It All Starts Now: Building a Bolder Future Together
Hey everyone!
This year, we have this surge of excitement as we start pulling back the curtain on the Hunter Innovation Festival, and create something special. For 23 years, this festival has been a place for dreamers and doers, and I am thrilled to say that in 2025, we’re going to be bolder than ever.
This festival is a living, breathing conversation about our future.
It’s about connection, inspiration, and turning brilliant ideas into reality, right here in the Hunter.
And speaking of brilliant minds, I am absolutely delighted to share our first lineup of keynote speakers with you. We’ll be guided by the wonderfully sharp and witty James O’Loghlin, who many of you will know from ABC’s The New Inventors. He has a unique talent for making innovation accessible and fun. We’ll also hear from local powerhouses like Dr. Renee Goreham, who is pioneering nanotechnology to detect disease earlier than ever, and Prof. Dr. Thomas Nann, who is tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time—energy storage. These three are just the beginning, representing the incredible mix of creativity, science, and practical solutions the festival is known for.
But the most important voice at this festival is yours.
We believe innovation comes from every corner of our community. That’s why we have opened up more ways than ever for you to get involved. Are you a founder with a game-changing product? Apply for a free spot in our Startup Alley. Got a trailblazing idea you can share in three minutes? The main stage is calling your name in our Pew! Pew! Pew! showcase. And for our youngest innovators, our Primary Art Prize is a chance to imagine the "Energy of the Future" and see that vision come to life.
This is your festival. We want you to feel the buzz, meet the people who will change your perspective, and leave feeling ready to make your own mark.
To make sure you’re there with us, we’ve just launched registration for a limited run of Early Bird tickets for only $99. This offer is a thank you for being part of our community from the very beginning, but it’s only available until midnight on July 20.
Let’s come together to explore, question, and build a brighter, bolder tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you on 25 September 2025 at Newcastle City Hall.
Warmly,
Zara Crichton
Festival Director