PURPOSE /

Social entrepreneurs develop, fund and implement solutions that effect real and lasting change to social, cultural, or environmental issues. The iAccelerate 4IMPACT Conference aims to inspire and engage the next generation of social entrepreneurs, inspired to putting their energy and passion into solving a meaningful issue that will contribute to our society and/or to make our environment more sustainable.

OUTCOME /

Activation of a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors passionate about finding unique ways to create sustainable solutions to global, national or local pressing social issues.

WHY / iAccelerate and the University of Wollongong

iAccelerate is a dedicated regional entrepreneurial incubator and accelerator facility with over 60 current resident companies run by the University of Wollongong. It aims to create a new generation of businesses that helps address local and global issues and create opportunities for the region and beyond. 

The University is well placed to play an active role in social enterprise. Its Global Challenges Program is a strategic research initiative that is focused on transformative interdisciplinary research that touches people’s lives and changes worlds.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND/ 

Entrepreneurs, Investors, Government Policy Makers, Researchers, Students, and anyone inspired to make significant and lasting changes for the betterment of society.

THE LOCATION / 

University of Wollongong, iAccelerate Centre, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, North Wollongong. Wollongong is a regional gateway to the Southern NSW coast and well placed with close links to Sydney, Canberra, and to smaller regional communities across a large geographic region.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS /

We have a number of confirmed speakers at the forefront of sustainability and social enterprise including: 

Jason Graham-Nye / Co-founder, CEO, gDiapers | gNappies | gCycleCircular 
Circular Economy & Cradle to Cradle product design pioneer 

Known for his entrepreneurial success and vision, Jason Graham-Nye is a recognised green business leader, and is the co-founder and CEO of gDiapers. Jason has a passion for disruptive innovation in product design, company culture and the venture capital world. Read more

Pollinate Energy

Pollinate Energy is an Australian and Indian social business that is working to bring life changing products to the people that need them most: those experiencing energy poverty in India's city slums. They recruit and train disadvantaged women and men to become 'Pollinators', who distribute solar lights , efficient cookstoves and water filters via interest free payment plans, in impoverished communities across 5 Indian cities. As of May 2018, they have merged with US-based social business Empower Generation, who supports women entrepreneurs in Nepal to set up their own solar businesses in rural areas. The combined impact of these two innovative, last mile distribution social businesses is over 430,000 people, and they are on track to reach 1 million people by 2020. Read more

Prof Joe Steensma / Academic / Washington University / St Louis
Professor of Practice in Environmental Health and Social Entrepreneurship

Prior to his academic career, Joe was active in business and public affairs. He founded Industrial Solutions Group (ISG), which grew to become one of the premier occupational and environmental health companies in the US. Joe specializes in social entrepreneurism, environmental / occupational health, and biostatistics. He is passionate about sustainability and the role enterprise plays in advancing societies. Read more

Kate Swaffer / Chair, CEO, Co-Founder, Dementia Alliance International 
SA Australian of the Year 2017 / AFR 100 Women of Influence 2016

Kate is Chair, CEO and co-founder of Dementia Alliance International, a global group for people living with dementia. Kate has made a human rights based approach to dementia her focus, to reduce stigma and to improve the care and the quality of life for the estimated 50 million people living with dementia. Kate is changing the way the world views dementia. Read more

With many more speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.