Decarbonising Freight and Port Operations: From Ambition to Implementation
Earlier this month, FB IDEAs hosted a panel discussion exploring current trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the future of freight and heavy transport. Facilitated by Edward Lynch-Bell from Second Mouse, the discussion brought together Lee-Ann Breger from the Future Freight CRC, Tim Dornom from the Port of Melbourne, Anthony Iannunzio from JET Charge and Troy Sparkman from Downer to share perspectives from across the freight ecosystem.
Advanced Manufacturing: Building capability, resilience and the ecosystems to support it
What does the future of advanced manufacturing in Australia look like? Industry experts shared insights from Australian Manufacturing Week Brisbane and AusMedTech Perth, discussing skills, supply chains, innovation ecosystems and the opportunities for Australia to compete through high-value manufacturing.
Fostering precinct connections and raising funds for cancer
In collaboration with Urban Logistics Co and Area 53, last week we hosted a morning tea as part of Cancer Council’s Big Morning Tea - raising a total of $677 for cancer support, research and prevention.
Celebrate the Birrarung - EoI for 2026 Riverfest events now open
Expressions of Interest are now open to host an event at 2026 Birrarung Riverfest. The Birrarung (Yarra River) is an important part of Fishermans Bend - it’s past, present and future! And there is no better platform and festival to build awareness, connection and stewardship of the Birrarung than participating in Riverfest.
Exploring the role of place activation in creative urban renewal with global placemaking expert, Ethan Kent
Last week we hosted a special event with global placemaking expert Ethan Kent, from Placemaking X, to showcase the role of place activation in accelerating urban renewal and economic growth.
‘Interim Activation on Government Land: A Catalyst for Accelerated Urban Renewal’ report launched
We are pleased to announce the publication of the report ‘Interim Activation on Government Land: A Catalyst for Accelerated Urban Renewal’. Drawing on insights from the pilot program in Fishermans Bend, the report builds a compelling case for interim use and activation to unlock accelerated urban renewal and economic development outcomes.
Renovations and collaborations with Area 53
Since April, while Area 53 are renovating and expanding their cutting-edge lab and accelerator spaces, we have welcomed the team from Area 53 and their innovative tenants to the FB IDEAs Hub.
Are you the next Creative in Residence at The Gladstone?
FB IDEAs and Greystar are excited to announce that Expressions of Interest are now open for the Gladstone Creative in Residence program. This is a rare opportunity to showcase your talent, experiment, innovate, and connect with the local community— with the support of 200m² of rent-free retail space for up to 6 months and promotional support through The Gladstone and FB IDEAs networks.
Novel Aquatic Habitats starting to take shape
Over the last few weeks Shane Hunt from Hapterra Design has been busy finalising the production of a series of habitats that will be deployed at Lorimer Beach to support biodiversity found across the site.
Structured product development enables innovation
The lunch & learn with CRINNAC took participants along the way of a structured product development process - from concept to creation.
Smart ways to access the Research & Development Tax Incentive
Good news for founders & innovators: There is a way to turn research & development activities into cash or tax savings - Noah Connect shared fundamentals of the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI), highlighting eligibility, practical considerations and how it can support innovation.
Matching projects with capital: Exploring new approaches to funding access
An emerging funding platform concept sparked engaged discussion on how technology, networks and structured business cases can help connect projects with the right funding partners.
Learning from First Nations Allyship in Fishermans Bend
Last week we hosted a special event to screen the Weaving Three Stories documentary film and explore why fostering human connections is a key part of our shared reconciliation journey in Fishermans Bend, and beyond.
Construction Futures Cluster launches two new projects
Last week we launched two new projects at the Construction Futures Cluster site on Lorimer Street - the Hivepod by Organica Engineering and Plug-n-Play Power by Equoia. It was great to be joined by City of Melbourne Councillor Andrew Rowse, our partners at the Victoria Department of Transport and Planning, staff from Vaughan Constructions, FB IDEAs Hub members and other collaborators from the Fishermans Bend ecosystem.
ELIoT Energy and the village raising a startup
Last week ELIoT Energy, a Hub member and project partner, presented the outcomes of their smart battery trials which enabled the startup to prototype solutions and connected businesses in Fishermans Bend to reduce both carbon emissions and costs.
Federal Opportunities and how to access them
The lunch & learn with HYPSO explained who is who of federal government agencies and entities, where contract opportunities arise, what to be prepared for - and highlighted the Commonwealth’s equivalent of a cheat sheet.
De-risking medtech innovation - balancing technical achievements and commercial viability
Medtech innovators came together to join in on Octive Consulting’s lunch & learn session on how to de-risk medtch using the GAITS framework.
AgTech Bootcamp seeds opportunities & connections
Farmers2Founders joined FB IDEAs and invited innovators and entrepreneurs to explore AgTech opportunities on a day full of knowledge exchange and networking.
Call out for community mentors to support student innovation programs
Port Melbourne Secondary College are once again looking for local mentors to support their upcoming student innovation programs.
UpSol’s Major Breakthrough in Commercial & Industrial Energy Storage
Celebrating business success with Hub member Upsol - Recent deployments proving the concept of running a social enterprise as a business!