UNE SRI welcomes funding announcement that will impact across the region

The UNE SMART Regional Incubator (UNE SRI) community welcomed this week’s announcement by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall MP that the UNE SRI has been successful in securing significant State Government funding.

According to UNE SRI Director Dr Lou Conway, the Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund (ARIF) grant of more than $517,000 will ensure UNE SRI programs continue in 2024, and that their impact will extend across the New England North West.

“This funding enables the UNE SRI to deliver expert support to new and established business across the region - to grow new products and services from the New England North West,” Dr Conway said.

“We will build on our existing programs, utilise our network of Regional Connectors, and draw on the expertise of our experts in residence, each with international connections, to uplift business into new markets.”

UNE SRI programs will utilise business opportunities emerging through renewable energy infrastructure, agricultural production and circular economy. They will directly and indirectly create new jobs, develop new enterprises, raise investment, and grow the innovation ecosystem that retains and attracts people to the region.

Over the next 12 months, the ARIF grant will enable the UNE SRI team to deliver an intensive 12month capacity building and business growth program designed to increase knowledge, connections, investment and access to the broader innovation network.

It ensures that the UNE SRI is able to work alongside councils and community in and around Armidale, Glen Innes, Guyra, Gwydir, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha.

“Working with local government is key to growing the innovation ecosystem. We welcome new partnerships, and are grateful for ongoing partnerships with councils across the region.”

Mayor Sam Coupland, Armidale Regional Council joined UNE SRI founders and team members at NOVA for the announcement this week. Thanks to the ARIF grant, UNE SRI will be able to work closely with local governments including Armidale Regional Council, Glen Innes Severn Council, Gwydir Shire Council, Inverell Shire Council, Moree Plains Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council, Tamworth Regional Council, Uralla Shire Council, and Walcha Shire Council.

 “The UNE SRI is the sum of its founders. We are a community of inland innovators - founders, businesses owners and operators looking to grow their business,” said Dr Conway.

“By growing and supporting that community, and through collaboration with local government, researchers, industry and other partners, we help deliver new products and services to market. This builds a SMART region for the long-term sustainable benefit of the whole community.”

Photos by Simon Scott Photo