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Macquarie University business incubator gets Royal approval
THE DUKE of York, Prince Andrew, not only officially opened the new business innovation centre at Macquarie University in Sydney, he did so approvingly and with best wishes for its success.
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business, John Barilaro said the Macquarie University Incubator would bring university researchers together with local businesses and entrepreneurs to create new products and ideas.
“The launch of the Macquarie University Incubator by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, is a historic occasion for Macquarie University and NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The NSW Government has funded the centre’s construction through the Boosting Business Innovation Program which is providing $18 million to the state’s 11 universities – including $1.5 million to Macquarie University – and the CSIRO. 
“The aim of the program is to drive innovation and develop new ideas by bringing our best business and academic brains together.
“The centre will provide space for 57 desks, meeting rooms, conference facilities, entrepreneur training programs, and regular events to help SMEs build their businesses,” he said.
NSW Finance, Services and Property Minister, Victor Dominello, who joined Prince Andrew in opening the state-of-the-art centre, said like the companies that would use the incubator, the new Macquarie University facility is itself innovative in its design and construction.
“The centre’s roofing has been constructed by Strongbuild Manufacturing which was assisted under the ‘Boost’ program to test special fire-resistant cross-laminated timber with the CSIRO to ensure it satisfied Australian building requirements,” Mr Dominello said.
“Trench convectors will naturally cool and heat the building which is expected to maintain a temperature of between 19-26 degrees.
“Air quality will be maintained with the help of CO² sensors that will monitor and let fresh air into the building when needed, helping ensure good ventilation and well-being.”
Mr Barilaro said the Pitch@Palace Australia event is one of many which will take place in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland involving about 400 technology entrepreneurs. 
“It is terrific to see the new Macquarie Business Incubator opening its doors to host this significant event that allows entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to investors on a global scale,” Mr Barilaro said.
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