Distinguished Entrepreneurship Leader and Innovation Program Director
Associated with :
University of AdelaideZrinka Tokic serves as Director of ThincLab and Australian eChallenge at the University of Adelaide, where she oversees Australia's longest-running entrepreneurship program. Under her leadership, the Australian eChallenge has helped launch 1,103 start-ups and awarded over $3.5 million in prizes since 2001, engaging more than 7,400 domestic students. She manages ten distinct eChallenge programs spanning tertiary, corporate, schools, family business, and regional sectors, while directing the Tech eChallenge program focused on technology innovation. Her strategic vision has expanded the program internationally through ThincLab's global network of incubators in Adelaide, Waite, Singapore, and New Zealand. The program's success stems from its unique RITE framework (Relate, Innovate, Test and Expand), developed using Design Thinking principles. Beyond program management, she brings practical entrepreneurial experience as a successful co-founder of multiple ventures, while continuing to foster innovation through ThincLab's comprehensive support system for startups and entrepreneurs.