The Hunter region's journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse is a story of strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and dedicated action. Three key elements have been central to this evolution: the long-standing Hunter Innovation Festival, the pivotal "Project If" (now known as "The iF Report"), and the dedicated efforts of Hunter iF Limited.

The Spark: Hunter Innovation Festival

The Hunter Innovation Festival first lit the spark in 2002, emerging as a grassroots initiative connected to the national Australian Innovation Festival. For years, it served as a vital platform, bringing together the community to share ideas, foster creativity, and build connections. Even in its early days, managed by entities including Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, the festival was dedicated to promoting a culture of innovation across the region.  

The Blueprint: "The iF Report"

A significant turning point came in 2017 with the publication of "The iF Report". This comprehensive strategic document, born from extensive consultation with over 200 stakeholders and 300 individuals from across the Hunter , laid out a bold vision: for the Hunter to be an internationally acknowledged centre of innovation by 2025. The report identified the critical need for a unified approach and a central coordinating body to drive the region's innovation agenda.  

The Engine: Hunter iF Limited

From the recommendations of "The iF Report," Hunter iF Limited was incorporated in 2018. Established as a not-for-profit, member-based organization, Hunter iF Limited (ABN 70 626 149 531) – the entity central to these efforts, rather than "Hunter If Pty Ltd" – became the driving force for innovation in the region. Supported initially by the NSW Government's Local Innovation Network grant , Hunter iF embarked on a mission to accelerate innovation and catalyze regional transformation through connection and collaboration.  

Key initiatives quickly followed, including the Regional Incubator Program (2018) in partnership with The Business Centre, which nurtured around 25 startups , and Startup Xpress (2019), showcasing regional talent to Sydney investors.  

Synergy and Growth: A Unified Ecosystem

In 2021, a pivotal development saw Hunter iF Limited acquire the Hunter Innovation Festival from RDA Hunter. This strategic move integrated the festival directly into Hunter iF's broader mission. Under its stewardship, the festival has expanded significantly, introducing a major Innovation Conference, an industry showcase, a regional roadshow, and a forward-looking Action Summit designed to generate tangible projects and outcomes.  

Today, "The iF Report" provides the enduring strategic vision, Hunter iF Limited delivers the operational capacity and sustained programs, and the Hunter Innovation Festival stands as the premier public platform for engagement, collaboration, and showcasing the region's innovative capabilities. Together, they form a powerful, interconnected ecosystem, driving the Hunter's journey towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy.