Over 22,000+ innovators in our community

Where entrepreneurs make an impact

CBRIN connects entrepreneurs, SMEs, academia, industry, investors, government and the community in the Canberra region to accelerate innovation that creates real-world impact.

Female Founders

Find out all the details for the next Female Founders Event!

First Wednesday Connect

Find out about the next First Wednesday Connect!

CBRIN Innovation Showcase 2025

CBRIN innovation showcase

Each year CBRIN events attract close to 10 thousand people, culminating with an annual innovation showcase.

First Wednesday connect (at ANU)

Each month First Wednesday Connect activates a node in the network with open access networking and pitching event.

2023 Innovation Showcase

Our members and partners

CBRIN is backed by a growing coalition of world-class higher education institutions, government and industry partners.

ACT Gov logo
ACT Gov logo
KWM logo
Canberra Airport Logo
PWC logo
AIE logo
KWM logo
Canberra Airport Logo
PWC logo
AIE logo

Pathways

Find your community

Whether you're just starting out or scaling new heights, we support innovators at every stage. Learn more about opportunities catered to you through our curated community hub

Programs

Empowering innovators through targeted programs

Programs designed to help you progress on your journey through our innovation ecosystem.

Intro Meetings

Book a free 30-minute meeting with a member of our growth team!

Innovators & entrepreneurs
First Wednesday Connect

FWC is a regular monthly networking event that activates the ACT innovation ecosystem.

Innovators & entrepreneurs
InnovationACT

Students can pitch a business idea to a panel of judges to win from a pool of $10,000 AUD!

Researchers & academics
Griffin Accelerator

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Startup teams
SME Business Accelerator

Join a cohort of business peers for a full day of intensive work on unblocking your business growth.

SMEs
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Idea to Impact

Idea to Impact is designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and drive business growth.

Startup teams
CSIRO ON Prime Team participants with Dr Craig Davis
CSIRO ON Prime

ON Prime equips researchers to explore where their expertise can make the greatest impact.

Researchers & academics
Female Founders

A bi-monthly event dedicated to empowering and inspiring female entrepreneurs in Canberra.

Innovators & entrepreneurs
Innovation Connect Grant

Innovation Connect (ICON) Grant program and provide matched funding between $10,000 and $30,000.

Innovators & entrepreneurs
ACT Social Enterprise Grants delivered by the Mill House

Matched funding from ACT Government of up to $30k targeting early stage social enterprises.

Startup teams
Prototyping Vouchers

Bring your physical prototype to life with a $10,000 voucher.

Innovators & entrepreneurs
Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint

Fast-track your startup with essential skills, knowledge and networks for young entrepreneurs.

Youth & students
Hackathons

Teams of innovators led by expert mentors competing to solve real-world challenges

Corporations & community
SME Breakfast

Are you an ambitious founder of an SME, looking to network and a morning event before work?

SMEs
Accelerating Canberra's Energy Transition (ACET)

Growing and consolidating the ACT's energy innovation ecosystem

Corporations & community
Lunch and Learns

Midday sessions where speakers share knowledge and connect over lunch.

Innovators & entrepreneurs
Mentor & Investor Network

Access experienced mentors and connect with potential investors to grow your venture.

Mentors and investors
Canberra's Innovation Showcase

Annual event showcasing Canberra's innovation community and emerging ventures.

Innovators & entrepreneurs
Growth Lab

We bring in relevant, highly experienced people as our brains trust.

SMEs
Entrepreneur Events

CBRIN hosts events that bring entrepreneurs together with industry experts

Innovators & entrepreneurs
Collaborative Innovation Labs

Bringing diverse groups of people together to solve complex issues.

Researchers & academics
Investor Showcase

An annual event connecting Canberra's innovative companies with investors.

Mentors and investors
GRIST by the Mill House Ventures

Ready to launch your Social Enterprise but need some help getting started? GRIST can help!

SMEs

Events

Upcoming events

Browse our upcoming events

Innovators & entrepreneurs

SME Breakfast February 2026

  • 26 February 2026
  • 8:30pm - 10:00am
    Event Room, Level 5, 1 Moore Street (City Community Health Building) on the corner of Alinga and Moore Street.
Innovators & entrepreneurs

First Wednesday Connect March 2026

  • 4 March 2026
  • 6:00am - 7:30am
    CIT Woden, 36 Bradley Street, Phillip, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Book Launch: Handbook of Innovation Ecosystems | John H. Howard

  • 8 April 2026
  • 3:00am - 5:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Female Founders: Panel

  • 10 March 2026
  • 1:15am - 2:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Online Group Intro Meeting

  • 12 March 2026
  • 12:00am - 1:00am
    Online Meeting
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACET Workshop 1: Electrification

  • 19 March 2026
  • 10:00pm - 2:00am
    Level 4, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint Workshop 1

  • 31 March 2026
  • 5:30am - 8:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACET Zero-Emission-Transport Hackathon

  • 2 April 2026
  • 10:00pm - 6:00am
    University of Canberra (UC), Ann Harding Conference Centre, 24 University Dr S, Bruce ACT 2617
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint Workshop 2

  • 14 April 2026
  • 5:30am - 8:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACET Workshop 2: Grid Resilience & Peak Demand Management

  • 23 April 2026
  • 10:00pm - 2:00am
    ANU Research School of Physics, 60 Mills Rd, Acton ACT 2601
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint Workshop 3

  • 28 April 2026
  • 5:30am - 8:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint Workshop 4

  • 12 May 2026
  • 5:30am - 8:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint Workshop 5

  • 26 May 2026
  • 5:30am - 8:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Canberra Young Entrepreneur Sprint Workshop 6

  • 9 June 2026
  • 5:30am - 8:30am
    Level 5, 1 Moore Street, ACT
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACET Workshop 3: Gas Transition

  • 16 June 2026
  • 10:00pm - 2:00am
    Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden, 36 Bradley Street Phillip, ACT 2606
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACET Workshop 4: Circular Economy

  • 11 August 2026
  • 10:00pm - 2:00am
    UNSW Canberra City Campus, Building J, 37 Constitution Avenue Reid, ACT 2612

Stories

Real people, true stories

Find inspiration and knowledge from those who might be on a similar path to you

Human Connection. Relationships. Customers.
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Human Connection. Relationships. Customers.

For startups and high-ambition innovation companies, one thing is increasingly obvious: your competitive advantage is no longer just about your product or technology. Human connections, relationships and presence with customers are the new driving forces.

Petr Adamek
5 min read
Early retirement doesn't mean never working again
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Early retirement doesn't mean never working again

When you are financially independent, you have plenty of choices. So when Serina was asked if she wanted to return to her old job for a short-term contract that was full-time in the office, she said yes.

external
5 min read
Check out how an ANU startup is about to change hardware as we know it
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Check out how an ANU startup is about to change hardware as we know it

CBRIN
1 min read
Barbell Foods adventure, authenticity and biltong
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Barbell Foods adventure, authenticity and biltong

CBRIN
3 min read
Harold Dimpel

Harold Dimpel

Founder and CEO, Rocket Remit

Michelle Melbourne

Michelle Melbourne

Mentor

Top 5 reasons to join a coworking space
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Top 5 reasons to join a coworking space

There are so many benefits to coworking; Here are the things we love most about working up on Level 5, 1 Moore Street.

CBRIN
3 min read
BoomBox Booth DJ in a box with Dan Rawson, Founder & Director of BoomBox Industries
Innovators & entrepreneurs

BoomBox Booth DJ in a box with Dan Rawson, Founder & Director of BoomBox Industries

We had the pleasure of attending the Idea to Impact 10-week workshop with Dan Rawson, Founder & Director of BoomBox Industries, and no lie – this guy nailed it. Before the program had finished he had the emcee on the phone with CEOs to spruik the business.

CBRIN
5 min read
Canberra start-up changing the world of 3D printing
SMEs

Canberra start-up changing the world of 3D printing

Canberra advanced technology startup Syenta has been listed among top ten 3D printing startups to watch by 3D print.com, an online magazine that covers industry stories to help investors, enterprises, and decision-makers understand and tap into the potential of the rapidly growing additive manufacturing sector.

Petr Adamek
2 min read
New ANU hub to support First Nations innovators
SMEs

New ANU hub to support First Nations innovators

The Australian National University (ANU) has launched a new Indigenous-led innovation hub to develop long-term partnerships and collaborations with First Nations businesses and communities, which already contribute billions of dollars to the Australian economy.

external
3 min read
Canberra companies named in AFR's list of Australia's 50 most innovative
Scaleup leaders

Canberra companies named in AFR's list of Australia's 50 most innovative

The Australian Financial Review last week released its list of Australia’s 50 most innovative companies for 2016, with Canberra based companies Thinkplace and Seeing Machines both making the list, placing 19 and 27 respectively.

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3 min read
8 Innovative Canberra Businesses Awarded $237,000 through the Innovation Connect Grant Program
Innovators & entrepreneurs

8 Innovative Canberra Businesses Awarded $237,000 through the Innovation Connect Grant Program

$237,000 awarded to 8 local innovation businesses in the second round of the 2025 ICON Grant. Three of the funded projects are led by local female founders.

CBRIN
3 min read
So, you’re thinking of coming along to a Female Founders event?
Youth & students

So, you’re thinking of coming along to a Female Founders event?

Excellent choice. You’re about to join a community that’s equally inspiring, energising, and to be perfectly honest, sometimes overwhelming in the best possible way.

Sharyn Smith
3 min read
AI Colab: Action Cluster Ignition Collab Lab
Innovators & entrepreneurs

AI Colab: Action Cluster Ignition Collab Lab

Participants examined seven key landscape rehydration techniques across a range of contexts throughout the workshop, sharing their experiences and building a group understanding of the high-level issues that need to be addressed.

CBRIN
1 min read
ACTNRM Rehydration Collab Lab
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACTNRM Rehydration Collab Lab

Participants examined seven key landscape rehydration techniques across a range of contexts throughout the workshop, sharing their experiences and building a group understanding of the high-level issues that need to be addressed.

CBRIN
1 min read
Swiss Embassy Innovation and Trust Hackathon
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Swiss Embassy Innovation and Trust Hackathon

CBRIN partnered with the Embassy of Switzerland to deliver a two-part innovation program exploring the theme of trust and innovation in the modern day.

external
1 min read
SpaceHack 2023
Innovators & entrepreneurs

SpaceHack 2023

Calling earthlings excited by all things space and space technology! CBRIN has teamed up with UNSW Canberra to launch SpaceHack 2023, a 2 day challenge to develop out of this world ideas.

CBRIN
1 min read
Not-For-Profit Innovation Forum
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Not-For-Profit Innovation Forum

CBRIN partnered with Hands Across Canberra, the University of Canberra and a coalition of sector, research and government partners to deliver the inaugural Not-for-Profit Collaborative Innovation Forum. The forum brought together community organisations, funders, researchers and innovators to build innovation capability in the NFP sector, with loneliness selected as the first annual challenge theme.

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1 min read
Got an innovation idea? This new pilot will help you build it
Startup teams

Got an innovation idea? This new pilot will help you build it

Sixteen Canberra inventors will soon have the means to bring their visions to life, thanks to a new grants program by the capital’s leading innovation institutions.

external
4 min read
2025 End of Year Message from the CEO
Researchers & academics

2025 End of Year Message from the CEO

With over 250 events, across all sectors and stages of maturity of firms, close to 10,000 participants in those events, over 20 programs targeting different needs across the ecosystem, CBRIN brings together people to create an environment in which you can access mentors, customers, partners, investors, collaborators, makers, creatives, researchers, students and other talent and connections.

Petr Adamek
13 min read
Canberra innovator turns natural waste products into useful home compostable items
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Canberra innovator turns natural waste products into useful home compostable items

In December 2020, ANU Research School of Chemistry PhD student Ashwani Kumar set out to achieve the seemingly impossible.

CBRIN
4 min read
Jack Cassidy: 10 Weeks Isn't 10 Weeks
Corporations & community

Jack Cassidy: 10 Weeks Isn't 10 Weeks

This post is about how I’ve grown in my role, what I’ve learned, and why I’m so enthusiastic about embracing change. Spoiler alert: it pays dividends to lean into new experiences and be comfortable with not having all the answers.

CBRIN
4 min read
SME Business Accelerator: Unlocking Potential for Canberra's SMEs
Innovators & entrepreneurs

SME Business Accelerator: Unlocking Potential for Canberra's SMEs

The Accelerator, is the cornerstone of the Canberra Innovation Network’s support to local small businesses to use innovation methods to create better business outcomes.

CBRIN
3 min read
Griffin Accelerator
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Griffin Accelerator

Over the past decade, the GRIFFIN Accelerator has been a cornerstone for entrepreneurship in Canberra, connecting driven founders with seasoned local mentors. By pairing founders with mentors, providing investment, and pushing them to scale ambitiously, the program has become an integral part of our ecosystem.

CBRIN
3 min read
What Is Innovation ACT?
Innovators & entrepreneurs

What Is Innovation ACT?

InnovationACT is an entrepreneurship competition for students and researchers who are looking to gain experience in the world of business.

CBRIN
3 min read
Ken Kroeger

Ken Kroeger

CEO, Activate Capital

Canberra’s OX Rooms joins GRIFFIN Accelerator Program to drive innovation, efficiency, and security in real estate transactions
Mentors and investors

Canberra’s OX Rooms joins GRIFFIN Accelerator Program to drive innovation, efficiency, and security in real estate transactions

OX Rooms delivers unprecedented transparency for buying and selling real estate to agents, lawyers, buyers and sellers setting the stage for industry-wide transformation.

CBRIN
3 min read
The Power of Community in Coworking
Innovators & entrepreneurs

The Power of Community in Coworking

Coworking spaces have become thriving communities that encourage innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.

CBRIN
4 min read
Jen Duggan

Jen Duggan

Founder, Peak Women

9 Local Female led businesses receive funding to launch their innovative projects
Innovators & entrepreneurs

9 Local Female led businesses receive funding to launch their innovative projects

Ben Garrett
3 min read
Turning your Idea to Impact with these innovation skills: Workshop Series with fresh content for 2025
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Turning your Idea to Impact with these innovation skills: Workshop Series with fresh content for 2025

Ben Garrett
2 min read
Shooby Kandel

Shooby Kandel

Co-Founder, What Works Global

Michelle (Chelle) Melbourne

Michelle (Chelle) Melbourne

Founder, Intelledox

10 Innovative Canberra Businesses Awarded $276,500 through the Innovation Connect Grant Program
SMEs

10 Innovative Canberra Businesses Awarded $276,500 through the Innovation Connect Grant Program

Ben Garrett
3 min read
First Wednesday Connect Pitch List October 2025
Innovators & entrepreneurs

First Wednesday Connect Pitch List October 2025

Ben Garrett
1 min read
Meet the team: Kate Stevens
Corporations & community

Meet the team: Kate Stevens

Ben Garrett
2 min read
Claire Manning

Claire Manning

Founder, Magnolia Learning

Australian Catholic University Joins CBRIN as Education Partner
Youth & students

Australian Catholic University Joins CBRIN as Education Partner

Petr Adamek
2 min read
Canberra innovation ecosystem recognised at Global Triple E Awards
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Canberra innovation ecosystem recognised at Global Triple E Awards

Petr Adamek
2 min read
Charles Windsor

Charles Windsor

Founder, Cognitive Advantage

Daiel Shaddock

Dr Daniel Shaddock

Scientists and Founder

ACT Winners of iAwards25: Australia’s longest running innovation recognition program
Innovators & entrepreneurs

ACT Winners of iAwards25: Australia’s longest running innovation recognition program

Ben Garrett
2 min read
Coworking at CBRIN and raising capital: some success stories
Startup teams

Coworking at CBRIN and raising capital: some success stories

Ben Garrett
3 min read
What It Feels Like to Build an Innovation Company in Canberra?
Innovators & entrepreneurs

What It Feels Like to Build an Innovation Company in Canberra?

Challenging journey in a highly supportive ecosystem. What does it take to build an innovation-first entrepreneurial venture in Canberra?

Petr Adamek
6 min read
What is the SME Business Accelerator?
SMEs

What is the SME Business Accelerator?

Ben Garrett
2 min read
Connect with the Canberra Innovation Community
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Connect with the Canberra Innovation Community

Petr Adamek
3 min read
Canberra scale-ups have a new home base in the heart of the city
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Canberra scale-ups have a new home base in the heart of the city

Ben Garrett
1 min read
2024 End of year CEO message
Innovators & entrepreneurs

2024 End of year CEO message

We create impact together as a collective of entrepreneurs, innovators, business owners, educators, researchers, partners, mentors, investors, government and community organisations.

Petr Adamek
18 min read
Phillipa Leggo – Where are they now?
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Phillipa Leggo – Where are they now?

We sat down with Phillipa Leggo, to hear about what has changed since we last interviewed her about the SCOTT LEGGO business.

CBRIN
6 min read
Zoe Piper

Zoe Piper

Entrepreneur

Catherine Carter

Catherine Carter

Founder, Salon Canberra

PV Labs: Leading Australia in solar renewable energy
Innovators & entrepreneurs

PV Labs: Leading Australia in solar renewable energy

As the ACT moves to net-zero emissions by 2045, Canberra’s innovative start-up culture is well placed to help meet this target. We spoke with Lawrence McIntosh, co-founder and director of PV Labs, on how the Energy Innovation Fund is supporting Canberra companies in the transition to renewable energy.

CBRIN
4 min read
HYREA: Driving a hydrogen powered Canberra
Innovators & entrepreneurs

HYREA: Driving a hydrogen powered Canberra

The ACT transitions to net-zero emissions by 2045, Canberra’s strong and vibrant energy innovation and start up culture is well placed to help reach this target. HYREA, a Canberra-based technology pioneer working to make green hydrogen a viable alternative to fossil fuel, is contributing to this goal with the help of the ACT Government’s Energy Innovation Fund (the Fund).

CBRIN
4 min read
Fatigue Hack
Innovators & entrepreneurs

Fatigue Hack

Fatigue Hack, a 48-hour hackathon organised by CBRIN and the Australian Trucking Association in 2018. Seeking solutions to address and manage fatigue in long-haul drivers, Fatigue Hack brought together nine teams to tackle the challenge.

CBRIN
1 min read

Coworking

Looking for an inspiring space to work, collaborate and connect?

Right at the heart of Canberra city, we have a space for your unlimted potential and growth.

Spaces

Spaces for entrepreneurs and innovators

The Canberra innovation community offers a variety of spaces and facilities to help you start. build and grow your next ambitious projects or initiative. CBRIN connects a growing network of hubs that offer innovation infrastructure and support for people to start, build and contribute to growth of ACT innovation companies.

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Collaboration Partner

Agrifood Innovation Institute (ANU)

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

Spacecubed

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

Game Plus (AIE)

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

Film Plus (AIE)

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

iAccelerate

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

ANU Makerspace

Innovation space
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Collaboration Partner

Mill House Ventures

Innovation space
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Collaboration Partner

Collab Brindabella

Innovation space
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Collaboration Partner

National Electric Vehicle Centre Of Excellence

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

Workshop 7

Innovation space
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Ecosystem Actor

Innovation Central Canberra

Innovation space

Impact of the Canberra Innovation Network

Success measured by tangible statistics

When we work together as a collective, the impacts multiply across the network. Read our Impact report to understand better how we encourage entrepreneurs across the ecosystem to grow companies that can change our world for better from the Canberra region..

1615

Jobs supported in 2024. This figure includes both direct and indirect impacts of the activity attributable to CBRIN.

$900M

Cummulative impact of the network on the Gross State Product of the Australian Capital Territory between 2014 and 2024.

$195M

Economic contribution to GSP of the ACT attributable to CBRIN in 2024 alone.

$57

Ecnomic return on every $1 of cash invested by ACT Government in CBRIN

Book an intro session with us
Learn more about the possibilities with us by booking a chat with us at no cost!