Technological Entrepreneurs

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:37): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Science and Information Economy a question about support for technological entrepreneurs.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: In his economic priority statement in August this year, the Premier strongly emphasised the need to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. It has never been easy for young people with an idea that they believe has business potential to turn that dream into a tangible business. Can the minister inform the house about how technological entrepreneurs are being supported?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:38): I thank the honourable member for his important question. The South Australian government is committed to supporting innovation through jobs growth. Part of the $2.68 million investment in our jobs plan will be directed towards supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs who deliver jobs, innovation, and social and economic prosperity to South Australia.

One such initiative is to invest $400,000 into Adelaide-based Majoran, Adelaide's largest co-working hub for tech start-ups. Start-ups and co-working spaces are a popular model for very early stage businesses making the transition from an idea to business, particularly for young people working in the digital and online domain. The concept, which has origins in the manner in which many of the large global online enterprises such as Google and Facebook started, creates an intense workplace in which ideas and products are generated, finessed and brought to the market-ready stage.

Established in 2012 by Michael Reid, Chhai Thach and William Chau, Majoran is the first of Adelaide's tech co-working community, boasting 40 members across 20 businesses that employ the equivalent of 38 full-time employees. As a group their combined turnover last year was around $2.5 million. Majoran, based in Grenfell Street, hosts a space for entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups to work together, receive training and mentoring, and meet with like-minded professionals to develop and market their ideas.

This commitment will provide $100,000 annually over four years supporting industry-led skills training and national connection building with South Australia's start up community. The training programs conducted by industry are in response to the needs of the entrepreneurial community, for example, technical training, business development, as well as national and international industry speakers presenting things like case studies and latest updates and such.

Majoran already delivers the state government's industry program, MEGA, which provides entrepreneurs with access to a network of mentors offering strategic advice and industry perspective. The government's four-year funding commitment will also help Majoran to deliver a range of other events including HackFest in October and a continuation of the successful SouthStart conference in February 2005. SouthStart is expected to attract more than 50 exhibitors and 600 delegates from across the country. It will connect and promote local, improve linkages, and encourage industry to develop strategies to boost entrepreneurship.

As a test bed for new ideas and ventures, Adelaide has many natural advantages, and this will be enhanced further by resources such as our AdelaideFree wi-fi network and the recently proposed Internet of Things Innovation Hub. The government's $400,000 commitment will continue to showcase the work Majoran is doing to build robust and resilient local entrepreneur networks, fill knowledge gaps and bring a roster of experienced entrepreneurs to Adelaide. The South Australian government is proud to be supporting such a dynamic and passionate organisation as Majoran. They were an exceptional group of young people and I very much enjoyed my visit to their rooms a couple of weeks ago. I look forward to keeping members updated about the development of our local entrepreneur ecosystem.

The Hon. R.L. Brokenshire interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I do not want to interrupt your conversation, the Hon. Mr Brokenshire, but you have the next question.