Apply to become a founder member

The UNE SMART Region Incubator is a connected community of founders and innovators who share a deep commitment to seeing new and existing enterprises flourish in the New England North West region of NSW.

Come and work within this friendly, focused and connected community, built to support aspiring regional businesses. We help build and grow your business with programs, events, mentors, researchers and corporate and community partners. 

Benefits of founder membership include:

  • Access to Regional Connectors: Our network of experts provides personalized support to help you overcome challenges and identify new opportunities for growth.

  • Mentoring and business coaching: Connect with mentors and business coaches who offer guidance tailored to your specific growth stage.

  • Workshops and networking events: Take part in workshops and exclusive events that connect you with corporate partners and investors.

  • NOVA space credits: Enjoy $250 worth of credits to use towards desks, meeting rooms, and event spaces at NOVA, giving you added flexibility.

  • Extended discounts: After using your NOVA credits, you can continue to access our facilities at a 50% discounted rate.

  • AWS credits: Receive up to $10,000 in AWS Activate credits to help power your software and infrastructure.

  • Access to space and events in Sydney: Work from the Regional Landing Pad at the Sydney Startup Hub and participate in select events whenever you’re in Sydney.

  • Promotion and exposure: Gain visibility through our publications, media channels, and articles that highlight the achievements of our members.

  • New tech vouchers: For projects in collaboration with publicly funded researchers, you’re eligible for tech vouchers that cover 50% of the cost (up to $50k) through the NSW Government.

We want your founder membership to deliver real value so we encourage you to work closely with us, tell us what you want from the network, and ensure we are delivering what you need.

We hope that you will be one of UNE SRI’s newest founders!

 

Founder membership types

  • $50 per year. Open to any student enrolled in a primary, secondary or tertiary education who is not working full-time.

  • $250 +gst yearly. A start-up is a registered business that has been going for less than two years or has less than 10 employees.