What's Happening Now in Bendigo's Tech and Startup Scene

Bendigo's tech scene is experiencing a significant boost, with over 20 new startups setting up shop in the city over the past 6 months.

This matters now because the growth of the tech industry in Bendigo is creating new job opportunities and stimulating local economic growth. The city's strategic location, approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to establish themselves outside of the state capital. Furthermore, the presence of organisations such as the Bendigo Tech School and the La Trobe University's Bendigo campus provides a steady supply of skilled workers and innovative ideas.

Locally, the Bendigo Innovation Hub on Mundy Street is at the forefront of this growth, providing a shared workspace for startups and entrepreneurs to collaborate and develop their ideas. Nearby, the newly refurbished Old Church on the corner of Hargreaves and Mundy Streets is now home to a number of tech companies, including software development firm, Catalyst, and digital marketing agency, Media Saints. The City of Greater Bendigo's Business Development Program is also playing a key role in supporting the growth of the tech industry, offering grants and mentorship opportunities to new and existing businesses.

Supporting Local Innovation

Data from the City of Greater Bendigo shows that the number of tech-related businesses in the city has increased by 35% over the past 2 years, with the majority of these businesses being small to medium-sized enterprises. The average cost of renting a shared office space in the Bendigo Innovation Hub is around $500 per month, making it an affordable option for startups and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the hub offers a range of programs and events, including workshops, seminars, and networking sessions, which are designed to support the growth and development of local tech businesses. For example, the hub's 'Startup Bootcamp' program, which launched in January 2026, has already supported over 15 new startups, with 80% of these businesses still operating after 6 months.

As the tech industry in Bendigo continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more innovative businesses and ideas emerge. For those looking to get involved in the local tech scene, the best advice is to get along to one of the many events and networking sessions on offer, such as the monthly 'Tech Meetup' at the Bendigo Club on Bath Lane. With its strong sense of community and collaborative spirit, Bendigo's tech scene is an exciting and dynamic place to be, and it will be interesting to see how it develops over the coming months and years.