For over 10 years, we have worked with public and private sector clients to design and deliver high-impact business support programs.
We assist local and state governments, regional economic development agencies, universities and private businesses to design and implement innovation projects to boost business growth, jobs and investment.
Our services include:
Mapping and developing Regional Innovation Ecosystems.
Business cases to inform potential investment in major innovation projects.
Facilitating major grant applications for innovation projects.
Workshops to support the growth of startups and SMEs.
Consulting in the design and development of innovation hubs.
University and VET sector entrepreneurship programs.
Accelerator programs, experience includes designing and delivering the Sunramp Healthtech Accelerator.
Causeway’s founder has direct experience establishing and managing two successful Innovation Centres in the UK and Australia.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Developing a Regional Innovation Ecosystem
High impact Accelerator programs
Developing Innovation Hubs or Precincts
Business cases to inform investment decisions for major innovation projects
Coordinating funding bids
University entrepreneurship programs
Colin Graham, Andrew Stead and Chris Burnett - finals judges - with the winning TANDA team in the QUT bluebox 2014 Innovation Challenge.
Developing a regional innovation ecosystem
WHY WORK WITH US
Experienced
We have developed award winning and high impact innovation hubs and programs in the UK and Australia.
Informed
We have researched and visited major innovation projects across the world and understand factors for success.
Networked
We have an extensive international network with expertise across a wide range of areas relating innovation.
High value outcomes
We deliver practical, high value outcomes for clients - based on experience, the latest industry developments and research.
Advisory services
DEVELOPING STARTUP COMMUNITIES
Format: 12 month development program
Startups play a vital role in regional economies and make a critical contribution to job growth.
Startups are one key component of a wider Innovation Ecosystem that also includes small and mid sized businesses, larger businesses and supporting organisations.
Based on the the first-hand experience in the development of the Sunshine Coast Innovation Ecosystem and learnings from other regions, Causeway has developed a 12-month program to accelerate the development of regional innovation and has assisted in the development of startup initiatives in the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Bundaberg and Gympie regions.
DEVELOPING INNOVATION HUBS
Many cities and regions worldwide seek opportunities to support local businesses growth and create new, innovative and sustainable employment opportunities.
An Innovation Hub is a regional centre of innovation, technology, business education and quality job creation. A Hub can provide an inspiring work environment, fast-speed broadband, flexible meeting, networking and event spaces and services such as video conferencing and 3D printing. Leading Hubs have in-house entrepreneurial support, a strong network of mentors, investors and service firms.
An Innovation Hub is much more than bricks and mortar. It may house 20 or 30 businesses but can impact several hundred businesses across the wider city or region yearly via events, programs, and leveraging resources and network connections.
Causeway Innovation is well placed to assist communities in creating world-class innovation hubs with first-hand experience in designing and managing award-winning centres in the UK and Australia and with strong connections to many other leading international centres.
Key focus areas
Developing an action plan and communication channels
Events and mentoring program
Building a network of entrepreneurs, supporters and investors
Building the profile of the region for innovative businesses
Building a positive network and culture
Key focus areas
Develop business case and business model
Identify target industries and business needs
Facility requirements and site selection
Operating model, governance, key activities
Financial model – capital and operating budgets, accessing grant funding
REGIONAL INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
Business success rarely happens in isolation, and innovation is much more likely to happen when businesses interact, collaborate and tap into assets in the broader environment. A Regional Innovation Ecosystem can provide a dynamic environment to help businesses thrive.
Revitalising regions through innovation
Innovation has always been a driver for growth. At the regional level, it is vital to build networks of key players, including entrepreneurs, investors, professional service providers, and education and research institutes. Regions must also make the most of their location and develop the hard and soft infrastructure and resources to support entrepreneurs – from culture to co-working spaces and internet connectivity.
Causeway Innovation helps regions to develop innovation ecosystems by assessing the current situation, identifying, mapping and involving key players, and focusing on the core ingredients that help to foster thriving innovation ecosystems - including talent, density, culture, capital and government policies.
Key focus areas
Mapping and measuring the existing innovation ecosystem
Entrepreneurs perceptions of ecosystem and key services
Identifying key opportunities and priorities.
Developing a roadmap or action plan
Support implementation, including network and communication platforms
Key focus areas
Structured process to inform decisions on major projects
Investment in innovation projects - e.g. major facilities, regional and education programs
Learning from international best practices to boost your chances of success
Develop a comprehensive business case to support funding applications
BUSINESS CASES FOR NEW PROJECTS
Causeway Innovation has developed business cases to inform multimillion-dollar investment decisions on major projects, all with an innovation angle. Clients have included a private developer, University and the WA State Government.
We provide a detailed confidential report and can facilitate workshops with the client project team and stakeholders to input on the process and present recommendations.
The business case process typically involves:
Briefing from client - purpose, key issues, decision-making process and timings
The assessment of a specific opportunity and assumptions
Community consultation and input
Learning from national and international experience
Identifying key benefits and risks
Assessment of financial feasibility
Analysis of alternative options
Recommendations
Key focus areas
Student entrepreneurship education and training, university & VET sectors
Business incubator and accelerator programs
Education and business engagement
Innovation Precincts
UNIVERSITY INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROJECTS
Universities and the VET sector are increasingly interested in developing innovation and entrepreneurship programs for students, alumni and staff. Students' changing career aspirations drive this, the modern global economy, the rise of technology and government innovation policies to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Education programs
Causeway Innovation has direct experience developing student entrepreneurship programs in the UK and Australia - as part of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities - for students from all disciplines, from undergraduates to MBAs.
Supporting entrepreneurs
Activities to support student and graduate entrepreneurs include mentoring, special events, business incubators, coworking or maker spaces, accelerator programs, innovation challenges, networking and linking with the local startup ecosystem, including professional service firms and potential investors.
“Investing in an ecosystem requires a hard look at structures that are unique to - and work for - a specific community, rather than replicating the blindspots of other ecosystems.”