Gladstone Regional Enablers Program: Enhancing Renewable Innovation in Regional Queensland

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.

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.

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.