The University of Newcastle is looking to support local clean technology innovators through its Hunter Cleantech Accelerator, with the New South Wales government providing support in the form of $438,375 in funding.
Operated through the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), the Hunter Cleantech Accelerator is designed to build the capability and competitiveness of entrepreneurs within the Hunter region across the sectors of clean energy, clean water, recycling and waste, supply chain, built environment, air quality, and transportation.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, thanked the NSW Government for their support, which will see local innovators have more opportunity in the region.
“We are committed to being a University of and for our regions and we are proud to be at the centre of the Hunter’s transformation to a clean energy future,” Professor Zelinsky said. “Our region has already shown that it can lead the state in clean technology with projects like our Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy program, the Decarbonisation Innovation Hub and Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct.
“We have the innovation capabilities and the industry relationships and now this NSW Government investment will allow us to provide a tailored program for grassroots clean technology innovators and entrepreneurs in the Hunter. I am excited to see what comes from this program,” Professor Zelinsky added.
The funding was awarded through the NSW Government’s Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund, which supports the 20-year Economic Visions for Regional NSW and the NSW Government’s plans to achieve long-term economic success for regional NSW communities.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said that The Port of Newcastle and The University of Newcastle are intrinsically linked to ensure the success of a clean energy economy in the Hunter.
“Our collaborative and strategic partnership, stemming from our Gold Strategic Partnership with the University’s I2N, prioritises support for regional businesses and entrepreneurs, with the Hunter Cleantech Accelerator initiative ensuring Hunter tech-enabled entrepreneurs have the best support available to successfully commercialise new technologies in the clean technologies sector,” Carmody said.
