The NSW Government today announced a grant of $1 million over two years to Charles Sturt University (CSU) to develop regional clusters for business innovation.

The grant to CSU is part of a wider program of investment by the NSW Government in partnership with universities across NSW to boost business innovation across the state.

The Charles Sturt University Multi-Region Hub Program funded by the NSW Government was launched today, Tuesday 30 August, at CSU in Bathurst by The Hon. Paul Toole MP, Minister for Local Government and Member for Bathurst.

Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business John Barilaro, MP, congratulated the University on its work to support NSW's position as the nation's leader in innovation.

"Collaboration and sharing ideas is a key driver of innovation in small business, and this program will make sure that start-ups and entrepreneurs in the regions have access to the same opportunities as those in Sydney," Mr Barilaro said.

"Small business is the engine room of the NSW economy so we are hoping this partnership with Charles Sturt University will create new business ideas, new job opportunities and new industries for the region."

CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Ken Dillon, said, "The NSW Government will fund the creation by Charles Sturt University of a series of regional hubs of innovation. These will continue our 100-year tradition of engagement with our local communities and regional industries to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.

"The strength and breadth of our footprint provides us with a unique opportunity to drive innovative potential within regional Australia. Our multi-region hub model will enable us to engage with regional start-ups and promote innovation to support our communities."

Multiple unique hubs of innovation will be developed by CSU as part of the partnership with the NSW Government. These include:

• In Bathurst, a Digital Showcase and Start Up Hub for regional business acceleration and connectivity;

• In Wagga Wagga, an Agritech Incubator Hub to resource technology innovation and incubate start-ups in regional Australia; and

• A state-wide mobile Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop-Up Innovation Hub to help individuals and communities generate business ideas

Further details about the projects affiliated with these hubs will be released in due course.