News + stories
“I soon discovered that innovation challenges are like boot camps for the entrepreneurial spirit. They immerse you in a whirlwind of ideas, collaboration, and creativity, pushing you to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.”
A group of aspiring entrepreneurs gathered at Social Co House in Moree on March 7th for an informative session on the basics of business finance, with a particular focus on understanding tax obligations.
The goal of this event, which was part of the SMART Sessions series, was to empower local business owners by equipping them with the necessary tools and insights to secure awards, tenders and grant funding for their innovative projects and ideas.
The CleanTech Futures Series, held at NOVA in Armidale on February 27, was a significant forum for discussing the future of energy in the New England region.
Grant writing expert Lauren Mackley hosted a workshop in Moree, providing attendees with valuable insights into the grant application process.
Anna Andre's Digital Marketing workshop in Moree helped local business owners and professionals expand their knowledge with practical insights into digital marketing essentials for 2024.
UNE SRI Founder VESI Water has collaborated with UNE to offer a PhD student an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced computational chemistry techniques and computational materials within a world-class research environment with access to state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities.
UNE SRI Founder, Merry Little Elderberry, has won the Diamond Award at the prestigious World Taste Awards for its Organic Elderberry Kombucha.
On the evening of Monday, December 4th, over 70 individuals, including community members, entrepreneurs, and local leaders, gathered to celebrate the official opening of Social Co. House, located in the heart of Moree CBD.
The Future of Sustainable Livestock Protein event, held on National Agriculture Day on our Armidale campus (part of the UNE SMART Region Incubator’s AgriTech Futures Series).
On November 17th, 2023, the UNE Smart Region Incubator (SRI) recently hosted a half-day event titled 'The Future of Sustainable Livestock Protein: Tough Talk, Tender Taste.'
The event, held in celebration of National Agriculture Day, brought together industry experts, producers, and researchers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in sustainable livestock protein production.
Looking back on the accomplishments of 2023, we feel incredibly proud and grateful for the UNE SMART Region Incubator (SRI) community. Our visionary founders have reached remarkable milestones, making this year a testament to growth, resilience, and positive changes.
Founders keen to identify funding opportunities, learn when to raise, and how to connect with investors gained valuable insight by attending a recent UNE SRI SMART Session at NOVA…
“By gathering people and encouraging conversation we are building community. Importantly, we are also creating a space where ideas might spark or next steps may be revealed - a safe space for innovation!”…
In 2023 UNE SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) has continued to be a willing and enthusiastic partner, keen to nurture innovation and support businesses to grow across the community…
The second cohort of New England North West startups to complete the UNE SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) HATCH 2023 program delivered confident pitches at their finale event at NOVA on 21 November…
‘Circular Economy Innovations & Solutions for NENW’ was the fifth and final Back Stories of Innovation event for 2023, and introduced some of those creating impact by innovating towards the circular economy…
On October 24, 2023, the UNE SRI hosted a lunch & learn session led by Carita LaBlack, Partner at C & W Financial Services. Attendees learnt about energy bill rebates to bonus tax rebates, PAYG and GST instalment reductions, asset write-offs, skills and training tax deductions, superannuation payment changes, cybersecurity training, and grants tailored for early-stage start-ups.
The UNE SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) recently hosted a breakfast event that brought together event enthusiasts, small business owners, and anyone interested in learning the secrets to successful event management. The event featured a panel of experts who shared their experiences and insights into building and managing successful events.
The Cleantech Futures Series event explored opportunities in the renewable energy transition and electrification, emphasising the economic potential for our region of shifting away from fossil fuels.
November is Social Enterprise Month 2023, and a timely moment to reflect on the growing community of social enterprises in the New England North West - a valuable part of the region’s business ecosystem…
The upcoming Inland Innovators Program is expected to build upon these achievements by announcing a 12-month line-up of events designed to spur growth and innovation across primary production, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, circular economy, and value-added food products in the New England North West.
UNE SRI Founder Zondii was recently named the best regional startup in Australia. Zondii uses handheld scanning technology to detect the fibre thickness of wool, aiding farmers with stock decisions for better genetics and breeding…
‘Innovating Education & Educating for Innovation in NENW’ was the fourth Back Stories of Innovation event for 2023, and shone a light on some of this region’s innovators impacting education and training…
Leverage program participants reunited in August for an intensive two-day session in Tamworth…
High school students from across the state learned more about business, innovation and entrepreneurship when they came to NOVA as part of the Oorala Aboriginal Centre’s Experience Days…
More than twenty students completed paid internships with UNE SMART Region Incubator in 2022-23, and all have used that experience to progress their studies, find employment, and explore opportunities to begin their own startup…
Four UNE SMART Region Incubator founders based in Armidale but making international impact, were recently featured in Found Regional, a young publication telling regional stories from its regional base…
UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Moree programs and community were showcased in Regional Lifestyle Magazine’s Moree feature…