I2N Hub Honeysuckle

🎯 What They Do

I2N Hub Honeysuckle is a dynamic coworking space situated in Newcastle, Australia, serving as a core component of the University of Newcastle's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N).

• ●Established in 2016, the I2N aims to catalyse regional transformation by fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports enterprise skill development, new venture creation, and scale-ups.
• ●The Hub, officially opened in 2022 and housed within the Q Building, is celebrated as the epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Hunter region.
• ●The Q Building holds the distinction of being the region's first 6-Star Green Star rated building, reflecting a commitment to sustainability alongside innovation.

📖 Their Story

I2N Hub Honeysuckle caters to a broad spectrum of innovators, including pre-startups, early-stage startups, scale-ups, researchers, students, and ambitious entrepreneurs from both the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

• ●A key differentiating factor is its accessibility, as programs and coworking spaces are open to all eligible founders, regardless of their affiliation with the University of Newcastle.
• ●The Hub offers a diverse range of facilities and services designed to nurture business growth.
• ●These include a free Innovation Common on the ground floor for pre-startups, equipped with an innovation concierge service, meeting rooms, and a flexible event space.
• ●The facility also houses a Maker Space, seminar areas, and an Incubator on level three providing paid coworking and private offices for developing startups and scale-ups.

⚡ What Sets Them Apart

Beyond physical space, I2N Hub Honeysuckle provides comprehensive support through various programs such as the Pre-Accelerator, Accelerator, Cleantech Accelerator, Healthtech Accelerator, and the FLIP program, specifically designed to support female leaders and entrepreneurs.

• ●These programs offer mentorship, access to customers, coaching, and capital, facilitating the validation and scaling of ventures.
• ●A Venture Mentor Service, modelled after MIT's program, connects entrepreneurs with experienced volunteers.
• ●Members also benefit from perks like access to the University library, Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom Pro, and partner benefits including HubSpot, Stripe, and Airwallex.

🏆 Track Record

I2N's commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem has earned significant recognition.

• ●In 2025, the University of Newcastle's I2N was named Australia's most recommended startup accelerator by Startup Muster, the nation's largest survey of its kind.
• ●Since its inception in 2016, I2N has supported 188 startups and small businesses, collectively raising over $62.7 million in capital, creating 280 jobs, and contributing $44.1 million in wages to the regional economy.
• ●In 2024, I2N was awarded "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year" at the Asia Pacific Triple E Awards.
• ●Siobhan Curran, Acting Director of Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship, was also recognised as "Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year" and received the "People's Choice award" at the 2023 Asia Pacific Triple E Awards.
• ●The leadership team includes Siobhan Curran, Richard Berry (Acting Senior Manager, Entrepreneurship), Nick Stevens (Manager, Pre-Startup Programs), and Tayla Furey (Coordinator, Pre-Startup Programs).