Sponsors are a huge part of Hackagong. Without the generous contributions from our sponsors, we wouldn’t be running this awesome Hackathon! This is Sponsor Watch, where we take a quick look at one of our sponsors.

Company: iAccelerate
Company Website: www.iaccelerate.com.au

Location:

Currently in the Mike Codd Building, Level 1, on Innovation Campus, Squires Way, North Wollongong. We are moving into the iAccelerate Centre, the region’s first purpose-built high-tech incubator.

The three-story, 4,000 square metre iAccelerate Centre will feature ‘plug and go’ expandable space for more than 280 entrepreneurs at UOW’s Innovation Campus.

Number of Employees: 6

What does your company do?

iAccelerate is a University of Wollongong initiative that is tailored to help build and grow your business. The iAccelerate program is designed around a robust educational program, formalised business acceleration monitoring and one-to-one mentoring.

iAccelerate offers startups the unique opportunity to partner with a university comprising over 30,000 students, 2,000 staff and a significant portfolio of faculties and business units. UOW activities generate over $2 billion in economic activity each year and it is an extraordinary partner to have on your path to success.

iAccelerate utilises a multi-faceted approach to accelerating sustainable business growth to deliver the greatest economic impact. We offer a two stream program with up to a three-year incubation period – unique in the Australian startup landscape.

How did your company first get started? What’s the origin story?

We got started with iAccelerate as we saw an untapped resource in the University and in the Illawarra region generally. We have a highly technical University in UOW and we have a passionate and proud community in the Illawarra region that is undergoing massive economic changes. The perfect recipe for change makers and innovators to bring about meaningful change and deliver a new future to the region.

Why did you sponsor Hackagong 2015?

This will be the 3rd year we have been a sponsor of Hackagong and as always we are excited and inspired by all things innovative.

We are keen to support all activities in the Illawarra that encourage creativity, thinking that challenges the status quo and building community. These are all things that Hackagong does so we will always be strong supporters of this event.

Has your company ever held internal hackathons?

We are an incubator / accelerator for Startup Businesses in the Illawarra, so there is a lot of Hacking going on with the iAccelerate Resident businesses.

What is the most awesome thing or project your company has done?

• Built an innovation ecosystem in the Illawarra from the ground up.
  Secured $16.5 Million to construct the iAccelerate Centre – the funding for the Centre was part of the Restart Illawarra Infrastructure Fund.
• – Supported over 40 companies since launch
  – Created over 70 startup jobs
  – 45% of iAccelerate startups have a female co-founder
  – 10 Million seed fund approved by Innovation Australia

What’s an internal/industry problem your company would like to solve?

Economic diversity and prosperity in the Illawarra – provide the opportunity for the Illawarra to have a self determined future.

What are you most looking forward to at Hackagong 2015?

The amazing ideas that will come out of the weekend. The passion of the participants and the community it builds around innovation.

Are you currently hiring and if so, what type of person are you looking for?

We are currently hiring – looking for COO for the new iAccelerate Centre: UoW Employment

What trending technology are you most excited for over the next 5 years?

Computing Everywhere – As smart-phone technology advances, smart-phones will be used in new contexts and environments. Along with wearables, smart-phones will offer connected screens in the workplace and in public. User experience will be key.

Internet of Things (IOT) – but lets think about it in the real value it brings and that is the awesome data IOT will bring into play. So it will be more the Internet of Data and meaningful to boot.

Hackagong and WITS thanks iAccelerate for supporting our event! Without them Hackagong would not be possible.