Innovation Success Stories

06-Feb-2012 THREE of the Coast's most innovative start-ups that began life in the Innovation Centre's business incubator have taken the next step in their development.

Digital marketing agency Traffika; Food Matters, documentary producers and creators of an online community sharing education about nutrition, health and wellbeing; and OMC Connect, an online marketing and communications agency, have recently moved out to new premises in Mooloolaba.

Innovation Centre CEO Mark Paddenburg said the centre was proud to have supported these companies as part of its mission to create new jobs in new industries for the Sunshine Coast region.

Traffika founder Matt Forman called the Innovation Centre the most important economic development asset for the Sunshine Coast region, in terms of economic diversification and local jobs creation.

"Without the Innovation Centre's support, our business would not have achieved the success it has so quickly," Mr Forman said.

Since opening in 2002, the centre has seen 86 companies move through its business development program, creating more than 350 jobs in the region and raising $24m in venture capital.

Mr Paddenburg said the graduation of these businesses created space for the next entrants in the key focus sectors of ICT, clean technology, health technology and creative industries.

SNAPSHOTS OF SUCCESS

COMPANY: Traffika

FOUNDER: Matt Forman

EMPLOYEES: Then: 2 Now: 15

START-UP YEAR: 2009

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