Hunter iF Secures Major NSW Government Grant to Supercharge Regional Innovation
The Hunter region's innovation ecosystem has received a significant boost, with Hunter iF successfully securing funding in the latest round of the NSW Government’s Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program.
Announced by the Minns Government, Hunter iF is one of 19 forward-thinking organisations selected to share in a $400,000 funding pool designed to drive job creation, attract investment, and strengthen the state's global competitiveness.
Hon Yasmin Catley MP & Rutherford High Students at the 2025 Hunter Innovation Festival
For Hunter iF, this major grant will directly support the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival & Regional Roadshow. As the festival enters its 24th year, the funding will continue to expand its footprint beyond Newcastle, bringing critical conversations and tech-driven activations to industrial and regional heartlands.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter is an innovation powerhouse and this investment puts our money where our mouth is to support the people, ideas and businesses driving our region’s future.
“This is the Minns Government backing local ideas, jobs and industry to ensure our region – and the people who power it – continues to thrive.
“By investing in the next big idea today, we’re ensuring the Hunter remains at the forefront of innovation, industry and growth for years to come.”
Accelerating the Hunter's Economic Evolution
Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle Dr Ross Kerridge at the 2025 Hunter Innovation Festival
At its core, the festival is driven by a clear mission: to accelerate the Hunter's economic evolution by uniting our foundational industries with emerging grassroots innovators, by attracting capital, talent, global partners and R&D commercialisation to the region.
To achieve this, both the festival and Hunter iF strategically focus their efforts across four critical industry pillars:
Energy: Navigating the transition and building a sustainable, broad-based energy sector.
Advanced Manufacturing: Modernising local capabilities to compete on a global scale. This includes answering the state's call for housing innovation by leveraging the Hunter's heavy engineering muscle to pioneer Modern Methods of Construction and large-scale modular housing.
Aerospace: Capitalising on the region's defense and aviation infrastructure.
Health: Driving medical innovation and research commercialisation.
By targeting these specific sectors, the festival aims to showcase a highly resilient, globally connected Hunter economy that thrives beyond 2030, powered by a world-class ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, a broad-based energy sector, and highly skilled talent.
Taking Innovation on the Road
Matt Syron - Senior Cultural & Heritage Officer | Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council at the 2025 Hunter Innovation Festival
The 2026 program will kick off with a Regional Roadshow beginning in mid-September, taking targeted expertise and collaborative opportunities directly to local communities. The momentum will then culminate in the main Hunter Innovation Festival in Newcastle on 13 October 2026.
Leadership Voices on the Win
Zara Crichton, CEO of Hunter iF, highlighted how the funding will accelerate the region's momentum in these key sectors:
“We’re shifting the conversation in the Hunter from 'what if' to 'yes, and' - building on the region’s industrial strengths to unlock new opportunities in emerging technologies. Through our festival and regional roadshow, we'll connect people, ideas and capital to turn ambition into real outcomes. The NSW Government’s continued support is helping us scale that momentum across the region.”
Claire Quigley, Chair of Hunter iF, emphasized the strategic importance of the grant for long-term economic resilience:
"This funding is a massive validation of the collaborative ecosystem we are building here in the Hunter. Our goal as a board has always been to connect innovation with tangible economic opportunities across our core pillars of energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and health. This grant ensures that whether you're a heavy engineering leader or a tech startup, the resources and networks you need to grow and adapt are accessible right here in our region."
Marnie Davey, 2026 Festival Director, noted how the financial backing will execute the community-led expansion of this year's program:
"The Hunter possesses something rare: genuine industrial grit sitting right next to real innovation energy. This grant empowers us to take the festival on the road and curate events that reflect the specific strengths of our partner communities. We aren't just visiting these towns; we are uniting grassroots innovators with foundational industries to showcase a resilient economy ready for 2030 and beyond."
With the backing officially secured, all eyes are now on the upcoming September roadshow and October festival to deliver on its promise of uniting the region's industrial heritage with its high-growth, tech-driven future.
More information and ticketing details can be found on the Hunter Innovation Festival website.
The festival is made possible with thanks to our sponsors, partners and amazing team of volunteer Ambassadors, making sure the day runs smoothly and that everyone feels welcome.
