A new innovation and entrepreneurship network in southern Sydney was launched this month. The Southern Sydney Innovation Network (SSIN) is a community driven not-for-profit supporting the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Sydney.
Formally launched on Thursday 20th October at Highfield Caringbah, the launch of this new, innovation and entrepreneurship network, focused on bringing together and connecting startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative businesses from across Sydney’s South. By fostering connections and networking, we aim to provide opportunities to share ideas, collaborate and increase knowledge among our community in the southern Sydney innovation ecosystem.
SSIN aims to support and boost the contribution of innovation-related businesses, particularly new startups, fast-growth and R&D intensive businesses, within the Southern Sydney economy and its broader community. The Southern Sydney Innovation Network (SSIN) will link startups, businesses and representative groups in the Sutherland Shire, Georges River and Bankstown council areas. The three core platforms for SSIN are Connect, Embrace, Collaborate to network, showcase and build partnerships and stronger businesses across the region.
Dr Tim Boyle Director of Innovation and Commercialisation at ANSTO, says –
The idea is to foster connection and networking to facilitate opportunities to share ideas, collaborate and increase knowledge among the expanded community. We know that there are over 62,000 rate payable businesses with premises across these three local government areas. Rather than replicating existing groups and services, SSIN will act as the conduit for greater connection and innovation, involving precincts, higher education, research and innovation, coworking incubators and industry clusters.
The initiative followed a 2020 roundtable, hosted by Georges River Council, which brought together business leaders and representative groups. The focus at that time was to address both the impact of the pandemic and to plan for southern Sydney’s recovery. Similar groups include the North Sydney Innovation Network and the Bondi Innovation Hub.
SSIN was part of Spark Festival. Spark is a Not For Profit, grassroots festival whose mission is to drive prosperity for all Australians via the growth of thriving new economy businesses. Our community is large and strong: startups, investors, SMEs, big corporates and innovators at every stage are all invited. Whether you are getting started or going global, you’ll find your spark at Spark. Participation in the annual program is by EOI, with people and organisations from across the country invited and encouraged to contribute.
The launch will take place on Thursday October 20 at Highfield Caringbah as part of The Spark Festival – Australia’s Festival of Innovation, Tech and Ideas. Tickets were available through Humanitix, taking place at Highfield Caringbah as part of The Spark Festival – Australia’s Festival of Innovation, Tech and Ideas.
It was a call out to all innovators and entrepreneurs from St George, Georges River, Canterbury Bankstown and The Shire! It was a great event and an awesome opportunity to connect with others in the community over canapes and drinks.
