I2N Hub Honeysuckle

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.

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.

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.

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).