GET INVOLVED
GET INVOLVED
Startup Alley Grants
SHOWCASE THE FUTURE. SHAPE THE NOW.
Are you a pioneering startup in Future Energy, Health, Advanced Manufacturing, or Aerospace? Apply now for a spot at Startup Alley at the Hunter Innovation Festival 2025 and connect with investors, industry leaders and potential customers!
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday 25 September 2025
📍 Location: Hunter Innovation Festival, Newcastle, NSW
Startup Alley is a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge startups driving innovation in key industries. This is your opportunity to gain exposure, network with influential stakeholders and propel your startup to the next level.
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking early to growth-stage startups in:
Future Energy
Health
Advanced Manufacturing
Aerospace
If your startup is creating impact and shaping the future of these industries, we want to hear from you!
We want to capture the breadth and depth of these industries, so if you think you even remotely fit into one of the above pillars - let’s talk.
Why Participate?
✅ Showcase your innovation to investors, customers and industry leaders.
✅ Gain valuable exposure through media and festival promotions.
✅ Connect with potential partners and collaborators.
✅ Receive feedback and insights from experienced mentors and peers.
How to Apply
Submit your grant application by 30 June 2025 via the form below.
Successful grant applicants will receive a dedicated exhibition space and access to exclusive networking opportunities.
Apply Now and Be Part of the Future!
For questions or more information, contact Festival Program Lead, Baidy Barton at events@hunterif.com.au.
Don’t miss this chance to put your startup on the map at Hunter Innovation Festival 2025!
PEW! Pew! Pew!
Fresh voices. fierce ideas. the big stage.
Are you an emerging voice in Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Future Energy, or Aerospace? Have you got a groundbreaking idea, a unique perspective, or an inspiring innovation story to share? The Hunter Innovation Festival is offering a limited number of wildcard slots in our Pew! Pew! Pew! showcase – and we want to hear from you!
What’s on Offer?
We’re reserving a handful of special wildcard slots for speakers who have never been featured at industry events or on panels before. This is your opportunity to take the main stage, gain exposure and share your insights with an engaged audience of industry leaders, investors and innovators.
How to Apply
To throw your hat in the ring, submit a 1-minute video pitch telling us:
✅ Who you are and what you do
✅ Why your idea, research, or project deserves the spotlight
✅ How your work contributes to shaping the future of your field under 1 of the 4 pillars (or the broader innovation community)
Be bold, engaging, and authentic (lean into your weird!) – we’re looking for fresh perspectives and emerging talent!
Submission Details
📅 Deadline: 30 June 2025
📩 Submit your video via the form below
📍 Event Date: Thursday 25 September 2025
Who Should Apply?
Founders, researchers, innovators and creatives breaking new ground
Folks with a great idea that they want the community to rally around and support
Emerging speakers with something compelling to share that aligns with the spirit of the Hunter Innovation Festival and this year’s pillars (Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Future Energy or Aerospace)
What is the format?
The presentation is a fast-paced storytelling format where speakers present 12 slides for 3 mins total. It’s all about delivering an engaging, concise, and visually compelling talk – perfect for new voices looking to make an impact!
Get Involved
This is your chance to step up and share your ideas with the world. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to make your speaking debut, this is it!
Questions? Reach out to us at events@hunterif.com.au.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
After Dark Party: Innovation Unwinds
Network, Celebrate, and Connect After Hours
Join us for the official After Dark Party and celebrate a day of innovation!
Unwind, network with industry leaders, and enjoy live music, refreshments, and a vibrant atmosphere.
It's the perfect opportunity to build connections and reflect on the day's insights in a relaxed setting.
Keep the Conversation Going
Unleash Your Creativity! Design the "Energy of the Future"
Hunter iF Festival Tee Shirt Art Prize for Primary School Students
Hey Young Artists of the Hunter Region!
Do you have BIG ideas about the future of our planet? Do you love to draw and create? Then this is your chance to shine!
The Hunter iF Festival is looking for amazing artwork from kids just like YOU to design our official festival tee shirts!
Theme: "Energy of the Future" Show us what you think sustainable energy looks like! Draw your ideas about: Sustainable energy, cool new technologies, and a greener planet.
Who Can Enter? All primary school students in the Hunter region (K-6)
Awesome Prizes to be Won! Your artwork on official Hunter iF Festival tee shirts!Cash prizes! Art supplies! Book vouchers! Prizes for the top 3 schools with the most entries!
How to Enter:
Complete the entry form.
Create your amazing "Energy of the Future"
artwork on an A4 sheet of paper.
Submit your entry by July 31st
Entries and questions to art@hunterif.com.au