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.

The Hunter is now Australia’s knowledge engine. See why 2026 is the year of Hard-Tech and how we're winning top talent. Don't just watch the future happen.

The Hunter region has long been the powerhouse of New South Wales, and the recent announcement that YZ has successfully managed the grid connection for the Wollar Solar Farm marks a pivotal moment in the region's energy evolution.

The departure of SXSW Sydney isn’t an ending, its a new beginning. This moment shines on the amazing events that have been nurturing this ecosystem for decades. These events are special because they are grounded in us. They lead with tech. They put the innovator first. They understand that the most valuable thing an event can offer is a coffee with a co-founder, a handshake with an investor, a moment of "Aha!" shared with a peer.

There is a particular energy you feel when you walk into a workspace that just works. It’s a hum of productivity, sure, but it’s also the palpable vibe of problem-solving in real-time.

I felt that exact energy this week when I visited the team at Brain Industries International in Carrington.

A one-day regional summit exploring how the Hunter is leading Australia’s decarbonisation journey — from green energy to metals and manufacturing.

If your high school student has found themselves with less screen time and more free time, The Melt INDUSTRY EDGE Maker Project offers a fun alternative this summer holidays.

The Hunter is changing. Our lunches are too.

We are completely redesigning our monthly lunch series for 2025. We are moving away from the standard "sit and listen" format to a new model: Inform, Inspire, and Activate.

We want to create events where you don't just swap business cards, but actually:

• Solve real supply chain problems.

• Connect with new players

• Discover immediate pathways into projects

To make this work for you, we need your input.

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!