2025 Hunter Innovation Festival bolder than ever!
In its 23rd year, the festival explored a world of possibilities For the future of our region and beyond.
From cutting-edge technology to groundbreaking ideas, this year's festival WAs your chance to connect with the brightest minds, be inspired by world-class speakers, and discover how we can shape a brighter tomorrow, together.
2025 Festival MC
James O’Loghlin is one of Australia's most highly regarded corporate speakers, comedians, and media personalities will guiding and delighting our festival audience.
You may know him best as the charismatic host of over 300 episodes of ABC TV's beloved The New Inventors, or perhaps from his engaging programs on ABC Local Radio.
With deep connections with Hunter entrepreneurs over the past 10 years, having been a entrepreneur in Residence at 1804 and working with many organisations in the Hunter
MC James O'Loghlin—comedian & New Inventors host—is making innovation fun. He'll wrangle the geniuses and serve up big ideas with a healthy dose of laughter. It's innovation, but funnier.
CEO and Co-Founder of Allegro Energy, Prof. Thomas Nann shares his radical thoughts on how breaking free from incrementalism will help solve the climate crisis.
Tech founder Vu Tran demystifies defence, revealing why building our sovereign capability is no longer a choice—it's a critical national necessity.
Prof. Renee Goreham will be sharing her leading edge research that is breathing new life into cancer and infection screening.
Australia stands at an economic crossroads. Professor Roy Green unpacks how with productivity flatlining and our economic complexity slipping, the old models are no longer enough. But within this challenge lies a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
2025 Keynote Speakers
2025 Speakers
Yasmin Catley is the Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea.
Emily Suvaal is a Member of the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business.
We are delighted to have Sarah Kelly join us with Matt Syron from the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, who will conduct the Festivals Welcome to Country.
Matt Syron from the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, who will conduct the Festivals Welcome to Country, his message emphasises the importance of building trust and understanding to advance reconciliation. Matt is also a former rifleman with the Australian Army.
Alex is passionate leader whose experience includes recruitment, start-ups, for-purpose organisations, and stonemasonry.
Zara Crichton is a global innovation leader who transforms ideas into valuable assets. She architects ventures and builds ecosystems for commercial success.
Renuka Rambhatla, Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer at Metakosmos leads regulatory, medical, and quality frameworks for next-generation space technologies.
Bret is a 42-year Defence sector veteran, now shaping Australia’s industry through senior leadership and advisory roles across Hunter Defence, HunterNet, the University of Newcastle, and Hunter IF.
Dr Jessica Allen is currently leading the Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory at the University of Newcastle within the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources. Dr Allen is a Senior Lecturer in chemical engineering, 2021 Australian Research Council DECRA and current TRaCE Academic Enterprise Fellow.
Pippa Smith is the Founder of Social Startup Labs, a specialist agency that helps launch new brands, products, and investment campaigns across Australia, and the UK.
James MacDonald is the founder of NewyTechPeople, a community-driven recruitment agency expanding across the East Coast of Australia.
Claire is the Founder of Launchpad9, a boutique consultancy that exists to inspire and empower innovation that matters in established organisations that want to find more effective and efficient ways of achieving results and staying relevant.
Brandon is the Founder and Chair of Good Design Australia, Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards, and Executive Director of the Australian Design Council. He has spent the past 25 years passionately advocating for the value of good design to improve our social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life.
Clare Larkin-Sykes is Co-Lead of New.E – the Hunter New Energy Cluster and Managing Director of Forelight Advisory. She is a strong collaborator and advocate of future resource and energy industries including the symbiosis of clean technology solutions to traditional processes and value chains.
Linc Horton is the CEO of Newcastle Airport, leading the organisation through a critical growth phase with the launch of the new international terminal and the development of the Astra Aerolab precinct.
Chris Shaw is the CEO and co-founder of Advanced Navigation, a navigation and autonomous systems technology company.
John Fry is the Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, based in Canberra. Since taking on the role in 2019, he has led the establishment and growth of Kongsberg’s operations in Australia, overseeing the local manufacture and integration of key defence capabilities including NASAMS Ground Based Air Defence, Protected Mobile Fires, and the Naval Strike Missile.
MC James O'Loghlin—comedian & New Inventors host—is making innovation fun. He'll wrangle the geniuses and serve up big ideas with a healthy dose of laughter. It's innovation, but funnier.
+60 Speakers at the festival in 2025
Dive deep into a curated program of compelling keynotes, interactive workshops, and panel discussions with the Hunter's brightest minds. Each session is designed to deliver actionable insights, spark new connections, and equip you with the tools to be a part of the change. Explore the schedule and choose the sessions that will ignite your own innovation.
Sessions that build our future
Watch Hunter mavericks in action as they pitch their trailblazing ideas on the main stage at our 3-Minute Pew!Pew!Pew! showcase!
Despite its environmental benefits, low carbon concrete adoption in the Hunter region faces significant hurdles. Join us in this hackathon to develop a concrete change to accelerate low carbon concrete adoption.
Now more than ever we understand the importance of sovereign aerospace capability and the innovations that benefit everyday people for years to come. Australia is ready to lead the way. Hear from the pioneers creating a new wave of technology that will benefit Australians for generations.
Clean energy's future needs a battery. The Hunter is ready to be the world's power pack. Hear from the visionaries making history & say you were there.
Watch Hunter mavericks in action as they pitch their trailblazing ideas on the main stage at our 3-Minute Pew!Pew!Pew! showcase!
Join us as we officially launch the Hunter iF Festival 2025. This opening session brings together key state and local government leaders to set the stage for two days of innovation. Hear directly from the policymakers and champions driving our region's economic future as they share their vision for a smarter, more prosperous Hunter.
Meet the next generation of startups solving our biggest problems.
Photo Gallery
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Photo Gallery ~
Igniting Regional Prosperity
Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow
Join the Hunter Innovation Festival Regional Roadshow, a six-week journey leading up to the main event! This isn't just about spreading the word; it's our commitment to deepening connections and fostering real change across every LGA in the Hunter. We're bringing together the right people to tackle local challenges and unlock new economic opportunities. Be part of the conversation, influence shared initiatives, and help shape our region's future.
Local Innovation Forward: Grow, Connect, & Fund Your Business. Actionable strategies on innovation, marketing, and grants to fuel your success.
Shape the Hunter Valley's future! Join key leaders at the Innovation Investment Luncheon to drive tourism & economic growth and attract significant investment.
Join us for a dynamic hybrid panel and lunchtime session tailored to empower Maitland's manufacturing community. Whether you're an established industry leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this event is designed to provide you with the critical information and connections needed to boost output, enhance productivity and efficiency, and drive future profitability.
Let's turn legacy land into next-gen industries. Join local leaders to forge the actionable pathways that will define our region's economic future.
Regional Roadshow: Muswellbrook
Join miners, local business owners, and your neighbours for a special, hands-on event to grow our town, our careers, and our futures. This is about real action and real results, driven by you.
Get Involved
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Get Involved 〰️
Startup Alley: Discover Tomorrow's Innovations Today.
Pew! Pew! Pew! Fast Ideas. Big Impact
Festival After Dark: Network, Celebrate and Connect.
Kylie is a regenerative farmer, storyteller, and creative force who went from 10 backyard hens in Ireland to building an award-winning regenerative farm supplying Michelin-star chefs and exporting eggs to Dubai.
Claire Chaikin-Bryan is the Fab Lab Lead at Lake Macquarie City Council. She is a qualified Town Planner, Civil and Environmental Engineer and Fab Academy Instructor with a background in smart cities, construction, visual arts, digital engineering, coding and electronics.
Yves Nzuzi-Khuabi is a project delivery leader with 18+ years’ experience driving large-scale transformation across energy, utilities, and technology. He is the Founder of EV Ecosystem Technologies, developing innovative platforms in the electric vehicle and hydrogen sectors.
Guido Toepfer is supporting the sustainability transformation as Entrepreneur, Investor, Advisor, and Mentor because sustainability is good for business, too.
Kara Sullivan is the Founder of Guts Creative, an award-winning branding agency based in Newcastle. We help David’s beat Goliath. No guts, no glory.
With over 20 years leading transformation across ICT, SaaS, and emerging technologies, Diana specialises in scaling organisations through strategic advisory, operational excellence, and purpose-led leadership. She connects people, products, and platforms to unlock sustainable growth and measurable ROI locally and globally.
Darryl Brock is a dual-trades professional (motor mechanic and boilermaker/pressure welder) and director of several ventures driving innovation in sustainability and safety. He leads Australian Hydrogen Conversions (achieving 53% fuel and emissions reduction on heavy vehicles), Toronto Vapour Blasting (carbon capture and recycling), and is the inventor of the BrockLoc Aquatic Safety Device.
Oliver is the Co-Founder and Technical Lead Engineer at Grolia. Grolia makes it easy and exciting to grow fresh food. Their first product is Flush, an automated mushroom grower giving access to rare gourmet varieties at home.
Rachel Sperinck, Auslan interpreter and founder of PAH! App, is on a mission to ensure the Deaf Community never has to choose between access and opportunity. Quick, easy, empowering… PAH! allows users to book interpreters in minutes instead of days.
Alex is the CEO and Co-Founder of JasperNode. JasperNode is an AI software developed here at Hunter Region. It enables manufacturing staff to communicate with machines using plain English, helping companies overcome skill shortages and boost innovation on the factory floor.
Melissa Rebbeck is the Business Development lead at Metamorf Engineering and the Chair of the Australia and NZ Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG).
A specialist medical doctor, Liz has created an accessible, co-designed healthcare hub. Elevating equity whilst providing excellence in care.
Tanja Ghahraman is passionate about innovation, sustainability, and building connections that accelerate renewable energy and spark positive change.
Dr Nathaniel Bavinton is an Associate Director at Urbis, and an urban sociologist and city strategist with 20 years’ experience researching, planning and implementing urban and social innovation. Nathaniel serves as Deputy Chair of Hunter iF, where he guides strategy and the ecosystem data initiative.
newave is a sustainable cosmetics start up, founded by Tiffany and Hugh Perrottet. newave's clean formulations mean no petroleum-based ingredients and packaging is made from certified compostable polymer (not petroleum-based plastics).
Duncan Burck is the CEO and Founder of projectJanus. projectJanus is a tech solution that is helping industry and government unlock unrealised value from their sponsored and supported education outreach programs.
Cheryl Pollock is the CEO and Founder of ChezLeon. ChezLeon is an Australian health tech company pioneering DP-Tx, a patented differential pressure activated technology integrated into wearable garments. Designed to support lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling, their garments service post-surgical recovery, injury, scaring and perfusion.
Marni Armani is the CEO and Founder of KanKosh. KanKosh is a global B2B matchmaking platform for the mining and energy industries, connecting projects with investors, partners, and suppliers.
Alex Sharikov is the CEO and Co-Founder of JasperX.
JasperX is an AI software developed here at Hunter Region. It enables manufacturing staff to communicate with machines using plain English, helping companies overcome skill shortages and boost innovation on the factory floor.
Fiona Sutherland is the Founder of Fibre Boats. Fibre Boats is an Australian company dedicated to designing and building innovative, sustainable waterborne transport solutions. By integrating hydrofoil technology to lift the hull above water, we significantly reduce drag and friction—cutting energy consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional vessels. This approach redefines what’s possible in marine mobility, offering faster, more efficient, and environmentally responsible alternatives.
Jess Hodge is the CEO and Co-Founder of Resourceful Living, an Australian based recycled plastic manufacturer.
Jess is a leader in the recycling and remanufacture of plastic. She embraced the task of turning discarded plastics into high-performance, aesthetically pleasing furniture and building materials. Through tireless innovation and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of material science, Jess and the Resourceful Living team developed a superior, sustainable material that empowers architects and designers to create projects without compromise.
Melissa Rebbeck is the Business Development lead at Metamorf Engineering and the Chair of the Australia and NZ Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG).
ANZBIG has a roadmap that aims to produce approximately $7 billion dollars per annum of biochar, remove 30 million metric tonnes annually of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent equal to $3.5 Billion dollars in carbon revenue, produce 300 million Gj of energy worth $16.5 Million dollars per annum, provide at least $3 billion pa in Agricultural productivity gains by using biochar, including recycling and increasing soil carbon, reducing N oxide and methane emissions with at least $32 Million pa in additional water savings.
Rachel Sperinck, Auslan interpreter and founder of PAH! App, is on a mission to ensure the Deaf Community never has to choose between access and opportunity.
Quick, easy, empowering… PAH! allows users to book interpreters in minutes instead of days.
Storm is the Founder of ByStorm Beauty.
The beauty industry has spent decades innovating everything except accessibility — and ByStorm Beauty is changing that. ByStorm Beauty is a simple, scalable solution to an obvious problem no one bothered to fix: making beauty work for people with disabilities.
Oliver is the Co-Founder and Technical Lead Engineer at Grolia. Grolia makes it easy and exciting to grow fresh food. Their first product is Flush, an automated mushroom grower giving access to rare gourmet varieties at home.
Your Next Breakthrough is Just One Conversation Away.
This is your moment to tap into a wealth of knowledge. What is the single most important question you need answered to move forward?
The concept is simple but powerful: we connect you, the innovator, with a seasoned professional for a confidential, focused, 20-minute, one-on-one session. It’s a safe space to ask the tough questions, be vulnerable about a challenge, and get direct, honest feedback without a sales pitch or a hefty price tag.
Welcome to a different kind of Festival
WE BELIEVE in the power of together
A power rooted in three simple actions: Connect. Learn. Share.
WE DECLARE this a SAFE SPACE
A judgment-free zone where kindness is our language and you are free to be your most authentic self. All are welcome.
WE ARE an escape from the market
There are no price tags here. No pitches. This is a NO-SALES gathering. We trade in ideas, smiles, and skills—not commerce.
WE CHAMPION a culture of GIVING
We ask, “What can I offer?” before “What can I get?” Generosity is our currency.
WE ARE ALL ARCHITECTS of a STRONGER COMMUNITY
We build bridges, not walls. We forge bonds of friendship and support that ripple outwards.
WE STAND for lifting others
We are committed to making this experience accessible and to actively SUPPORTING our UNDER-SERVED neighbours.
This is our promise to each other.
Now, let’s make some joy!
Location
The Hunter Innovation Festival 2025 was held at the iconic Newcastle City Hall, a stunning heritage building located in the heart of the city.
Getting Here
Newcastle City Hall is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. The Newcastle train station is also a short walk away. Discover all your travel options here. Innovation is for everyone, that’s why this venue has detailed accessibility options her to make you feel welcome.
Accommodation
A range of accommodation options offering a discount to Hunter Innovation Festival delegates are available in close proximity to Newcastle City Hall, from hotels to serviced apartments.
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To book your discounted rate, please follow the steps below:
1. Visit website: Five-Star Hotel in Newcastle CBD | Crystalbrook Kingsley
2. Select your desired dates
3. Enter the promo code: HIF
4. Choose your rate from the 24th
to 29th of September 2025.
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To book your discounted rate, please follow the steps below:
1. Visit website: Quest Newcastle
2. Select your desired dates
3. Enter the promo code: HUNTERIF25
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To book your discounted rate, please follow the steps below:
1. Visit website: Quest Newcastle West
2. Select your desired dates
3. Enter the promo code: HUNTERIF25
Festival News
For Hunter iF, this major grant will directly support the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival & Regional Roadshow. As the festival enters its 24th year, the funding will help expand its footprint beyond Newcastle, bringing critical conversations and tech-driven activations to industrial and regional heartlands.
Vu Tran’s keynote redefined our mission: Hunter iF is not just about building, but about creating meaningful value for our community. He stressed the convergence of Builders, Funders, and Enablers. His ultimate vision? Instilling the mindset of value creation in every young person. Build with purpose!
Looking back at the footage from the Hunter Innovation Festival 2025, one thing becomes abundantly clear: we didn't just gather to swap business cards. We gathered to survive and to thrive.
Hunter-based entrepreneur and Hunter Innovation Festival 2025 speaker, Storm Menzies, has secured a major national victory, taking home the top prize at the 2025 Kickstarter Challenge in Canberra.
What a day at Ben Ean Estate! We unpacked why the Hunter Valley is the crown jewel of our region, and how its success drives our entire economy forward. 🍇✨
What an event! We're wrapping up the Hunter Innovation Roadshow in Maitland, where the future of manufacturing took center stage.
Inspired collaboration in action! Regional Roadshow in Lake Mac sparked real solutions for Hunter's land use, unlocking a new chapter of innovation for our region.
🎨 Announcing the talented young finalists of the Hunter iF Primary Art Prize. See their incredible 'Energy of the Future' designs.
What an incredible way to start the show! This week, Muswellbrook played host to the official kick-off of the Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow, and the energy was absolutely electric. On Tuesday, 5th August, innovators, industry leaders, and community builders gathered for a fantastic event, setting a high bar for the rest of the festival.
The Hunter Innovation Fest is back! Meet our first speakers and learn how to get involved. Register for your $99 Early Bird ticket before July 20. Join us at Newcastle City Hall on Sept 25!
In 2024, Dr. Ross Kerridge’s first official act as Lord Mayor was opening our festival. After joining us again in 2025, we now reflect on his immense legacy following his resignation. We send Ross and his family strength in his health battle, he remains a vital part of our innovation community.