To apply to become involved with the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, please carefully read the entry criteria and selection process outlined below, then click on the link at the bottom of this page to complete the enquiry form.

Entry Criteria – Business Incubator


The Innovation Centre Business Incubator has six entry criteria:
  1. A capable and motivated lead entrepreneur or entrepreneurial team
  2. A viable business concept for a new business involving technology based products or services
  3. Close to market with the ability to compete in a clearly identified market
  4. Evidence of adequate finance to sustain the business during the start-up phase
  5. Commercially attractive
  6. Attractive to the region and the incubator partners

Selection Process – Business Incubator


The selection process - assuming successful progression at each stage - is straight forward:
  1. Initial contact: get in touch with the Business Incubator Manager by email or call 07 5450 2600 for an initial discussion and to provide a summary of your business venture
  2. Exploratory meeting/s: with the Business Incubator Manager to find out more about the venture, its suitability for the Innovation Centre and to answer any questions regarding the Innovation Centre’s operations and fees
  3. Application and Selection Panel: suitable prospects will be invited to submit an application form and then make a presentation to the final selection panel
The selection process helps to identify the client companies’ development needs and to establish milestones for key actions.

Entry Criteria – Business Accelerator


Technology Businesses


The business will typically be:
  • A growth oriented, for profit enterprise, typically with more than 4 and less 20 full-time employees
  • A business developing or commercialising innovative new technological products or services
  • Keen to be an active participant in Innovation Centre and university environment, including participation in networking activities
  • Beyond the start-up stage, typically will have been in business for at least 2 or 3 years and have a sustainable business model, good quality management team and established income streams
  • Keen to work with the University of the Sunshine Coast in the placement of work experience students and potentially in research activities

Service Businesses


This category includes businesses that can provide a service that will directly support a technology business. Examples of service businesses could include:
  • Legal
  • Patent attorney
  • Accounting
  • Venture capital
  • Business angel group
  • Business advisors
  • Business development agencies
  • Creative – design, branding, web development
  • Market research
  • Marketing consulting
  • Management consulting
  • Business Training
  • HR consulting
  • Recruitment

Selection Process – Business Accelerator


The selection process - assuming successful progression at each stage - is straightforward:
  1. Initial contact: make an expression of interest, get in touch with the CEO by email or phone for an initial discussion and to provide a summary of your business venture
  2. Formal application – technology businesses to submit a business plan; service businesses to submit an application with details of the firms business, space required, summary of interest in Innovation Centre
  3. Business and Technical Review Panel: this panel will consider applications from technology businesses which may be asked to present in person

Apply Now


Please click here to complete the enquiry form.