Transforming ideas into impact through Live Ideas

The workshop, Innovating for People, Planet and Profit, will give business owners with an interest in sustainability the opportunity to hear how others have navigated their innovation journeys and access mentorship as they conceive what could be possible for their business.

The panel will include Chief Operating Officer at ZeroCo Sandy Morrow, Founder of Synthesis Organics Theme Rains, and entrepreneurship and innovation lecturer at Southern Cross University Dr Owen Hogan, and will be moderated by Facilitator at Sourdough Business Pathways Ashleigh Camm. The event will be delivered in partnership with Sourdough Business Pathways.

The initiative is part of Live Idea’s Innovate Series, a program that supports businesses through specialised workshops on topics such as Intellectual Property and Commercialisation; and Who is Driving Change for the Better: Customers or Business? 

Absorbing what was previously known as the University’s Enterprise Lab, Live Ideas aims to transform ideas into impact, collaborating with industry, community, researchers and educators to activate their ideas and create positive change.

The initiative is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Boosting Business Innovation Program.

Southern Cross University Vice President (Engagement) Mr Ben Roche said the launch of Live Ideas is an exciting opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with local industry.

“It is through the University’s deep connection with business and industry that we can realise our ambitions for impact. This important funding from the NSW Government further propels this work and enables collaboration with organisations that share our values of innovation, radical thinking and a passion for positive change,” Mr Roche said.

“These initiatives reflect our long-standing commitment to boosting business innovation, which is highlighted through our dynamic business courses, our on-campus business hub in partnership with Business NSW and our strong partnerships with industry large and small across our region.”

Sourdough Business Pathways General Manager Mr Jeremy Dufner said the NSW Government’s Boosting Business Innovation Program delivered through Live Ideas is crucial to the Northern Rivers region as we look to build a resilient future.

“Sourdough is pleased to partner with Southern Cross University to deliver the Innovate Series to support local businesses through specialised workshops that leverage the business expertise of the Sourdough network,” said Mr Dufner.

“We are looking forward to working collaboratively to drive innovation and activate business in our region as a force for good. Our expertise and insights have assisted over 120 entrepreneurs and founders to grow their businesses, attract new investment and employ people locally – a track record we look to continue in our partnership with Southern Cross.”

The launch of Live Ideas follows the introduction of the Bachelor of Business and Enterprise at the Lismore campus in 2023 with a $15,000 scholarship for students who enrol in the course on-campus at Lismore next year.

The Boosting Business Innovation Program is part of a 5-year Innovation Partnership between Southern Cross University and the NSW Government. Other projects to be rolled out as part of Live Ideas include an Impact Forum, a professional development program for researchers and HDR students, and NSW-curriculum aligned resources for schools. 

Innovating for People, Planet and Profit will take place at the Business Hub, A Block Level 3 at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus on Thursday 1 December 2022 from 12pm.

Visit the Live Ideas website for upcoming events and latest news.

Media contact: Southern Cross University media and content team, [email protected]