Geelong – Local innovators will showcase their clean and green business ideas at a special event hosted by the City of Greater Geelong on Friday 11 August.
The ‘NEXUS – cleantech and circular economy showcase’ will bring together attendees from local business, industry, academia and government to discuss the latest developments in the clean technology sector and the role the Geelong region can play in achieving a circular economy.
The event will include presentations, panel discussions, and an exhibition of cleantech and circular economy products and initiatives.
It will also feature the Climate Launchpad ‘Pitch Finals’ for the Geelong region, where local hopefuls will pitch their green start-up ideas, in the hope of progressing to the Asia-Pacific finals.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said the Council’s support for the event was part of its push to achieve net zero emissions in the Geelong region by 2035.
“Moving towards a circular economy with the help of innovative clean technologies will have huge environmental and economic benefits for our region,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“There are many large and small businesses already in Geelong that are looking for opportunities to move into this space.
“Through events such as this where the local industry can exchange and pitch new ideas, we’re aiming to help establish our region as a hub for cleantech and circular economy solutions in Australia.”
The event has been organised in partnership with representatives from the Victorian Cleantech Cluster, Regional Innovation for a Circular Economy (RICE) and Climate-KIC Australia.
It will feature speakers from large local organisations including Geelong Port, Deakin University and The Gordon.
It will also help to raise the profile of innovative Geelong projects supported by the City in the past, such as those by Cleantech Community Grants recipients Sequence Digital/Rhino Instruments, BOOM Power, Austeng, Capricorn Power, Fulton Hogan and Geelong Sustainability.
Councillor Jim Mason, deputy chair of the Strong Local Economy portfolio, said circular economy initiatives help the environment by re-using or regenerating products, significantly reducing waste.
“Clean technologies use renewable materials and energy sources to create products or services,” Cr Mason said.
“To help achieve a circular economy, we need to support the development of cleantech from the idea stage to reality.
“There’s an opportunity for Geelong to be a leader in this space, and that’s what this event is about.
“It will be a significant networking opportunity to have the cleantech and circular economy players in the room to meet, exchange ideas and work towards future projects.”
