If the latest Startup Muster 2025 report makes one thing clear, it is that innovation in Australia is no longer confined to the capital city CBDs. In a standout finding for the Hunter region, Newcastle has not just entered the national conversation—it is leading it.

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.

The Hunter Region, long the beating heart of Australia’s coal-fired power generation, is poised for a significant industrial pivot. In a landmark move announced this week, the Federal and NSW Governments have backed a $171 million investment to establish the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility capable of producing 500 megawatts of solar modules annually.

While Australia’s broader startup landscape faced headwinds in 2025, Newcastle has emerged as a powerhouse of resilience and growth. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, our region is not just surviving; it is thriving, delivering one of the standout performances in the country.

This summer, the Hunter isn't just a holiday destination—it's the ultimate "third place" for parents needing a break from a noisy house or travellers wanting to extend their stay without burning annual leave.

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.

Newcastle-based clean-tech firm MCi Carbon continues to dominate the global stage, celebrating a major victory at the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Brazil.

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between Hunter IF and Sleek, a leading provider of accounting, tax, and payroll services perfect for founders and small business owners.

Have your say! Lake Macquarie Business is surveying local SMEs to tailor support, advocacy, and training for 2025. Take the survey now.

UoN celebrates student entrepreneurs and Hunter businesses for driving innovation at the Employability Excellence awards.

🔥 Hunter Innovators! 🔥 The NSW MVP Ventures Grant is opening soon. Regional businesses (like ours) can access up to $75,000 for commercialising innovative products. Stream 2 offers a 75% co-contribution! Read the guidelines & apply before Dec 21! 🚀 Cream Big!

Hunter businesses, this is for you! 🛠️ Join the Net Zero Supplier Showcase. Profile your firm for major $1M+ energy transmission projects linked to the REZs. Get listed in a vital guide shared with key decision-makers and contractors. Show your capability & capacity!

New Era of Leadership at Hunter iF: Claire Quigley succeeds Alex Brennan as Chair, welcoming new directors Linda Apostolidis, Conrad Smith, and Andrea Hoymann. The board is set to drive the next phase of growth, accelerating innovation and ensuring the Hunter is internationally acknowledged as a thriving centre of innovation.

Hunter iF and its members today issued a strong recommendation to the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources and NSW Premier’s Department, urging them to proactively utilise strategic financial mechanisms to establish a commercially viable pathway for the Tomago Aluminium Smelter. This critical engagement is needed before the employee consultation period concludes on November 21st.

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.