First Of Its Kind Innovation Hub For Internationals Opens In Melbourne

A first of its kind co-working and innovation hub for internationals is hoping to boost Melbourne’s startup ecosystem and launch the city into the top 20 in the global rankings for startup ecosystems.

Known as Outcome-Hub, the co-working space on the fringe of the Melbourne CBD will support graduated international students to join and/or start their own business in Victoria.

Melbourne once earned a spot in Startup Genome’s top 20-startup ecosystems, but has not made the list since 2012.

Co-Founder of Outcome.Life Domenic Saporito, who launched the innovation hub, said it was important that overseas born Melbournians are empowered to actively participate in the Victorian startup ecosystem.

“There’s 175,000 international students in Victoria at the moment and they need to be supported and given the right knowledge and resources to ensure that when they finish their degree, they don’t go back home to start their business,” he said.

Funded by LaunchVic, the space offers support and world class incubator services that cater specifically to the needs of entrepreneurs who have not grown up in Australia.

“We are breaking down the barriers for international people to generate business by establishing a thriving community of like-minded people who feel empowered by each other," Mr Saporito said.

“A key focus of Outcome.Life is the integration and collaboration between those who were not born in Melbourne and long established Melbournians and businesses.

“It is this integration of networks that proves to be the most powerful and successful in accelerating the startups of internationals,” he said.

To encourage networking, the hub regularly hosts social events, network meet ups and happy hours.

The space, located on Cardigan Street in Carlton, was designed by Interior Design Honour Students from RMIT and includes meeting areas, an events space, stand up desks, a café style kitchen and high speed internet.

Outcome-Hub will officially launch on May 11 with guest speakers including CEO of LaunchVic Dr Kate Cornick, CEO of Startup Victoria Leni Mayo and International Student & Co-Founder of Hobspot, a website that connects people through hobbies and interests, Alfonso Ordonez.