ACU researchers will be able to see the effects of their work in the real world, with access to investors, industry collaborators and funding through CBRIN. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Australian Catholic University students and researchers will be able to plug into Canberra startups and the national capital’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem under a new partnership.
ACU has officially joined the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) as an Education Partner, strengthening links between higher education, research and Canberra’s fast-growing innovation community.
CBRIN says the partnership will mean students will have access to internships, workshops and entrepreneurial training from Canberra’s startups.
ACU researchers will be able to see the effects of their work in the real world, with access to investors, industry collaborators and funding through CBRIN.
Startups and entrepreneurs will benefit from ACU’s expertise in health, education and social services, as well as from connecting with a pipeline of emerging talent.
Not-for-profit CBRIN was established in 2014 by four foundation members—the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, UNSW Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the ACT Government and private-sector partners.
The goal was to connect, promote and grow the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the ACT.
ACU is CBRIN’s second Education Partner, joining the gaming, film and special effects educator Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), which also operates in Watson.
CBRIN CEO Petr Adamek said the partnership would enhance and strengthen the innovation network.
“This partnership means more pathways in Canberra for students and researchers to collaborate with entrepreneurs and the broader innovation community on solutions to some of the wicked problems we face,” he said.
The Dean of ACU’s Canberra Campus, Associate Professor Darius von Güttner, said ACU’s focus on the dignity of the human person and community, combined with national research expertise, would bring a new, important dimension to Canberra’s innovation ecosystem.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said ACU was a valued part of Canberra’s university sector, and a welcome CBRIN partner.
“Strengthening our knowledge-intensive sectors is a key priority, and there are strong synergies between research, business innovation, and industry that help drive future growth,” he said.
CBRIN says the addition of ACU as an Education Partner comes as the network is gaining international recognition, being recently named Runner Up in the Global Triple E Awards 2025 for Innovation Ecosystem of the Year.
Australia performed strongly at this year’s awards, reflecting the depth of entrepreneurial talent and collaborative culture across the nation.
For Canberra, it reflects the city’s growing reputation as a globally connected hub for entrepreneurship, research and innovation. It highlights the impact of partnerships between universities, government, and industry in shaping solutions with international relevance.
CBRIN’s core mission is to empower entrepreneurs to make a significant social and economic impact, thereby strengthening the region and turbocharging the development of products and services with the potential to transform industries.
