The Hunter Innovation Festival will return for its 24th year in 2026 with support from the NSW Government’s Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, allowing Hunter iF to continue delivering its annual festival and Regional Roadshow.
Hunter iF is one of 19 organisations selected in the latest funding round, which supports events across NSW that connect startups, researchers, investors and established businesses to encourage commercialisation and business growth.
For Hunter iF, the funding will support a program that has become centred on industries with established capability in the region, using the festival and roadshow to create opportunities for collaboration across energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and health.
Built around industry capability
Rather than treating innovation as a stand-alone sector, the Hunter Innovation Festival is designed to connect emerging technologies with established industries.
Its program focuses on energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and health, bringing together businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and government to encourage new commercial opportunities. Within advanced manufacturing, Hunter iF is also promoting modern methods of construction and modular housing as areas where the region’s engineering capability can be applied.
Hunter iF Chief Executive Officer Zara Crichton said the organisation was focused on building from the Hunter’s industrial strengths.
“We’re shifting the conversation in the Hunter from ‘what if’ to ‘yes, and’ building on the region’s industrial strengths to unlock new opportunities in emerging technologies.
“Through our festival and regional roadshow, we’ll connect people, ideas and capital to turn ambition into real outcomes. The NSW Government’s continued support is helping us scale that momentum across the region.”
Program continues with roadshow and festival
The 2026 program will begin with the Regional Roadshow in mid September before the Hunter Innovation Festival is held in Newcastle on Tuesday 13 October.
Before then, Hunter iF will host its Innovators Lunch on 31 July at the I2N Hub at Honeysuckle. The event will feature presentations from innovators, local government representatives and industry leaders, while also providing an early look at this year’s Regional Roadshow and festival program.
Organisers say the lunch is intended to introduce founders developing new technologies alongside the councils supporting their work, while giving businesses an opportunity to connect before the festival begins.
NSW backs innovation-led events
Hunter iF’s funding forms part of the NSW Government’s Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, which is providing $400,000 across 19 organisations this year.
According to the NSW Government, the program supports events and initiatives that bring together startups, researchers, investors and industry, with funded activities contributing to priorities identified in the state’s Innovation Blueprint and Industry Policy, including clean energy, housing, local manufacturing and health.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the funding recognised the role innovation plays in the region’s economy.
“The Hunter is an innovation powerhouse and this investment puts our money where our mouth is to support the people, ideas and businesses driving our region’s future.”
The full program for the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival will be announced soon. Keep your eye on the website here for updates.
