June 30, 2016

New CEO to drive innovation ‘engine room’

Entrepreneur Omar Khalifa to lead iAccelerate’s growth.

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) continued growth as catalyst for regional economic change through innovation will be guided by Omar Khalifa, a well-known entrepreneur who has worked in sectors that range from aerospace engineering to children’s charities.

Mr Khalifa has been appointed CEO of the UOW-led startup incubator and accelerator iAccelerate, which plays a vital role in helping transform ideas into sustainable and globally focused companies.

He holds a science degree from Duke University as well as having an advanced business management education through Stanford and MIT. He brings an ability to drive business creation and transformation along with social and environment responsibility.

Since its inception in 2012, the iAccelerate program has supported 65 start-up companies, creating 143 jobs.

Nine companies have had new product launches and in 2015, six companies expanded their international presence.

His appointment comes shortly before the opening of the $18.5 million iAccerelate Centre at UOW’s Innovation Campus (iC).

The Innovation Campus is a key component of the economic diversification of the Illawarra, providing a connection between research and innovation and paves the way for organisations and individuals to connect to an ideas network dedicated to global impact.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Judy Raper said Mr Khalifa was appointed after an international search for high calibre candidates identified him as the best fit to drive iAccelerate’s growth and further integration with UOW’s teaching, research and commercial development.

“The appointment of Mr Khalifa and the opening of the new iAccelerate Centre represent the next chapter in the exciting growth of the University’s strategy to contribute to the creation of new enterprises that benefit the region.

“We anticipate that Mr Khalifa’s passion and experience in innovation, combined with UOW’s strengths in teaching and research, will further embed the Innovation Campus as a nucleus of a significant regional development opportunity.”

Mr Khalifa currently assists startups as an entrepreneur in residence, a role in which he provides invaluable industry knowledge, mentoring and expertise to fledgling businesses.

His previous experience is in working with sectors undergoing transition and growth – from the space shuttle to bicycle advocacy; internet networks to online communities; energy saving to environmental sustainability and the not-for-profit sector.

“This is a great opportunity to help the University drive innovation in the Illawarra,” he said. “All innovation needs support and links with education to have the capability to drive ongoing development of great ideas.”

“There’s huge potential when entrepreneurs work hand-in-hand with a university and the wider community to deliver change.

"We’ll also want to bring on board investors who can assess and potentially invest in these startups to help ensure their future success.”

Mr Khalifa will commence his role on 6 July.

He takes over from Dr Elizabeth Eastland, who led iAccelerate for the past five years before taking up a role with the CSIRO.