About us

Co-Lab has been operating since 2017 with a purpose to inspire, nurture and accelerate an enterprising heartbeat throughout Australian Catholic University's community.

We provide and promote an innovative and entrepreneurial learning environment that connects ACU's strategic and mission priorities with a wide range of industry opportunities, while advancing life-long learning goals.

Co-Lab is ACU's innovation and entrepreneurship hub, supporting students, staff, alumni and industry to connect, create and grow impactful ventures. We foster a vibrant startup and innovation community through workshops, mentoring, research-industry partnerships and accelerator programs.

What we do

Coworking Hubs

Our North Sydney and Strathfield hubs provide collaborative spaces for students, staff, alumni and the broader community. Members gain access to professional networks, industry presentations and support for launching or scaling their ideas.

Skill Development and Networking

We deliver a range of learning and engagement opportunities including:

• The Co-Lab Incubator Series, an interactive workshop and pitch program
• Victorian Startup Pre-accelerator program
• Community-led Lunch and Learn sessions
• Student pitch competitions

These programs are open to all and designed to build entrepreneurial capability and confidence.

Research Commercialisation

Through initiatives like the NSW TechVoucher program, Co-Lab helps researchers and SMEs collaborate to turn research into real-world impact. In 2024 and 2025, we secured nearly $300,000 in research funding for ACU-led industry projects.

Our team

Gina d'Albora, Project Coordinator for Northern Sydney. Gina has coordinated the setup and running of Co-Lab's North Sydney hub since 2017. Gina's role involves coordinating hub operations, managing the co-working community and facilitating connections and collaborations with ACU academics, researchers and industry.

Anthony Bayss, Senior Project Officer for Western Sydney. Anthony has coordinated the setup and running of Co-Lab's Western Sydney hub since 2018. Anthony's role also includes facilitating connections and collaborations with ACU researchers and industry.

Bijo Thomas, Program Coordinator, based on ACU's North Sydney campus. Bijo is responsible for organising and facilitating program activities to support the successful work and growth of the Co-Lab unit.