Thank you to the EP team, led by Emma Nesbitt, who have worked hard to provide small businesses access to the program and provided invaluable support and advice.

Additionally, we wish to thank Emma for her diligent work in ensuring the smooth operation of the program. Throughout the program, we have developed valuable relationships and we look forward to future collaborations.

Since 2022, Patrick Chan has worked for Darwin Innovation Hub as a growth facilitator. He has recently been appointed general manager.

His responsibilities will include leading a team of experts-inresidences, providing assistance and guidance to companies participating in the StartNT program, and leading Darwin Innovation Hub’s business development efforts. As general manager, Patrick will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the StartNT program is running smoothly and that companies receive the necessary support to succeed.

Developed by Darwin Innovation Hub to support local startups and entrepreneurs, the StartNT program provides resources and support to help startups and entrepreneurs develop innovative products and services, create jobs, and grow their businesses.

Additionally, the program seeks to foster collaboration between established businesses and entrepreneurs, which will lead to the development of a vibrant and competitive startup ecosystem.

During his tenure at StartNT, Patrick will be an integral part of its success. His responsibilities will include managing Darwin Innovation Hub’s team of experts-in-residence and cultivating relationships with potential partners and stakeholders in order to facilitate the hub’s development and growth.

Patrick brings a depth of experience in credit and financial risk management, sales management, business development, inclusive leadership, business strategy development and implementation, commercialisation and business operations.

He has more than 28 years of experience in the Asia Pacific region in financial services, telecommunications, oil and gas, FMCG and manufacturing, and has worked with both large corporations and small to mid-sized companies.

Besides his numerous past senior management and leadership roles with US Fortune 500 companies, Patrick is also an entrepreneur, having established a food processing company that exports its products throughout Asia.

A combination of his extensive corporate experience as well as his entrepreneurial and business acumen will enable him to be extremely successful in his role as general manager, supporting and assisting businesses in the Northern Territory to scale to the next level of their growth.

Patrick is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, as well as able to converse in basic Japanese. He graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of San Francisco in the United States of America.

“I am excited to take on this new opportunity as general manager at the Darwin Innovation Hub.

“I am confident that my expertise in technology, international experience, and language proficiency will be a great asset to the team.

“I am looking forward to working with the whole team to achieve the hub’s goals.

“I am also excited about the potential to work with the Darwin community and to help build the city’s reputation globally as a hub for innovation and technology. For example, I am looking forward to helping create a ‘hub’ to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and influencers to share knowledge and resources, and promote collaboration and innovation in the region.”