FIXE at Lot Fourteen will help position South Australia as a world leader for start-ups, and was officially launched yesterday by His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, The Duke of York KG, Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Industry and Skills, David Pisoni.

Lot Fourteen, being developed on the seven hectare site of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital, is an innovation neighbourhood where thousands will work and stay when it is fully established in the next five years. With a strong focus on deep technology sectors, Lot Fourteen is the ideal home for FIXE, which will offer up to 650 work spaces to entrepreneurs and start-ups across multiple buildings.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Premier Marshall said the South Australian government had an ambition for the state to have the highest rate of business start-ups of any state in Australia.

“A smaller state like South Australia provides the ideal environment for entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and this hub will give them the necessary tools and allow easier collaboration, which will ultimately let them thrive in fast growing industries including cyber security, defence, space and robotics.

“It will help increase entrepreneurial activity, employment and economic growth across South Australia and keep our state at the forefront of global innovation and enterprise.”

The Premier also announced that the newly established Entrepreneurship Advisory Board would help curate FIXE@Lot Fourteen. Members of the board include:

• Co-Founder and Director Suntrix Solar, Jenny Paradiso
• Partner and Co-Founder of 11point2, George Freney
• Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Dtex Systems, Mohan Koo
• Managing Director of Jumpgate Virtual Reality, Anton Andreacchio
• Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Space Technologies, Flavia Tata Nardini
• Director of Stilmark Telecommunications, Steven Butler.

Industry and Skills Minister David Pisoni said FIXE@LotFourteen and the board would showcase and champion South Australian businesses, entrepreneurial talent and their impact.

“Engagement with our entrepreneurial community will ensure the best and most effective support is provided,” Minister Pisoni said.

“We want those with imagination and initiative to take a leap, to bring their ideas to life and to build and grow their businesses here in South Australia.”

FIXE@Lot Fourteen will be an environment where:

• new entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported to develop their ideas
• existing businesses are encouraged to explore new technologies to build on their established success
• investors can readily identify opportunities to back emerging and growing businesses
• successful entrepreneurs can mentor and guide future entrepreneurs.