Innovation in action
Our region has a unique entrepreneurial ecosystem where industry contemporaries collaborate, and where innovation, new ideas, entrepreneurs and startups are actively supported and encouraged.
The deployment of new and enabling technology supports innovation and transformation in our Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033, which provides a 20-year vision and blueprint for sustainable economic growth across our seven high-value industries – a key priority is promoting innovation, research and digital participation.
Supporting innovation
Sunshine Coast Regional Innovation Project Team (SCRIPT)
SCRIPT is a collaboration of local entrepreneurs, businesses, government stakeholders and community members dedicated to fueling innovation and growing business capacity on the Sunshine Coast.
Its purpose is to create meaningful outcomes and economic value that will result in new products and services, growth in sales and exports, job creation and talent attraction, business migration to the region/state, and increased capital investment.
This unique program manages projects and priorities across multiple government jurisdictions and five key themes: smart cities; health and wellbeing; food and agribusiness; sustainability and the environment; and creative industries.
- 40 projects, events and activities have been funded by SCRIPT, with a further 15 receiving in-kind support
- Appointed Regional Innovation Coordinator and Entrepreneur in the Region roles
- Regional Innovation Benchmark Project
Innovators for the environment
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm
Sunshine Coast Council is the first local government in Australia to offset 100% of its electricity consumption with renewable energy from a purpose-built, 15-megawatt solar farm. Council investigated 23 different energy options including wind, biomass, wave and tidal power before deciding a utility scale solar farm, equipped with 57,850 photovoltaic panels, presented the most sustainable choice. Sunshine Coast Solar Farm has received five prestigious sustainability awards.
Maroochydore City Centre
The new Maroochydore City Centre will be embedded with smart technology creating a cleaner, greener, dynamic city. It features Australia’s first high-tech, underground automated waste collection system (launched 2021). Waste and recyclables from buildings and public bins will move by vacuum pressure at up to 70km per hour through a 6.5km network of underground pipes to a control centre on the perimeter of the CBD.
Sunshine Coast Airport
In 2017, the Sunshine Coast Airport became Australia’s first carbon neutral airport, achieving accreditation under the Airports Council International Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
Sustainability Research Centre
UniSC hosts the Sustainability Research Centre providing access to contemporary research that supports the growth of the clean technologies industry.
Innovation for young minds
Exciting new opportunities are available for young tech minds in technology and innovation on the Sunshine Coast.
Along with leading STEM schools in the state, a range of programs and events run throughout the year from year 9 to university levels, providing opportunities to learn new skills in innovation, coding, robotics and entrepreneurship. A wealth of information and opportunities are available to help connect and support these students on their journey.
Some opportunities available to young tech minds are:
Generation Innovation
The first of its kind anywhere in the world, this annual challenge is for 15-25 year olds wanting to start their own business.
CoderDojo
A free coding club for students aged 7-17 years covering everything from basic web, app and game development.
RoboCoast
A hub of state and private schools started RoboCoast to promote the uptake of robotics and coding through staff and student training and fun robotics competitions.
Awards and prizes
The Sunshine Coast Telstra Innovation Awards and Generation Innovation connect and challenge 15 to 25 year olds to develop entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and to start their own business.