Closing the Loop - connecting Victoria’s circular economy
Last week the FB IDEAs Hub was filled with momentum when Boomerang Labs, the Victorian Cleantech Cluster and FB IDEAs with support of the City of Melbourne invited to a joint workshop session and network mixer. Engaged discussions explored how Victoria can lead the Circular Economy at scale, supporting innovation, strengthening local value chains and keeping resources and value in the local economy - and waste out of landfill.
Innovation showcase highlights breadth of R&D already in Fishermans Bend
Earlier this week the FB IDEAs Hub was packed with talented people, big ideas and a sense of what is possible when place-based innovation networks converge. The room was a buzzing, showing the breadth and depth of innovation already here in Fishermans Bend and highlighting the potential for future economic growth.
Engineering the unknown: De-risking complex product development
Innovators working in uncertain and rapidly evolving environments encounter constant unknowns. Philip Oefner, founder of PCO engineering, presented how systems engineering principles applied from the very beginning of product development help de-risk the process and minimise the cost of change.
Taking Victorian Innovation to Global Markets
FB IDEAs recently supported our partners at the Victorian Cleantech Cluster to host a session of their 'Taking Victorian Cleantech Global Masterclass' series at the FB IDEAs Hub. The session on “Market Entry Strategy Development” brought together the City of Melbourne, Global Victoria and Austrade to explore international market opportunities, combining expert insights, practical case studies and hands-on work on business and market entry plans.
ArtUp announce program of talks, workshops and events at The Gladstone
To compliment ‘Bloom’, an exciting exhibition and popup retail space at The Gladstone, the team from ArtUp have just announced the program of talks, workshops and events.
Picture-perfect collaboration: Emerging photographer supports startup founders
A pop-up photo studio landed last week at the FB IDEAs Hub. The collaboration with Rob Coupe from Rachael Michelle brought flashing lights and smiling eyes with it.
From Lab to Factory - highlighting the ecosystems that enable innovation commercialisation
The recent panel discussion hosted at the FB IDEAs Hub, ‘From Lab to Factory’, explored the capabilities, partnerships and pathways that support the journey from research to product and from prototype to factory. We were joined by Oded VanHam from the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), Amir Hooshang Taher, CEO and Co-founder of Voltavate, Ashlie Hartigan from Area 53, and Professor Sharath Sriram from RMIT University and Chief Scientist of Western Australia.
ArtUp at The Gladstone has bloomed!
ArtUp has officially opened “Bloom” at The Gladstone, with around 200 people turning out to celebrate and connect with emerging art in Fishermans Bend last Sunday. Officially opened by City of Port Philip Mayor, Alex Makin, the exhibition features the work of 15 artists.
When neighbours step in: Practical hands-on support keeps battery innovation running
This is what can happen in an innovation space: Startups preventing downtime of critical equipment through hands-on collaboration.
Remix Raingarden network expands within Fishermans Bend
Over the last few months, a new environmental feature has been added to the Port of Melbourne’s Education Centre with the installation of two new Remix Raingardens. Located outside the Port Education Centre on Lorimer Street, Remix Raingarden v2.0 will use rooftop runoff from the Port Ed site which will be flow into the raingardens and be filtered through recycled materials.
Celebrating women in engineering: diversity, determination, resilience and impact
To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day on Tuesday 23 June, FB IDEAs hosted a lively conversation and lunch event at the FB IDEAs Hub. The buzz in the room was a reflection of the energy and passion that female-identifying engineers bring to their work - underpinned by curiosity, determination to solve complex problems and the grit and resilience to forge a path in engineering despite the obstacles.
ArtUp selected as next Gladstone Creative in Residence
In partnership with Greystar, we are thrilled to announce ArtUp as the next Creative in Residence at The Gladstone. Founded by artists Jade Armstrong and Kerrin Samuel, ArtUp is an emerging art ecosystem that connects emerging artists with collectors, buyers, businesses and audiences. “Bloom” will transform the space into a flora-themed exhibition, pop-up retail and programs space exploring plants, roots, growth, ageing and blooming across contemporary art and design.
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.