Newcastle businesses and startups are set to benefit from world-class research under the new Innovation Launchpad opened at the Univerity of Newcastle's Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).
The centre was opened by New South Wales Minister for Resources and Energy, Don Harwin at the NEIR facility, and has received $30,000 in funding from the State Government as part of the Knowledge Hub programme, which started in 2014.
NIER is based in Newcastle, which Mr Harwin says is the ideal place to launch the research centre.
"With the region's experience in the energy space, Newcastle is the perfect location for the Lauchpad to capitalise on local expertise and world-leading research work," Mr Harwin said.
"The opening of the Launchpad is another exciting step this Government is taking in realising the potential of innovation as a stimulant for economic growth."
NIER Executive Director and NSW Energy and Resources Knowledge Hub Chair, Professor Alan Broadfoot said that the Innovation Launchpad would link small businesses to world-class researchers at NIER by "embedding them in the research environment."
"The facility is designed to pave the way for an industrial-scale innovation and competitiveness agenda," Mr Broadfoot said.
The Innovation Launchpad will use NIER's strengths in linking the University's researchers to industry professionals.
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| Executive Director of NIER Professor Alan Broadfoot, Chancellor Mr Paul Jeans, Minister for Resources and Energy Don Harwin and Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Hall. Image: NIER |
