About us
We exist to design and establish new ways of working for universities that foreground collective creativity and productivity.
How we work
The UNSW Innovation Hub tackles a broad variety of problems that differ in size, complexity, and subject matter. We seek out complex challenges that need a collaborative approach and can't be solved by a single discipline.
Our work will contribute to a university and partner ecosystem that is better able to address complex social and environmental challenges through collaborative, design-led ways of working in authentic partnership with others that strengthens the translation of knowledge and research into innovative and fit for purpose solutions.
Our mission is to be a leading catalyst for socially responsible innovation within and beyond higher education. We do this by harnessing design-led methodologies to navigate complexity, connect and empower diverse communities, and partner to create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Engagement models
We collaborate and partner with others to solve problems through a number of different models. At the heart of all of these approaches is a commitment to authentic collaboration, an emphasis on diverse perspectives, and a commitment to innovative processes through creative practice.
Testimonials
"The Innovation Hub showcase was the absolute exemplar of all good things universities strive to achieve. There was an almost visible spark of energy in the room between researchers, creators, and industry partners, striving in partnership and purpose to solve big world issues."
Alison Avery - Director, External Engagement and Alumni Experience, UNSW
"It’s been a real privilege to partner with an organisation so passionate about creativity and growing creative talent. The events have been insightful, exciting, and incredibly well managed. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to engage with alumni, students, and practicing creatives at all levels at these events."
Vince Frost - Founder, CEO & Creative Director of Frost*collective
"Collaborating with the Innovation Hub on the UNSW Health Translation Hub project was one of those partnerships you will never forget! Their forward-thinking approach and relentless pursuit of excellence with a genuine multi-disciplinary team approach really helped transform our vision (aka the problem statement!) into a series of creative responses, shaping the evolution of what is a large, complex project."
Dr Zoe Terpening - Pro Vice Chancellor, Precincts, UNSW
"All too often, academic initiatives fail to understand real-world fundamentals. Equally, the private sector often fails to explore problems deeply, or becomes beholden to narrow interests. In my experience, what is so special about the Innovation Hub is that it combines the best of both: an understanding of rich academic research, focused on real-world impact. It truely reflects a collaborative and participatory future and deserves all our attention and support."
Kevin Finn - TheSumOf Founder & Author of
Brand Principles: How to be a 21st Century Brand
"The Innovation Hub is a unique team to partner with. The team has a fantastic combination of strategic, creative, and implementation skills, with a strong body of innovation knowledge assets and tools, and ready access to the amazing intellectual and partnership resources across UNSW… At GHD Digital, we have enjoyed a rich and mutually beneficial partnership, through which we were able to successfully deliver a high-impact, highly engaging industry engagement approach that set a new benchmark for UNSW."
Steve Lennon - GHD Digital Global Client Director (retired)
