing the skills, funding, and networks needed to transform regional development ideas into impactful solutions.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au