Western Sydney University and UTS sign MOU on business incubator programs

Two universities have signed a deal aimed at driving world-class research and jobs in western Sydney, which will be home to the new airport and a million new residents in the next 20 years.

Western Sydney University's planned Bankstown City campus. Picture: Supplied

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Two universities have signed an agreement to help create postgraduate teaching opportunities and drive research and entrepreneurship in western Sydney.

Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-locate their respective business incubator programs at the former’s planned Bankstown CBD campus.

The deal aims to unlock the region’s potential for large-scale start-up activity, with communities, industry and business set to benefit from the opportunities.

The two universities will co-locate their respective business incubator programs at the Bankstown campus. Picture: Supplied

Under the agreement, there is also the potential for the delivery of postgraduate courses and micro-credentials for those working in start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialisation.

Both universities said such partnerships were vital for governments to deliver on targets for thousands more new-knowledge jobs in western Sydney.

Western Sydney University vice-chancellor Barney Glover said the region will be home to another million people in the next 20 years, contributing more than half of Sydney’s overall expected population growth.

“It is also the centre for some of the most transformational infrastructure projects in our nation’s history – most notably, the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Aerotropolis,” Professor Glover said.

UTS and Western Sydney University sign an MOU for a Bankstown development partnership. Pictured are: Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown Khal Asfour, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Technology Sydney Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University Professor Barney Glover AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President (Research & Innovation), Western Sydney University Professor Deborah Sweeney.

“We are very pleased to partner with UTS and harness our universities’ collective expertise, particularly in business incubation, to realise the exciting potential of the region – driving more hi-tech innovation and investment, and creating the high-value jobs that are so essential for the region’s and nation’s productivity.”

University of Technology Sydney vice-chancellor Attila Brungs said important elements of the deal included accessible short courses and postgraduate opportunities for those working in the start-up sector and collaboration with business and industry on translational research.

“Importantly, our partnership with Western Sydney University strongly aligns with the Australian Government’s ‘Smart City’ objectives – transforming the region’s central business districts into vibrant hubs for employment, creative, entrepreneurial activity and industry engagement,” Professor Brungs said.