Put on your thinking caps; the Hunter Innovation Festival has begun with more than 40 events aimed to inspire, educate, and promote a culture of innovation within the community.
Organised by Hunter iF and in collaboration with the City of Newcastle, the innovation festival has a range of activities, including interactive workshops, information sessions, tech play, tours of local businesses, and inspirational talks until May 16.
Long time supporter of the festival is the University of Newcastle which has played an integral role in connecting emerging and experienced innovators through events and ‘Startup Stories’.
Senior Manager of I2N (University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network), Siobhan Curran, said innovation was the key to solving today’s current challenges.
“The best kind of innovation brings people together for a common good—which is exactly what we’ll need to overcome some of the most pressing challenges of our time,” Curran said.
With the theme ‘Innovate to Regenerate’, the festival will bring some top academics, scientists, and well-known figures to the city, including a free IQ Talk with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (Dr Karl) at the Civic Theatre, on May 8.
Famous for his weekly radio shows, television appearances, and 45 published books, Dr Karl will discuss his career and the value of demonstrating applied innovation when convincing people of what is possible.
A panel of local innovators will join him and explore the importance of applied innovation across a broad spectrum of fields, the barriers of participating in innovation, and why Newcastle was chosen to base their innovation practice.
Festival Coordinator Claire Quigley said she was excited to deliver a festival that made innovation accessible and created connectivity across the community, business, industry, government, and education.
“The Hunter is the leading regional economy in Australia, and in order to maintain that position, we need opportunities to connect people, ideas and capabilities to continue fostering innovation,” she said.
“With such a passionate, dedicated team of sponsors and volunteers, we are confident that the Innovation Festival will bring short and long-term gains to the entire Hunter Region.”
Quigley said the live events would reach communities across a large part of the Hunter, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and even Scone.
For more details and the entire event calendar visit the Hunter Innovation Festival website.
Hayley McMahon