Fire Station 101 seeks innovative solutions

29 May 2019

Ipswich City Council’s innovation hub Fire Station 101 has worked with more than 180 start-up businesses, which have secured $600,000-plus in initial investment and spawned 15 new companies, while hosting more than 150 events since 2016.

Council’s Economic Development Manager Paul Massingham said the council owned incubator was about to undergo an innovative transformation, with an expression of interest going out to attract potential partners.

“The transfer and integration of Fire Station 101 into council’s Office of Economic Development has maximised council’s investment and resources in the delivery of innovation, business accelerator, technology and smart city activities delivering increased economic, workforce and community outcomes,” Mr Massingham said.

“As we look to the future of Fire Station 101, a review of community needs, market factors and operating models has lead the team to explore alternative ways to deliver relevant products and services through Fire Station 101 as a centre of excellence that grows knowledge, encourages collaboration and develops skills to drive social and economic outcomes for Ipswich.

“Consequently an expression of interest for Fire Station 101 partners is recommended, seeking proposals from organisations to deliver products and services that will improve and enhance community knowledge and skills to build business capability.”

Mr Massingham said the EOI would seek management or service delivery options for Fire Station 101; development, deliver and coordinate products and services such as programs, activities, and events focused on knowledge and skill and capability development of FS101 members and the community; raise the profile of and promote it to industry, business and the community; identify and pursue alternative funding opportunities.

“Fire Station 101 builds the capability to innovate through being an innovation precinct that grows knowledge, encourages collaboration and develops skills to drive social and economic outcomes for Ipswich,” he said.

“The purpose of the proposed EOI is to seek proposals from organisations to partner with Fire Station 101 with the intent to deliver products and services that will improve or enhance knowledge and skills to build innovation capability.”

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