Recognising Canberra’s strength as a knowledge economy, the ACT Government initiated and supported the establishment of the Canberra Innovation Network in November 2014 to connect all the different aspects of Canberra’s innovation ecosystem.
Building on Canberra’s unrivalled collaboration between government, universities and the business community, the Canberra Innovation Network counts Canberra’s world-class tertiary education and research sector institutions as Foundation Members, alongside leading corporate partners.
The Canberra Innovation Network provides a co-working space and incubator for start-up businesses and delivers innovation capacity building workshops and innovation labs to support all stages of business and research endeavours. As an innovation ecosystem connector the Canberra Innovation Network also supports an accelerator, social venture programs and activities delivered by Foundation Members.
A key activity of the Canberra Innovation Network is First Wednesday Connect; a popular and valuable gathering of entrepreneurs, researchers, business and anyone interested in networking with Canberra’s innovation ecosystem.
The Canberra Innovation Network also facilitates the Innovation Connect (ICON) grants on behalf of the ACT Government. This program supports the thriving start-up culture in Canberra and empowers entrepreneurs to develop and grow their innovative ideas.