Now a group of Wollongong entrepreneurs has devised a way to rid us of yet another piece of technology, this time in the field of video gaming.

The founder of LimeRocket, Mike Gardiner, has developed an app to turn the not-so-humble smartphone into a controller for video games.

The technology will allow game lovers, and businesses that create those games, to cast aside their existing controllers in exchange for a single smartphone or tablet device.

Mr Gardiner said his team had been working for nine months on the project.

"We couldn't tell the world what we were doing because we couldn't risk it getting out and someone else getting their hands on it," he said.

"It's pretty cool stuff."

LimeRocket was one of eight information and communication technology companies at the centre of celebrations yesterday at the official launch of Wollongong's StartPad ideas incubator.

The facility, on the second floor of the Tourist Information Centre at 93 Crown St, is a joint venture between the University of Wollongong, Wollongong City Council, NSW Trade and Investment, Enterprise Connect and RDA Illawarra.

It aims to give talented IT entrepreneurs and start-up companies a low-cost workspace to develop their ideas, with access to mentors and support staff.

"Most of these companies were operating out of home garages and living rooms before they came here," StartPad general manager Tamantha Stutchbury said.

"We have gaming, engineering, social media and security solution companies all developing technology here."

Companies also receive help marketing products and learn how to chase funding opportunities.

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