Gold Coast co-location set to support new business, jobs and next generation of business entrepreneurs

The Gold Coast Innovation Hub, which exists to support start-ups and new business across the city, is shifting its operation to the University’s Gold Coast Campus.

Both parties agree the move represents a natural alignment of their organisations’ goals.

While the arrangement will deliver access to outstanding facilities, Gold Coast Innovation Hub CEO Sharon Hunneybell said it was about more than bricks and mortar.

“We see tremendous opportunities in being able to access the creative and intellectual capability of Southern Cross University’s experts and the collective talent of the student body,” she said.

“We are really proud of the track record of the Gold Coast Innovation Hub, which operates as a not-for-profit, run by founders for founders. But we see this co-location as having the capacity to really turbo charge how and what we deliver.”

“We are really proud of the track record of the Gold Coast Innovation Hub, which operates as a not-for-profit, run by founders for founders. But we see this co-location as having the capacity to really turbo charge how and what we deliver.”

Southern Cross Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the co-location supported a number of the University’s aims, including the delivery of outstanding student opportunities alongside its history of working in partnership to support business and industry.

“We’re excited about the prospect of our next-generation entrepreneurs working with some of the brightest and boldest business innovators on the Gold Coast,” Professor Carlin said. “And we are intensely interested in supporting the local economy in ways which deliver jobs and prosperity.

“In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, innovation is going to be key to how businesses survive and thrive for generations ahead.”

The co-location will allow the Hub and University to work together in the delivery of workshops and special events.

A Start-up Weekend is already planned for June, with more to follow during the year.

“The co-location will enrich the experience of our students, but also inform us on the graduate attributes required to succeed today,” said Professor Mike Ewing, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts. 

“We already run a very comprehensive placement program for students, will plans to further enhance it, and this will open even more opportunities, including mentoring and input to student research projects.

“It will also provide vital research opportunities for academic staff and doctoral students, to work with start-ups and address some of the challenges they face,” he added.

Mahikala Niranga, a business PhD candidate, is thrilled the Innovation Hub has relocated to the University’s Gold Coast campus.

“The Innovation Hub provides plenty of opportunities not just for business but for Southern Cross students too,” Mahikala said.

“I encourage our entrepreneurially-minded students to visit the Hub to get advice and assistance. It’s also a great way to connect with industry through networking and workshops.”

Gold Coast Innovation Hub

Ground Floor, Building A, Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus, Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga Qld 4225. Open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Phone: 1300 029 833

www.gchub.com.au