Mr Jim Whalley, co-founder and Chairman of international defence company Nova Systems, will work gratis a few days each week from Adelaide’s newest creation and innovation neighbourhood, Lot Fourteen.

A former RAAF fighter pilot and graduate of the US’s prestigious Harvard University, Whalley believes there Australia needs to improve its capability to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses that create jobs and promote economic growth, along with a shift in how we perceive success and failure.

Of Mr Whalley’s credentials and capacity, Minister for Industry and Skills, The Hon David Pisoni said, “He is an outstanding business person with the right skills to help raise the profile of South Australia as the best state in the nation to start and grow a successful business.”

The Entrepreneurship Advisory Board will oversee Lot Fourteen’s innovation, incubation, start-up and growth hub with the support of the Office of the Chief Entrepreneur.

As a result of the state’s new entrepreneurial model, the work of start-up support agency, TechInSA will wind down, with services and support provided to start-ups transitioned to the new Office of the Chief Entrepreneur. All previously established business tenancies and grants will be honoured.

Minister Pisoni acknowledged the contribution of TechInSA in supporting SA’s bioscience and high-tech entrepreneurs, in particular the role of outgoing Chief Innovator, Dr Tom Hadju, in the Gig City Adelaide initiative.

> Read the Department for Industry and Skills media release here