UNE SRI Founders

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. Connect with one of our hubs and enjoy working in one of our co-working spaces in Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Narrabri. 

Since 2020, our Annual Founder Survey has revealed that one of the most valued features of the UNE SRI is our supportive like-minded community. Our founders enjoy and see enormous benefit from having the opportunity to work alongside other founders as they grow and scale a business. 

The UNE SMART Region Community is the sum of our founders - as showcased here in IMPACT, UNE SRI FOUNDER STORIES 2024

If you have an idea you’d like to explore or are just starting your business journey, we invite you to join our vibrant community and benefit from the ecosystem of entrepreneurs in New England North West.

Together, we’ll help to validate, build and grow your business with programs, events, mentors, researchers and corporate and community partners. Tap into our regional network including funding and government agencies as well as key industry stakeholders who can support you in your start-up journey.  

 

Benefits

Our founder membership is crafted to provide you with comprehensive support, resources, and connections to help your venture succeed. For a start-up membership fee of $250 + GST per year, founder members enjoy the following benefits:

  • 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.

Subscription costs

  • $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.

 

The application process

Applications to become a UNE SRI founder are vetted by our team on a weekly basis. The turnaround time for this is approximately 1-5 working days. Contact us for further information.

“The UNE Smart Region Incubator provided a great landing pad for SmartShepherd as we grew. Being able to interact with other startups is invaluable and the mentor support has been extremely helpful as we scale.” David Rubie / CEO / SmartShepherd

“The UNE Smart Region Incubator provided a great landing pad for SmartShepherd as we grew. Being able to interact with other startups is invaluable and the mentor support has been extremely helpful as we scale.” David Rubie / CEO / SmartShepherd

“Nova is seeding a thriving start-up ecosystem in regional Australia, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” Sam Duncan / CEO / FarmLab

“Nova is seeding a thriving start-up ecosystem in regional Australia, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” Sam Duncan / CEO / FarmLab

"The SRI allowed us to go from our kitchen tables into a proper workspace where we discovered that sharing the journey with other Founders makes the start-up journey easier. The SRI mentors, access to expertise and networking has been invaluable." Sa

"The SRI allowed us to go from our kitchen tables into a proper workspace where we discovered that sharing the journey with other Founders makes the start-up journey easier. The SRI mentors, access to expertise and networking has been invaluable." Sarah Burrows / Director / Red 8 Produce

"PharmOnline would not exist without the UNE SRI. Our multi-award winning business has been supported from ideology, development to launch. We utilise the well-equipped working spaces and are encouraged to connect and continue to grow and scale. The

"PharmOnline would not exist without the UNE SRI. Our multi-award winning business has been supported from ideology, development to launch. We utilise the well-equipped working spaces and are encouraged to connect and continue to grow and scale. The staff are highly supportive and skilled, we love working with the SRI!" Anna Barwick / Founder PharmOnline

"Being in the SRI community to discuss business plans and development ideas, linkages and to make networks and get exposed to business mentors gives confidence to entrepreneurial ambitions. I cannot more highly recommend that you join the SRI, the pe

"Being in the SRI community to discuss business plans and development ideas, linkages and to make networks and get exposed to business mentors gives confidence to entrepreneurial ambitions. I cannot more highly recommend that you join the SRI, the people involved are handpicked and are excited to support the success of your start up." Tony Meppem / Founder Yurraa Tea