THE Hunter Innovation Festival is back in October 2023, with this year’s iteration including greater involvement from Port Stephens.

Established in 2002, the Hunter Innovation Festival began as an associated event of The Australian Innovation Festival.

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The festival has evolved and grown since 2002, but at its core, remains a collaboration that brings together people from throughout the community to meet, be inspired, learn and share ideas.

Each year, the festival is made possible by the dedication and hard work of those who participate in the local innovation ecosystem.

The festival aims to inspire and promote a culture of innovation amongst businesses, researchers, industry, and the wider community to help position the Hunter region as an internationally recognised centre for innovation.

Some of the country’s leading experts across innovation, health, research, and government will headline this year’s Hunter Innovation Festival, with speakers announced for the Thursday 19 October 2023 conference.

Australian business and finance leader and Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road Home Loans, Mark Bouris AM, NSW Modern Manufacturing Commissioner Lisa Emerson, and 2021 Newcastle Citizen of the Year and 2023 NAIDOC Person of the Year, proud Worimi man Professor Kelvin Kong, will lead the keynote sections of the conference, each addressing topics certain to spark discussion and collaboration.

Hunter Innovation Festival Chair Alex Brennan says the festival is thrilled to bring together three such outstanding people who have each accomplished incredible personal and professional achievements across diverse sectors.

“We’re excited to have such a high calibre of speakers headline this year’s event,” Brennan said.

“Mark Bouris AM has been at the forefront of Australian entrepreneurship for decades, having established Australia’s second largest non-bank mortgage lender, Wizard Home Loans, while Lisa Emerson is the first ever Modern Manufacturing Commissioner for NSW and Australia.

“We’re also thrilled to have Professor Kelvin Kong attend.

“He is no doubt one the Hunter region’s most outstanding individuals who will bring a wealth of insight into the future of medical research in our region and across the nation more broadly,” Mr Brennan said.

Mark Bouris AM said he is excited to cover topics ranging from leadership, innovation, success and resilience.
“The growth of the Hunter region is clear, as one of the country’s largest regional economies.

“Within this, the innovation and development of complex industries, such as medical research, technology, and education, all contribute to the communities continued growth.

“It will be interesting to hear first-hand about this development and what factors have contributed to these advancements, whilst looking ahead to the future of the region.

“The Hunter Innovation Festival presents some amazing opportunities to learn about new emerging technologies and their effect on our commercial landscape and relevant industries, and it is also an opportunity to showcase the amazing level of innovation within the region,” Mr Bouris said.

Professor Kong will be discussing the field of healthcare and how it is experiencing a transformative shift through continuous innovation, and the profound impact this innovation has on health – spanning from advanced medical technologies and treatments to novel healthcare delivery models.

“I’m looking forward to discussing the synergy between technology and medicine, and how breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, telemedicine, genomics, and medical devices are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalising treatment plans, and improving patient outcomes,” Mr Kong said.

Rod Henderson, Managing Director and CEO of the innovative Tomago-based Ampcontrol told News Of The Area, “Ampcontrol believes the Hunter region of NSW provides a conducive launchpad for innovative businesses and individuals to challenge the future and transform the world through collaboration.

“Ideally located within easy access to world-class transport links, an internationally renowned university, global leaders in several industries and diverse natural attractions, the Hunter provides an unparalleled location to attract and retain creative talent and bold businesses that can challenge the status quo to support the development of the region and Australia.”

By Marian SAMPSON