Innovation Launchpad

The Innovation Launchpad hosts other SMEs like yours. You will be allocated a desk (or an office) within the open plan space where you would share the facilities with other businesses or research groups. These groups change regularly but are made up of a diverse mix of professionals, business people, researchers and students all working towards solving problems and growing a business.

You will also be assigned a research team from the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Energy and Resources who you will have direct and regular contact with.

We have assigned a minimal service fee which helps to cover the costs of your stay. This monthly fee gives you access to meetings rooms, self-service tea and coffee, internet, WIFI, printing facilities, air-conditioning, lighting, seats, toilets, cleaning services as well as a space to conduct your research as per your individual needs, and the agreement.

The fees are $220 per month for an office, and $125 per month for a desk space.

Businesses will sign a service fee agreement for an agreed time period, and will commit to paying monthly fees to off-set facility costs. Businesses will have access to a Collaborative Office Space, invaluable industry partnerships and collaborative research initiatives and activities being undertaken as part of the Innovation Launchpad. Facilities include:

• Open plan/flexible office accommodation including quiet and breakout spaces, private foyer entry, and informal and formal meeting areas
• Access to security services
• Meeting room facilities including video conferencing equipment
• WIFI and printing services
• Amenities and kitchen
• Storage room and locker space
• Option of a private office for a slightly higher fee.
• Access to lab space and basic utilities needed to conduct your research – as everyone’s research needs will be different, specifics will be discussed on application.

When you submit your expression of interest, your unique research question will be assessed against our specific areas of research expertise. If we think there is a match and that our research capability can be of service to you, your application will proceed to the next phase. If not, we will make contact with you to explore other opportunities we may have to work together.

NIER delivers solutions across four thematic research areas. These are

• Resource Productivity & Efficiency

• Energy Technologies & Utilisation

• Advanced Materials for Industrial Innovation

• Land, Water, Social Impacts & Sustainability

Here is more information about NIER’s research themes. Or, for a detailed look at some of NIER’s research problems and solutions, download NIER’s Technical Prospectus.

If you’re on site you’re able to make the most of the collaborative learning environment that benefits the Innovation Launchpad residents. We feel that face-to-face contact and discussions in the hallways with likeminded business people and researchers can provide tangible as well as intangible benefits like inspiration, leads and practical problem solving.

Having said that, we understand every business and its workers are different, and if your business is a good match for the Innovation Launchpad, we’d look forward to discussing options to make the arrangement work.

The Innovation Launchpad premises and facilities are to be used solely as an office and co-working space. If you can run your business using the office facilities available, and without disturbing other groups, then you can conduct business from the Innovation Launchpad. However, there will be no provision for specialised business needs, such as signage or reception services.

This may be an option if it is determined that your work and research cannot be completed using the standard IT facilities. This is something to discuss during the assessment phase.

Yes, the common areas of the Innovation Launchpad are wheelchair accessible as are some parts of the industrial research areas. On application, we can further discuss specific needs.

This may vary depending on other tenants and their desk allocations, but we currently limit each group to four people.

IP is a negotiated point, with specifics discussed on a case by case basis. There will be no impact on any background IP that you bring into the agreement.

Ownership or licensing arrangements for any new IP arising from any partnership or research will be negotiated.

The duration of occupancy will be discussed during preliminary discussions, but most commonly tenants initially sign for twelve months. All tenants are subject to an annual review and assessed against pre-determined project objectives.

Yes, there is limited paid parking around the NIER site. You should note that NIER is a little removed from the main Callaghan University Campus (about a 5 minute walk). There are multiple transport options to consider when working at NIER.

General Parking

There is general parking available at designated areas at NIER (refer map). A ticket must be purchased from the Park and Pay machines ($4.50 per day) and displayed on your dashboard.

Parking-map

Staff Validation Permit

You can request a Staff Validation Permit, which enables you to park in the Staff Parking sections, however a ticket must be purchased from the Park and Pay machines ($4.50 per day) and displayed on your dashboard.

Scratch and Display

To avoid having to purchase a ticket each time, you can pre-purchase “Scratch and Display” tickets for $4.50 each. These are “single use” tickets where you scratch the day, month and year to validate your ticket for the day.

Staff Parking Permit

You can buy either an annual or half-yearly permit which allows you to park in staff or general carparks with no further charge.

Annual permit: $411.10

Half yearly permit: $205.50 (Jan-June or July-Dec)

**There are no pro-rata options for payment if you purchase part way through the year or half-year, however if you cease your permit before the end date you will be refunded the remainder.

Further information on permits can be provided by university staff.

Public Transport

Options can be found here.