Gold Coast Innovation Centre opens new facility

Gold Coast Innovation Centre (GCIC) is expanding its operations with the official opening of its new facility today at Griffith University.

The facility in the new Science Engineering and Architecture building at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus doubles GCIC’s commercial office space and provides flexible workspace for innovative, scalable, knowledge-based businesses in the Gold Coast region, which contribute to future job creation and economic growth in the region.

Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser, Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke and Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor are officially opening the new facility, which will showcase the unique products and services of companies ‘incubating’ within GCIC.

GCIC CEO, Andrew Loch (pictured), said the Centre had grown significantly over the past two years of operation, supporting 13 companies from a broad range of industries.

“The new space allows GCIC to provide broader support to local businesses which have innovative technologies and products with significant market opportunities,” Mr Loch said.

“These emerging companies deliver direct economic benefits to the region from their commercialisation activities.

“The Centre’s vision is to support the success of its clients in order to deliver increased export revenues, investment, knowledge-based jobs and greater interaction between leading research institutions and industry.”

Professor O’Connor said GCIC provided an environment for students to gain exposure to innovative industries and prospective future employers.

“Within GCIC’s first two years of operation, its clients have provided undergraduate work experience and employed new Griffith graduates,” Professor O’Connor said.

Griffith Enterprise Director Nicholas Mathiou said Griffith’s industry links were further strengthened with the presence of GCIC at the Gold Coast campus.

“GCIC offers the University direct interaction with emerging companies, which is valuable for all parties concerned,” Mr Mathiou said.

GCIC is funded by Griffith University, the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.