UNE’s SMART Region Incubator (SRI) officially opened the doors of its new home, NOVA, yesterday 1 December.
Located in the former Armidale War Memorial Library in the heart of Armidale’s CBD, NOVA will support business innovation across the region.
The building was made available by Armidale Regional Council and provides a local, easily accessible base for UNE SRI from which it can run programs and opportunities that support resilient regional communities.
“UNE SRI and NOVA will support existing businesses and organisations by developing and offering programs that enable recovery, growth and resilience, and contribute to a strong regional economy,” said UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Heywood
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley welcomed the opening of NOVA saying the council was delighted to be able to provide the old library building as a space for UNE SRI to better connect with the innovators and entrepreneurs in our community.
“Having an accessible community space right in the heart of the Armidale CBD for businesses and emerging businesses to meet, share ideas and collaborate on the next big idea is exciting,” Councillor Tiley said.
“I look forward to seeing what evolves from the many programs facilitated by UNE SRI that nurture our region’s forward thinkers and makes their ideas a new business reality.”
UNE SRI will occupy and manage NOVA. The space will be shared with founders who are building their skills and businesses with support from the SRI and its programs, and others keen to utilise the central location and facilities. UNE SRI will also facilitate opportunities and connections for new and established founders, students, researchers and industry to share ideas and collaborate.
The UNE SRI will utilise NOVA to continue exploring possibilities for the region’s economy, and deliver business support programs. It is supported by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments through its Stage Two of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
NOVA is located at 122 Faulkner St, Armidale.
