As a UNESCO City of Design, Geelong has spent over a decade supporting innovative local and national solutions to environmental and economic challenges. This dynamic showcase brings together industry leaders, researchers, government and innovators to explore locally developed solutions, success stories, emerging technologies and the future ahead.

Through engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insights into renewable energy, circular economy practices, clean economy partnerships, artificial intelligence, and the investment and skills needed for the future. The event will also examine the next decade of economic growth, highlighting how industry, academia and government can work together to drive investment, unlock innovation and build resilient, clean economy communities across Greater Geelong and beyond.

PROGRAM

10.00am – Panel commences

Panel Session 1 – Local Innovations through the Clean Economy Grants

Hear from Deakin University, Medsalv Australia and Rhino Instruments as they share real-world clean economy projects being developed right here in Greater Geelong. This session will showcase practical innovation in action from AI-enabled energy efficiency in manufacturing, to smarter ways of reducing environmental and financial waste in the health sector and innovative solutions to the growing challenge of discarded consumer batteries.

Panel Session 2 – Our Clean Economy Energy Future

Take a closer look at the major opportunities shaping Greater Geelong’s clean energy future. Panellists will explore hydrogen, offshore wind infrastructure, and the region’s potential to turn end-of-life, post-consumer plastics into valuable resources for chemicals and new plastic production. Demonstrating how today’s challenges can become tomorrow’s circular economy opportunities.

11.35am – Refreshments and networking

Panel Session 3 – Clean Economy Design and Collaborative Partnerships

See how collaboration, design thinking and local expertise are helping turn bold ideas into market-ready solutions. Godfrey Hirst, Think Manufacturing, Loomtex and Deakin University will share how partnerships are creating new value from waste resources, supporting sustainable textile design and developing products that lower costs and open the door to new markets.

Panel Session 4 – Industry Skills and Investment

Explore what it will take to build the workforce, capability and investment pipeline needed for a thriving clean economy. Deakin University, Geelong Tech School and The Gordon TAFE will discuss the future skills required across industry sectors and how education and training providers are equipping businesses, workers and young people for emerging clean economy opportunities. Hear firsthand from an public sector funded business about its experience attracting investment and scaling innovation. Together, the panel will explore how skills, talent, innovation and investment intersect to drive economic growth and strengthen the region’s clean economy future.

1.40pm – Lunch and networking

2.30pm – Event concludes