Stronger together:  The University of Wollongong’s iAccelerate joins forces with the Lisbon business incubator Startup Lisboa

Lisbon-based Startup Lisboa and iAccelerate at the University of Wollongong announced today that they have partnered to assist each other’s startups with a reciprocal “soft landing pad” program. The program encourages startups seeking to enter each other’s or regional markets to spend time building their businesses in Lisbon or Wollongong.

“This is part of our vision for a physical as well as virtual global ecosystem that will promote opportunities for iAccelerate residents and mentors – as well as other members of the iAccelerate Innovation Network” said Omar Khalifa, iAccelerate CEO.

“The aim is to provide startups with the crucial assistance to learn about, promote and expand their businesses internationally.  There is no better way to learn about market entry than to do so directly with those who know the local markets and networks intimately. We are also looking for sponsors to help startups cover travel costs to help them take advantage of this great opportunity” added Khalifa.

“It’s a great pleasure to partner with iAccelerate to facilitate the interaction of Portuguese and Australian startups and their founders!” Said Andre Costa, Head of Strategy at Startup Lisboa.

This partnership will open up fantastic opportunities for the local entrepreneurs enabling them to travel and build business connections in Lisbon – often considered a leading startup location in Europe. We are excited and eager to see the upcoming exchanges and connections that forward.

Last year June, iAccelerate has previously established pathways for expansion into the European market with five of its resident companies. A key component of this special trip was a visit to the Berlin Landing Pad, part of the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda. Located at co-working space betahaus, one of Berlin’s best known locations for startups, the Berlin Landing Pad provides opportunities for Australian startups to access Europe’s innovation and tech hub, network with other international startups and major German and European corporations, and gain access to investment opportunities. 

Note to media:

Please contact us for any interview opportunities on the phone or in person. iAccelerate address is 239, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, North Wollongong.

Media contact:

Chris Petersilge,   [email protected] | +61 2 4221 4922