From The Highlands To The World: How SoHi Labs Is Changing The Future For Local Youth
Right now, there’s a Year 10 student at Moss Vale High who dreams of becoming a biomedical engineer. She’s smart, curious and good at science – but like so many others, she assumes she’ll have to leave the Southern Highlands after school, heading to Sydney or even further to chase that dream. That’s forever been the reality for many local students.
But something is changing. A new initiative called SoHi Labs is rewriting the story – one that says you can stay local, think global and still build a bright future right here in the Southern Highlands.
SoHi Labs is being built by SoHi Partners, a group of local scientists, engineers and investors who are shaking up the region’s economy. This isn’t just another commercial building – it’s the beating heart of a bigger vision: a world-class innovation centre in Moss Vale that creates jobs, attracts global investment, and turns local smarts into real-world breakthroughs.
Helping Our Kids Build Bright Futures Without Leaving Home For Good
Ask any parent, principal or careers adviser in the Highlands and they’ll tell you: we raise talented, driven young people – they finish school, head off to uni in the city… and don’t come back. Not because they don’t love it here [they do!] but the kind of work they’re aiming for just doesn’t exist locally. [Yet, we say!]
“In my experience, the story’s always been the same,” says David, a local parent and former Chevalier College student. “You finish school, head off to Sydney for uni, and stay there because the jobs and industries you want just aren’t back home.”
And it’s a familiar story across regional Australia more broadly too – smart kids leave for education and they don’t come back. That loss isn’t just personal; it’s economic and social. When youth leave, communities miss out on innovation, energy and the growth of future-focused industries.
But what if the Southern Highlands became a place where ideas did grow, careers could be launched and young people did stay – not out of necessity, but because some of the best opportunities were actually here?
That’s the vision behind SoHi Labs.
Building Careers In Science – Right Here In The Highlands
SoHi Labs is a new innovation hub being developed in Moss Vale by SoHi Partners – a team of world-class scientists, engineers and investors with deep local ties.
Set to open in 2025, the lab will offer real lab space, specialised equipment and hands-on mentoring for students, entrepreneurs and curious minds with big ideas.
We’re talking: biomedical prototyping. Robotics. Ag-tech. Data science. Clean energy. [All that clever stuff!]
It’s designed to spark real-world science while opening doors for local talent. Through partnerships with schools, TAFE and universities, SoHi Labs will offer internships, training and career pathways to help young people stay inspired and succeed right here at home.
It’s also built for long-term impact. Backed by SoHi Partners – a growing MedTech venture capital group – the lab blends commercial leasing with high-growth start-up investment. That means it’s good for students and science… but also a smart bet for future-focused investors.
“The idea is to give kids the kind of hands-on access and mentorship you’d usually only get in a big metro city,” says Dr Nicholas Hartnell, one of the founding partners. “But we’re actually doing it right here in Moss Vale.”
The lab is located within the Southern Highlands Innovation Park (SHIP) – a 1,000-hectare precinct between Moss Vale and Berrima, designed to attract sustainable industries and drive regional jobs and growth.
Young Locals Already Getting Involved
For 17-year-old Jack*, the opportunity has come just in time.
A Moss Vale High student with a passion for renewable energy, Jack had been experimenting with building a solar-powered irrigation system on his family’s property. [Clever Jack!]
He didn’t know anyone else locally working on ideas like his – until he got connected with the SoHi Labs team through a school innovation workshop.
Now, Jack’s tinkering has evolved into a prototype that’s being supported by real engineers and tested in a lab environment.
“I always thought I’d have to move to Sydney or Melbourne to do something like this,” he says. “But now, I get to work on it here – and I’ve got people helping me who’ve built global tech companies. It’s actually quite crazy – but super exciting.”
Jack isn’t alone. SoHi Labs is already working with local educators to identify local students with talent and interest in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics], offering them early exposure to industry, internships and even paid placements.
“I thought I’d have to leave to make it,” says one young participant. “Now I can stay – and still go big.”
What This Means For The Highlands
Beyond individual stories, the impact of SoHi Labs is generational.
It’s about creating high-skill, future-ready jobs in our own backyard. It’s about keeping families connected, instead of having to watch their young people build lives elsewhere. And it’s about injecting energy, pride and economic growth into the Southern Highlands – by becoming a place that doesn’t just raise talent, but brings it back and helps it thrive.
And this isn’t just an idea on paper.
SoHi Labs is already taking shape, with a physical site underway, specialised equipment on the way, and real projects starting to roll out. The founding team – with experience building companies around the world – aren’t just backing the idea from afar. They’re hands-on and committed, bringing their experience, resources and networks directly into the region.
This is about turning the Southern Highlands into a genuine hub for science and innovation – and honestly, we’re all for it.
How To Get Involved
SoHi Labs is an initiative by SoHi Partners, and they’re inviting parents, students, educators and industry partners to be part of something exciting happening right here in the Highlands.
SoHi Partners is currently welcoming expressions of interest from local and national backers, including people with expertise in medicine, agriculture, and finance. They’re looking for partners who care about building jobs, regional pride and the future of sovereign Australian industry.
If you’re a young person with a big idea, a school looking to grow your STEM offering, or a parent who wants more local options for your kids – it’s worth reaching out and seeing what’s already underway.
Learn more about the team behind SoHi Labs, explore upcoming programs, or register your interest in internships and local initiatives.
5 Fast Facts About SoHi Labs
It’s local:
Based in Moss Vale, in the heart of the Southern Highlands Innovation Park (SHIP).
Future-focused:
Supports careers in science, tech, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Hands-on access:
Offers lab space, real equipment and mentoring from global experts on the ground locally.
Backing young talent:
Designed to help students and locals launch careers without leaving town for good.
Open to investors:
A unique opportunity to co-invest in a commercial lab hub with property income and start-up investment returns.
DISCLAIMER & COMPLIANCE
“This article does not constitute financial advice. All investments carry risks. SoHi Partners Pty Ltd is a licensed fund manager and complies with relevant Australian investment laws and ASIC regulations.
This information is provided by SoHi Partners Pty Ltd (ACN 671 968 924) (SoHi), SoHi is an authorised representative (AR) (AR number 001307244) of Avenir Capital Pty Ltd (ACN 150 790 355; AFSL number 405469).
This information has been prepared by SoHi and it is for general information purposes only and is not intended to promote or recommend any product or services offered by SoHi. This information does not consider the objectives, financial situation or needs of any investor. Before making an investment decision, investors should read the relevant offer document and (if appropriate) seek professional advice to determine whether the investment is suitable for them. This information is intended only for wholesale clients within the meaning of s761G and s761GA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).“
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