Hunter iF Action Groups: Driving Innovation and Transformation in the Hunter Region

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Hunter iF works collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including founders, entrepreneurs, students, businesses, and research institutions, to provide a comprehensive suite of services, programs, and opportunities. This includes acting as a central hub for innovation, championing regional successes, and developing strategies to elevate the Hunter's innovation capabilities.

Hunter iF and its key partners are actively involved in driving initiatives across critical areas such as clean energy, circular economy, and advanced manufacturing. Here's how they are contributing to these key areas:

Clean Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future

The Hunter region is strategically positioned to lead Australia's clean energy transition. Hunter iF, alongside key partners like the Hunter Joint Organisation (Hunter JO), Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), and EnergyCo, is working to unlock the region's immense potential in this sector.

What they do:

  • Accelerating Renewable Energy Projects: Hunter iF and its partners advocate for and support the development of major renewable energy projects, including solar farms, onshore and offshore wind farms, and pumped hydro. They highlight the importance of timely delivery of crucial infrastructure, such as the Hunter Transmission Project, to unlock the full potential of clean energy.

  • Facilitating Green Industrial Exports: They actively promote the Hunter's capacity to become a major exporter of green industrial products, such as green hydrogen, ammonia, and low-emissions aluminium, leveraging the region's existing industrial infrastructure and skilled workforce.

  • Driving Decarbonisation: Hunter iF supports local manufacturers with ambitious emissions reduction targets by connecting them with affordable and reliable clean energy solutions and key technologies needed for decarbonisation.

  • Building a Clean Energy Ecosystem: Through initiatives like the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), they are creating a framework to attract significant investment in clean energy generation and storage, supporting the growth of new low-carbon industries.

  • Workforce Development: They contribute to developing workforce capabilities aligned with the needs of the emerging clean energy sector, ensuring a skilled workforce for future jobs.

Circular Economy: Redefining Resource Use

The transition to a circular economy is a core focus for the Hunter region, with the Hunter Joint Organisation (Hunter JO) playing a significant role in leading this transformation. Hunter iF collaborates with these efforts to foster an ecosystem where waste is designed out, resources are maximised, and natural systems are regenerated.

What they do:

  • Developing a Regional Roadmap: Hunter iF supports and aligns with the Hunter JO's efforts in developing and implementing the Hunter and Central Coast Circular Economy Roadmap, which outlines strategic opportunities and prioritises initiatives for a circular region.

  • Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Through platforms like the Hunter Circular Hub and the Circular Directory, they facilitate cross-sector collaboration, connect businesses and organizations within the circular ecosystem, and share knowledge and best practices.

  • Supporting Circular Businesses and Projects: Hunter iF and its partners encourage and support the development of circular economy ventures and pilot projects, such as those focusing on textiles circularity, rigid plastics recycling, and e-waste micro-factories. They also support accelerators like "Making Circular" which mentors circular economy entrepreneurs.

  • Capacity Building: They contribute to educational programs and workshops, like the "Circular Essentials" program, to build awareness and capacity within businesses and local councils on circular design, implementation, and sourcing.

  • Promoting Investment: Hunter iF champions the economic benefits of the circular economy, highlighting its potential to generate new jobs, increase economic robustness, and attract investment into the region.

Advanced Manufacturing: Innovating for Growth

The Hunter region is witnessing a vibrant emergence of advanced manufacturing, building upon its strong traditional industrial base. Hunter iF plays a role in supporting the growth and global competitiveness of this sector.

What they do:

  • Connecting Research and Industry: Hunter iF encourages greater engagement between research institutions (like the University of Newcastle) and industry to drive innovation and the commercialization of new technologies in advanced manufacturing.

  • Supporting Startups and Scale-ups: They assist emerging businesses, particularly those in clean tech, climate tech, and advanced manufacturing, through initiatives that provide technical specialists, investment funding (e.g., through Melt Ventures), and access to prototyping facilities.

  • Developing a Skilled Workforce: Hunter iF supports programs like the "Schools Pathways Program" to inspire and engage the next generation of STEM talent, ensuring a future-ready workforce for the defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.

  • Promoting Regional Capabilities: They work to showcase the achievements of the region's advanced manufacturers, enhancing "Brand Hunter" and positioning the region as a leader in innovation and advanced production.

  • Leveraging Government Initiatives: Hunter iF helps advanced manufacturing businesses to maximize their potential by leveraging government initiatives such as the National Reconstruction Fund and other industry growth programs.