I’ve Applied to the I2N Pre-Accelerator – Here’s Why It Means a Lot to Me

Over the past year, I’ve been pouring my energy into building a business from scratch—a tech solution that I believe has the potential to significantly change how we handle receipts. It hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of self-doubt, financial strain, and long hours learning new skills on my own. But recently, I took a big step forward: I’ve officially applied to the I2N Pre-Accelerator program.

What is I2N?

I2N (Integrated Innovation Network) is an incredible initiative from the University of Newcastle that helps support startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Hunter region. They run events, programs, and mentoring opportunities for people who want to build something meaningful—whether it's a product, a service, or an entire company.

Their Pre-Accelerator is a 6-week intensive program that gives founders like me access to mentorship, training, and an amazing network of innovators and business experts. It’s not just a startup bootcamp—it’s a community of people trying to make real impact in the world.

Why I Applied

I’ve been working on a digital receipt system for months now, trying to solve a simple but widespread problem: the waste and inconvenience caused by paper receipts. As someone who travels a lot for work, I’ve personally experienced the frustration of losing important receipts or having to photograph and upload every single one. Not to mention, the environmental cost of printing millions of receipts that are used for seconds and thrown away.

I2N stood out to me because it aligns perfectly with where I am right now. I’ve built a prototype, I’ve had conversations with POS companies, and I’m starting to explore how this solution could scale. But I need guidance, structure, and access to people who’ve done this before. That’s exactly what I2N offers.

A Great Match

This isn’t just about getting into a program—it’s about being part of something bigger. I2N has already supported so many incredible founders across Newcastle and the Hunter region. I’ve seen how their support helps businesses go from ideas to real-world solutions, and I’d love to be a part of that journey.

Regardless of whether I’m accepted, applying has given me clarity about where I’m going next. It’s a chance to take my idea to the next level—and I’m ready.

Wish me luck! And if you're an early-stage founder in Newcastle, seriously consider checking out I2N. The work they’re doing is creating ripple effects across the region, and I’m excited to be even a small part of that.