Adelaide University will play a central role in strengthening South Australia's ability to drive sovereign innovation, as operator of the state's $24.5 million Innovation Hub at Lot Fourteen.
The University was selected for the role through a competitive Expression of Interest process because of its outstanding education, research and innovation credentials as a top 100 globally ranked university.
Supported by the Australian and South Australian governments, the Innovation Hub will be a dynamic space supporting more effective translation and commercialisation of research and technology in South Australia.
Located within the new Defence HQ at Lot Fourteen, the Hub will serve as a gateway to South Australia’s 20 innovation places, including Tonsley Innovation District, Edinburgh Defence Precinct, and Adelaide BioMed City.
"The Innovation Hub at Lot Fourteen is exactly the kind of progressive project that Adelaide University has been created to support, bringing together industry, government and academic expertise to advance South Australia’s strengths and opportunities," Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Nicola Phillips said.
"We are delighted to have the chance to guide and shape this significant collaboration, and we are excited by the huge potential to transform industries, drive economic growth, and focus South Australia’s expertise on global challenges."
The Hub, which will span 2500m², will feature curated, flexible workspaces, collaboration zones, and event areas designed to drive innovation while facilitating stronger connections between research and industry in technologies critical to the development of the South Australian economy.
"Initiatives like the Innovation Hub play a vital role in creating a vibrant future for our State, and that makes this a top priority for Adelaide University," Professor Phillips said.
Construction of Defence HQ is scheduled for completion in late 2028, with the Hub opening in early 2029. It will share its building with the Australian Defence Technologies Academy, SpaceBase, and BAE Systems Australia.
"The pace of technological advancement is creating unprecedented opportunities to deliver solutions that improve lives, strengthen economies, and address global challenges where South Australia is globally competitive," Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
"These challenges demand bold thinking and collaborative action, which is why my Government is investing in innovation.
"The Innovation Hub will build stronger connections between research and industry in technologies critical to the development of the South Australian economy.
"By harnessing world-class research and industry expertise, the Innovation Hub will accelerate the translation of ideas into real-world applications, driving productivity and economic growth for South Australia."
Operated by Adelaide University, IH is enabled through collaboration with its partners and supported by funding from the Australian and South Australian governments.
The Innovation Hub is supported by funding from the Australian and South Australian governments via the Adelaide City Deal and is operated by Adelaide University.