UTS extends support to almost 500 student and alumni-run start-ups
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has extended their support to nearly 500 start-ups, making the university’s start-up community the largest in Australia.
The university’s start-up program, known as UTS Start-ups, offers collaboration and office space, industry connections, and a vibrant community to UTS founders, free of charge. The UTS Start-ups community runs on a peer support model, where experienced members help newer entrepreneurs build their start-ups.
“I’m deeply proud that UTS has the desire and capability to build a virtuous cycle of peer learning and inspiration at scale to ensure this number continues to rise and converts into growing employment and learning outcomes, “said Murray Hurps, Director of Entrepreneurship.
The UTS Start-ups community generated 442 paid jobs in 2021. UTS Start-ups also worked with 952 UTS students through internships and in-subject projects, providing real-world learning opportunities to develop entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills.
UTS’s emphasis on innovation and creativity is attracting the next generation of founders. Over half of incoming UTS students in 2021 said they wanted to pursue entrepreneurship during their degree. 8.8 per cent of current UTS students are involved in, or planning to be involved in, a start-up.
The university has also kicked off the UTS Start-ups @ Schools program, where founders will teach entrepreneurship and presentation skills to 10,000 Year 9 and 10 students every year.
UTS Start-ups has also expanded their footprint to the busiest street corner in Sydney on the edge of the UTS campus. Known as UTS Start-ups @ Central, the space hosts events and workshops where founders can show off new products and services to the public.
The space is also part of the activation of the Tech Central precinct, the home of Australia’s tech economy. The precinct – encompassing UTS and adjacent suburbs – integrates industry, research, and education to form Australia’s newest innovation hub.
