About IDC

The Industry Development Centre (Hunter) Ltd (IDC) is a not-for-profit business services organisation established in 1992 to assist industry development in the Hunter Region and thereby create employment opportunities. Originally funded through a Federal Government initiative the IDC is now funded through fee-for-service activities including commercialisation services, delivery of NSW State Government innovation initiatives, a well-established conference centre and business tenancy.

“We are committed to developing and promoting a culture of innovation both within the IDC and in the Region generally. We actively apply these principles in our three main areas of innovation products and services, conference facilities and business tenancy,” Darrell Nicholls, Executive Officer.

Innovation – Helping inventors and innovative small businesses commercialise new ideas

IDC is the leading NSW Innovation Advisory Service provider and specialises in commercialisation products and services, helping Australia’s inventors and innovative small businesses evaluate, develop, protect and commercialise new ideas. Each year IDC provides assistance to more than 1500 innovators from across Australia. With its strong networks with government, business, research and education providers, the IDC is well-positioned to assist innovators take their ideas from 'concept-to-commercialisation'.

Conferencing – The Meeting Place for Business

The IDC Conference Centre remains Newcastle’s specialist business function facility - purpose-built to host a spectrum of events. In keeping with an innovation culture, IDC Conference Centre continues to deliver new and innovative corporate packages. With our premium facilities and client driven approach, over 15,000 people in the last year visited the IDC for various events including conferences, seminars, meetings, workshops and networking sessions. The IDC continues to be the ‘Meeting Place for Business’ in Newcastle.

Business Tenancy

The IDC is a leading provider of business accommodation for small-to-medium sized businesses in Newcastle.  The Centre’s facilities and location make it a unique and ideal place for business. Tenants at the IDC offer a range of specialised technology-focused services, from research and development through to training and computer programming.