Innovation hub established in Logan

A new innovation hub was opened in Logan by the Shark Tank’s Steve Baxter.

INNOV8 Logan at the Kingston Butter Factory (KBF) was officially opened on Friday, 14 September.

It will bring together the city’s brightest creators to develop and nurture the city’s innovation ecosystem.

It formalises the Logan Entrepreneurs Group, a collection of representatives from local start-ups, social enterprises, businesses and entrepreneurs, along with Griffith University, Logan City Council and the Queensland Government.

Some of the best ideas to evolve from Logan, such as the PowerWells initiative that began at Substation 33, will be showcased at the launch.

PowerWells has worked in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea installing solar-powered energy ‘wells’, made from recycled material, for charging electronic equipment.

Acting City of Logan Mayor Cherie Dalley said innovation is the key to the city’s future.

“Logan is positioning itself to harness the power of the new economy and INNOV8 is the sort of thing that will turn that ambition into a reality,” Dalley said.

“Bringing together such dynamic and like-minded individuals and groups is an important way to progress their great ideas.”

Minister for Innovation Kate Jones said INNOV8 Logan would foster innovation in the region by connecting start-ups, entrepreneurs, mentors and businesses.

“The Palaszczuk government’s Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP) is about driving regional growth and creating jobs,” Jones said.

“INNOV8 Logan, which is supported by the Redland and Logan region’s $500,000 ARIP project, will serve as a focal point for innovation in the region.

“Through programs like ARIP, the Palaszczuk government is supporting the growth of start-ups throughout Queensland.”

Steve Baxter, Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, Shark Tank judge and the founder of River City Labs, said it was great to see the council backing the group of local entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in Logan City.

“Logan is home to some great businesses, but we need more. Creating a space where start-up founders can collaborate and network is a key part of building an entrepreneurial community,” he said.

City Image and Innovation Chairperson Councillor Laurie Smith said the council is excited by the future and the ideas to be showcased at INNOV8 Logan.

“It’s exciting to think of all the ideas and innovations that this group of inspiring entrepreneurs and mentors will generate,” Smith said.

“That’s why it’s important that they have a way they can get together and share their knowledge, and that’s what INNOV8 Logan provides.

“Council has a vision of a dynamic city of the future and this is how we are going to realise it — by collaborating with and encouraging the sort of businesses that will drive our economic destiny.”

The council has committed $12 million to turn the KBF into an icon of innovation that will attract entrepreneurship, create new business and host world-class events and entertainment.

A website and social channels will be rolled out to support the new hub to connect more budding entrepreneurs and stakeholders to Logan’s innovation ecosystem.

Image credit: ©alphaspirit/Dollar Photo Club

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