The chief executive of the recently-formed LaunchVic has made her first visit to the North East, touring a number of sites developing entrepreneurial projects.
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Kate Cornick has headed the start-up agency, formed by the Victorian government in 2016, for the last 18 months.
“In that time we’ve launched a strategy which in part focuses on diversity and inclusion, and part of that is to ensure we’re driving businesses outside of the city,” she said.
“Ninety-seven per cent of Victorian start-ups are based in Melbourne’s CBD and we want to make sure people can launch start-ups no matter where they choose to live.”
Dr Cornick visited the Australian Centre for Regional Entrepreneurship and the Old Beechworth Gaol, Wangaratta’s VEX Robotics students, and the Innovation Hub at GOTAFE which has been up and running for six months.
Hub co-ordinator Craig Murphy said the “one-stop-shop” gave people access to technology and a range of digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters and 3D scanners.
“It’s about allowing people to access digital technology in all its forms; whether it’s how you pay a bill online, use a 3D printer or create a web-page for a business,” he said.
“It’s really trying to open up the world of digital fabrication to everyone but also, we’re really looking at new start-ups that can design an idea, develop a prototype using our equipment and then market it.
“We saw the need for something like this – you look at the digital inclusion index across the region and it’s quite low.
“We’ve run pilot programs and now we’re trying to make sure we meet all the TAFE requirements to put those courses in place, and hoping to get our new range of courses up and running by June.”
GOTAFE is also involved in the Wangaratta Digital Hub, which received $300,000 in the Victorian budget for a feasibility study, and Dr Cornick toured the preferred site in the library as part of her visit yesterday.
“There’s great opportunity in Wangaratta, Benalla and Wodonga to really think about how they can leverage the core strengths of local community,” she said.
“I’ve heard a lot about tourism, agriculture and expertise in digital health and I can see a lot of potential – I’m looking forward to coming back to the North East.”
LaunchVic is also a funding agency and is currently reviewing applications from local councils, with another round for Indigenous entrepreneurship closing in a fortnight’s time.
