Silicon Coast welcomed Wayne Gerard, Queensland’s new Chief Entrepreneur to the coast. Over the course of the day, Wayne enjoyed the opportunity of touring our region in the new EQC400 electric vehicle, thanks to Mercedes-Benz Sunshine Coast, to understand the significant and diverse impact we are making to the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

From a coastal breakfast with the Peregian Digital Hub crew to the FAN luncheon at Glasshouse Brewery with our top local CEOs, the industry engagement was strong. With so many game-changer projects in the pipeline across the region, it was only fitting to take Wayne for a tour of the Cable Landing Station with Sunshine Coast Council, and showcase our position to become Australia’s first Digital Trade Hub.

In the spirit and context of a healthy Triple Helix (ecosystems consisting of collaboration between industry, government, and education) Wayne visited USC and met the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation, Professor Ross Young.

Then, to the pinnacle of the day, meeting over 80 local innovators and entrepreneurs at the new Vitality Village in Birtinya. Wayne was eager to network, connect, learn and interact with some of the most collaborative organisations. Wayne shared what makes his role unique to previous Chief Entrepreneurs, now reporting directly to the Premier, increasing visibility and engagement across all the Director-Generals, across Queensland Government; the establishment of the new Innovation Advisory Council; and the exciting opportunities ahead for local procurement with the pending 2032 Olympic Games.

Activities like this are not possible without the support and donation of time and resources and for that reason, we would like to acknowledge event partners Vitality Village, ENTAG, Mercedes-Benz Sunshine Coast, Glasshouse Brewery, Peregian Digital Hub, Sunshine Coast Council, Cody Osborne Cinematography, The Good Place, Patrick Woods photography and our volunteers for helping to make the day a huge success.

From us, at Silicon Coast, our continued focus is to further curate a thriving collaborative ecosystem for the Sunshine Coast. We look forward to more upcoming ways to create meaningful connections between industry, government, and education, to ultimately drive value creation for customers in a way they wouldn’t be able to do in isolation.

Finally, we would also like to remind you that if you have any topic or guest speaker ideas, please reach out and let us know.

Click here to view more photos for the event 

A message from our partner – Lisa Ward Manager of Vitality Village

The team at Vitality Village wants to say thank you to everyone who attended the Collaboration Lives Here event and in particular thanks to Wayne Gerard, Silicon Coast, and ENTAG for hosting the event at the Village. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our new collaboration hub to you all, with modern spaces designed to support collaboration and inspire. Vitality Village is a place for people to come together and collaborate with some of the region’s leading businesses. If you would like to join us or take a look, don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected]