We kicked off the Summit in the Stair Stadium with a celebratory reverse pitch session, where 10 Queensland and Australian government representatives showcased their programs and services linked to innovation. This session highlighted the diverse initiatives driving regional growth and demonstrated the strong connections between government and innovation partners.
Over the two-day Summit, regional enablers delved into what it truly means to be an enabler, identifying opportunities to empower, unlock, and amplify innovation in their regions. While each REP provider brought unique perspectives and local challenges to the table, the Summit highlighted the collective strength of this "network of networks." Through collaboration and leveraging their individual strengths, participants laid the groundwork to further grow and strengthen this vital community of practice.
Sharing inspiring stories
The Summit provided an opportunity for the REP cohort to share inspiring stories, including:
- the TechVerge digital transformation programs empowering regional businesses in Mackay, Isaac, and the Whitsundays to embrace new technologies,
- the Circular Futures NQ Summit in Townsville, which is driving circular economy innovation and sustainability, and
- the Greater Whitsunday Agtech for Decarbonisation Program by GW3, which uses ecosystem mapping to identify key stakeholders, foster collaboration, and drives targeted, impactful solutions for sustainable agriculture.
We also celebrated the achievements of all 15 REP providers who are making a significant impact in their regions including their support for Innovation Driven Enterprise – recent examples include:
- Impact10X: Relaunched in January 2025, this program is empowering emerging entrepreneurs in Far North Queensland and beyond. With tailored mentorship, resources, and expert guidance, Impact10X is creating a world-class startup ecosystem. Success stories include ventures like Celsi, which offers temperature monitoring solutions for the food service industry, and KidMaps, an interactive tool helping families discover kid-friendly activities and venues.
- NextGen Incubator: Delivered by Cohort Innovation Space in partnership with Griffith University, this initiative is transforming student and researcher-led startups. The program fosters collaboration between government, industry, and education, equipping participants with the tools and mentorship needed to thrive. Standout projects include NeoGlycis, which developed a groundbreaking blood test for early detection of multiple myeloma, and CutCompass, a live barber discovery app that won the People’s Choice Award at the NextGen Pre-Accelerator Demo Night.
- GrowHer: This program is inspiring the next generation of female agri-entrepreneurs to take their career aspirations to the next level. Four winning teams—from Rockhampton Grammar, Nambour State College, St Joseph’s Stanthorpe, and Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers from the 2025 GrowHer competition explored cutting-edge agricultural technologies at the Gatton AgTech Showcase, connecting with industry leaders and gaining insights into the future of farming innovation.
Patricia O’Callaghan, Director-General of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), hosted an insightful Roundtable with our regional enablers. This session provided a valuable opportunity to gather input and ideas to help shape the future direction of research, development, and innovation in Queensland.
Key takeaways
Regional enablers shared their key takeaways from the Summit discussions, including the importance of:
- strengthening collaboration and connections, and supporting capacity building in regions
- fostering innovation, driving new partnerships and supporting a pipeline of emerging talent in regions
- opportunities to improve data collection and reporting mechanisms in order to tell the story of program impact more effectively.
The participants shared their feedback, noting the Summit created “a great opportunity to connect with current partners and stakeholders and to make new connections with regional enablers as well as Government reps” and “Connection for purpose was very strong. Trust building across the community of participants was cemented”.
Another participant said they “were able to break away from a few pre-conceived thoughts and rethink their approach to some of the activities on their program for 2026”.
Overall “There is such incredible value in the conversations, collaboration and peer-based problem solving that occurs when representatives from each of the regions are able to come together”.
Future commitments
The REPs have committed to continue building their network and identify opportunities to collaborate on future projects.
The Regional Enablers Program Summit was a powerful reminder of the incredible work being done across Queensland to accelerate innovation, strengthen networks, and drive regional economic growth.
Discover the people, initiatives, and services accelerating innovation near you – Regional Enablers Providers.
Let’s continue to collaborate and innovate for a brighter future!
Last updated: 02 Dec 2025