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.

🔥 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.

Our recent Innovators Lunch, hosted by Hunter iF and the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, brought together a powerhouse panel to dissect the Future Made in Australia policy and its ripple effects for our region.

Watch the video update and welcome to 2025 from Hunter iF Chair, Alex Brennan.

Hunter iF is excited to announce the new board members elected at Tuesday’s AGM: Bret Barton, Sheron Steward, Jennie McGhie, Cameron Burns, and Caroline Booth. Additionally, we congratulate Will Rifkin on his re-election.