Much like the University of Wollongong program he will lead, the new iAccelerate CEO Omar Khalifa’s career has been diverse and unconventional.
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His extensive CV includes roles in aerospace engineering companies, telcos, banks, environmental groups and charities. He also founded a minor political party – the Australian Cyclists Party – and, in 2015, ran for the NSW Upper House.
“We want young people to know this is an opportunity to look forward to when they graduate or are looking for their first jobs.”
This agility placed him at the helm of the UOW business incubator, which he describes as “a stepping stone for entrepreneurs to find their path and get their best opportunity to succeed”.
“I guess 10 or 15 years ago, having so many different experiences would have been a detriment to your career – people might think ‘oh, there’s nothing steady about this guy’,” he said.
“But, in fact, I’ve had so many experiences across so many roles that I can bring all that to this role.
“Even the Cyclists Party is about different issues, like how we organise towns, how we talk about health, transportation – and any firm that’s going out there with ideas today has to talk about a lot of social issues and trying to solve problems.”
The Egyptian-born, US-raised businessman is passionate about the Illawarra after moving to the South Coast five years ago, and was originally due to start work iAccelerate as a mentor to other entrepreneurs. However, he was appointed CEO after his predecessor Elizabeth Eastland took a role with the CSIRO.
He plans to focus on involving the Illawarra community in iAccelerate, either as participants, investors or beneficiaries of the products and jobs created through the program.
“We want young people to know this is an opportunity to look forward to when they graduate or are looking for their first jobs,” he said.
“It’s a new way for people to make a difference and succeed in their lives, and people can also invest in our companies locally. It’s part and parcel of the Illawarra.”
Since 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.
Mr Khalifa’s appointment comes ahead of next week’s opening of the $18.5 million iAccelerate Centre.