Hunter Innovation Festival 2025 Set to Ignite Groundbreaking Ideas in the Region

Source: Hunter Innovation Festival

The Hunter region will become the epicentre of groundbreaking ideas and future-shaping discussions as the Hunter Innovation Festival 2025 kicks off on Thursday, 25 September. Now in its 23rd year, this eagerly anticipated event promises to inspire, connect, and empower the region's diverse innovation ecosystem.

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Set to welcome 600 delegates and over 60 world-class speakers, the festival will run from 8 AM to 5 PM at City Hall Newcastle, followed by the "Festival After Dark" networking event from 5 PM to 8 PM at the new George Darby Hotel.

Festival Director Zara Crichton expressed her excitement, stating, "We are on the cusp of delivering our most ambitious festival yet. This year, we're not just discussing the future; we're actively shaping it, together. From revolutionary medical breakthroughs to the critical future of energy storage and defence innovation, attendees will witness the pioneering spirit that defi nes the Hunter region."

The day will commence with an inspiring Opening, expertly hosted by legendary comedian, author, and innovation expert James O'Loghlin, who’ll be the Master of the Vibe throughout the day. The ceremony will feature a Welcome to Country by local Indigenous leaders Sarah Kelly and Matt Syron, welcomes from Hunter iF Chair Alex Brennan and Festival Director Zara Crichton, and official opening remarks from City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Dr. Ross Kerridge. An important address will also be delivered by The Hon. Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Hunter, and The Hon. Emily Suvaal, MLC will provide a vote of thanks to the entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in the Hunter. .

A stellar lineup of keynote speakers includes:

• Prof Renee Goreham, a Superstar of STEM, will unveil "A Breath of Hope," detailing how breath analysis and advanced optical tomography are revolutionising early detection of diseases like cancer.

• Vu Tran, co-founder of Black Sky Industries and Go1, will challenge perspectives on the defence industry in his address, "Demystifying Defence: Why Now is the Time to Start Paying Attention."

• Prof Thomas Nann, CEO of local innovator Allegro Energy, will discuss "Little Steps or Giant Leaps? Unlocking the Future of Energy Storage," showcasing Allegro's groundbreaking non-fl ammable, water-based battery technology.

• Em. Prof Roy Green AM will share insights into the Federal Government’s R&D review and the vision for a ‘Future Made in the Hunter’.

  
  

Beyond the main stage, the festival offers a rich program of activities designed to foster collaboration and discovery:

• Four dynamic panel discussions will delve into critical topics such as energy storage, advanced manufacturing, aerospace capability, and the realities of deal-making and fundraising.

• A Concrete Hack-a-thon focused on accelerating low-carbon concrete adoption across the Hunter.

• Startup Alley provides an opportunity to meet carefully curated startup founders in a unique "no-pitch zone" for genuine conversations with the next wave of Hunter innovators.

• The Innovation Expo will connect delegates with invaluable festival sponsors and partners who are actively investing in the innovation ecosystem.

• Attendees can witness "Pew! Pew! Pew!", a high-energy idea sharing session where audacious innovators present their vision in just three minutes with image-only slides.

• Office Hours offers confidential, 20-minute one-on-one sessions with seasoned professionals, providing tailored advice and clarity.

• The Tech Girls: What if...? Digital Art Exhibition showcases inspiring digital art from high school girls in the Fab Lab TechCreate Girls Program.

• The inaugural Hunter iF Action Summit Art Prize will unveil its winner, celebrating primary school students' artistic visions of "Energy of the Future."

The Hunter Innovation Festival is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about community, technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of the region. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with leading minds, discover groundbreaking ideas, and be part of shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025

Main Festival: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, City Hall Newcastle

Festival After Dark: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, George Darby Hotel, Corner of King & Darby

For more information and to view the full program, please visit www.hunterif.com.au/festival