Armidale Regional Council (ARC) is strongly supportive of the establishment of the UNE Smart Region Incubator. I confess to not having a crystal clear understanding of how the Incubator will work in a practical sense, but I do understand it will enable start-ups and SME’s access to research data through a data-sharing platform, which has not been done before.

These businesses will be able to connect regionally, nationally and internationally which will be a great tool for them. The incubator provides physical and virtual spaces and will leverage off the competitive advantage of UNE research, expertise, technology and business relationships.

This project is perhaps also well described as creating an innovation ecosystem where research, knowledge, and data can be connected with entrepreneurial ideas to grow high value and adaptive businesses to “future proof” our regional economy. Council thanks the NSW government for funding of $1 million.

The timing of this incubator for ARC region is impeccable. It will build on regional economy strengths, help shape new enterprises especially in agriculture and support existing businesses to unleash the opportunities by accessing this innovation community. There is also strength through the incubator being connected to UNE and by extension to ARC and the New England regional community.

The future is looking consistently more positive for the Armidale region as council works closely with the university to promote a climate of open exchange and co-operation for the benefit of our community. 

Since the formation of Armidale Regional Council in May 2016, council has been working tirelessly to deliver improved and unified services to the community. I am so very proud and appreciative of the superb efforts of the council’s workforce.

Many great council projects are now under way or planned for our special region – including the airport terminal extension, major road upgrades, timber bridge replacements, the Guyra Main Street upgrade, the new state-of-the-art War Memorial Library and other valuable community projects.

It is important to build on the strong foundations we have and to support existing and new businesses to access the creative and innovative opportunities now available on our doorstep. The Smart Region Incubator will be front and centre to unleash the opportunities.

For those people who have a business idea, or are working in isolation to achieve their dream, this Incubator space will provide an opportunity for them to come together, collaborate and grow their business.