New technology business incubator opens in WA

A new technology business incubator was opened in Kwinana, WA, today by Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison.

According to the Senator's office, the Incubator will greatly benefit both existing and new WA high technology businesses.

“Incubators are a key part of the government's strategy to provide emerging small businesses with support as they develop and grow to create jobs and boost Australia's capabilities,” said Senator Ellison.

“This facility features the most advanced technology of its kind,” he said.

“There has already been strong interest from WA businesses and organisations in joining the incubator.”

Senator Ellison said that a $538,000 grant from the government helped set up the facility, and that it had 17 specialised work spaces to cater for information and communications technology and R&D businesses, with technical services and equipment for exclusive in-house use.

According to the Senator's office, there were around 1,200 tenant small businesses occupying around 75 incubators around Australia, and around 1,500 had already graduated into to the mainstream business community.

Sydney-based Australian Technology Park, formerly a business incubator (now called a 'business accelerator), defines 'incubators' as organisations that assist start up businesses to commercialise research and development.