Eighteen04’s 10th Innovators Lunch was held at the CSIRO Energy Flagship in Mayfield West on 18 March. Initially envisioned as a small, informal social gathering for entrepreneurs, researchers and people passionate about commercialising clean tech and smart cities technologies, the Innovators Lunch has become a powerhouse where over 70 innovators share ideas and make connections.

 

Over time this stand-up lunch that does away with the usual formalities, has given a community of conversationalists the opportunity to bounce around new ideas, make connections and form working relationships. One of the highlights of this forum is the opportunity that it offers individuals to openly dis-cuss and pursue their weekend-preneur projects; often creating the impetus to realise their own startup potential. The co-working infrastructure at Eighteen04 offers a supported launch pad for niche Clean Tech and Smart Cities startups. Over the past twelve months a team of dedicated board members has established this collaborative space located at CSIRO. As Eighteen04 approaches its second year, the plan is to in-crease the resident population to 100 members.

 

Eighteen04’s vision is to become the home of Clean Tech and Smart Cities startup businesses in the Asia Pacific region. Newcastle & the Hunter are well placed to develop world-class tech products for global markets. Industry sponsorship opportunities exist at Eighteen04 to facilitate first-hand engagement with the resident community.