Geelong clicks as high-tech haven

Global tech company Tribal Group has announced a $1.17 million investment to establish its Asia Pacific headquarters in Geelong, which will create 50 new jobs.
The UK-based company creates tools to assess students’ progress and systems for education providers.
The company’s Asia Pacific managing director Nick Stanley said Geelong was growing in presence as an innovative city.
“It’s got a great work-life balance,” he said. “People like living here and having families here. Because it’s emerging as a start-up destination we can get the skills we require.
“The State Government has made it more appetising but it’s certainly not the only reason (for basing the headquarters) here.”
The project will also secure a $25m development program to build a new cloud-hosted IT platform located in the same precinct, Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.
“This investment is another vote of confidence for our growing reputation as a regional tech hub.”
The precinct will include Runway Geelong, a local accelerator program for start-ups.
The State Government is funding Runway Geelong to establish a startup hub with $1.25m over four years through its $60m startup initiative.
Innovation Minister Philip Dalidakis said that in 2015/16, 14 projects across Geelong region generated $118.3m worth of investment and 200 full-time jobs.
“The government is planning for growth so that Geelong can create new businesses and jobs that will help the region become an even more attractive destination for new residents and investment.”