Gladstone Regional Enablers Program: Enhancing Renewable Innovation in Regional Queensland

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Funded by the Queensland Government, the Gladstone Regional Enablers Program is designed to empower students, businesses, industry leaders and entrepreneurs by fostering collaboration and innovation in the renewable energy space. 

The project seeks to drive sustainable growth, catalyse the adoption of clean technologies and to strengthen the broader innovation framework. This partnership underscores a commitment to community-driven progress by encouraging collaboration between educational institutions, industry and government stakeholders and local communities. 

The initiative aims not only to bolster innovation but also to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable and prosperous future for the Gladstone region and beyond. By engaging youth in STEM-focused activities, the project helps prepare the future workforce for emerging opportunities in science, technology, engineering and renewable energy sectors. 

Through targeted events, networking opportunities and hands-on activities, this project aims to lay the foundation for a dynamic and inclusive regional innovation ecosystem.  

Over the next three years, the program aims to create measurable impacts, including increased awareness of STEM career pathways, growth in innovation-driven enterprises and stronger community-industry partnerships.  

Find out more about our annual events and activities

The three-year program will consist of three key components:

  • An annual student innovation challenge to inspire and develop emerging talent.
  • Industry/business information and networking sessions to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • An opportunity for local innovators to attend the Tropical Innovation Festival in Cairns each year.

Additionally, the program includes a research component to assess impact on regional innovation.

The Gladstone Regional Enablers Program research project is part of CQUniversity's Centre for Research in Equity and Advancement of Teaching and Education (CREATE). The project aims to build on research findings to design, develop and deliver an annual two-day school student challenge as well as two industry networking and pitch events annually. The research conducted will assess the impact of the interventions on the understanding of energy and environmental innovation and careers in this sector for school students, industry and community groups.  Research results will inform the design of future activities and events in the program. 

The research seeks to address the following questions:

  • What is the impact of a co-designed intensive two-day school student challenge on student understanding of energy and environmental innovation and interest in careers in this sector?
  • What are the effective strategies to improve student understanding of energy and environmental innovation and interest in careers in this sector?
  • How can networking and pitch events be used for improving community understanding of energy and environmental innovation and skills and careers in this sector?
  • How can pitch events lead to innovative projects in the Gladstone region? 

In June 2025, three delegates from the Gladstone Regional Enablers Program attended the Tropical Innovation Festival, a leading event celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship across regional Queensland. The festival offered valuable networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration opportunities. The three delegates returned to Gladstone to share what they learnt at the Tropical Innovation Festival, bringing back fresh ideas, insights, and connections to support local innovation initiatives and inspire others in the region.

Jennifer McGuire and AusIndustry Division members sitting together smiling.

In May 2025, the Gladstone Regional Enablers Program hosted the first Enterprise Builders School Challenge, a two-day event engaging local high school students in real-world problem-solving and entrepreneurship at Gladstone CQUniversity. Students collaborated in teams to develop innovative business ideas and pitch their solutions to a panel of judges. Guest speaker Renee Mooney from Acciona Energy shared valuable insights on renewable energy innovation and sustainable project development during the event. Her expertise inspired students to think creatively about clean energy solutions and the future of the industry.

Scott Millar_Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer_Renee Mooney holding a surfboard and smiling at camera

The Gladstone Regional Enablers Program recently hosted its second Network and Pitch Event for 2025! Guest speaker Audun Fiskerud (Program Lead – Investment Ready Startups, EnergyLab) delivered a powerful message around the theme: "There has never been a better time to get involved with climate tech startups in Queensland."

The event brought together innovators, local experts, and passionate community members to explore renewable energy opportunities. Attendees had the chance to make meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and ignite innovative solutions. Local students also took the stage to pitch their renewable energy concepts, gaining valuable experience and feedback to help shape and strengthen their ideas.

Audun Fiskerud from Investment Ready Startups, EnergyLab sitting in front of presentation
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Proudly supported by the Queensland Government

Get Involved

Want to support the Gladstone Regional Enablers Program? Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Join our events – whether as a speaker, participant, or pitch presenter
  • Become a partner organisation – collaborate with us to drive regional innovation
  • Be a Gladstone REP advocate – help spread the word and champion the program

For more information, contact us at regionalenablers@cqu.edu.au.

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