Highlights from the FB IDEAs Hub: startups, creativity and sustainable futures
Startups, creativity and sustainable futures: inside the grassroots innovation engine of Fishermans Bend
From cleantech to advanced manufacturing and regenerative architecture, the FB IDEAs Hub is home to a cross-section of ambitious startups and enterprising minds. Located within walking distance of the future Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, the Hub is more than just a workspace — it’s a community where the future is being actively built.
Fostering Experimentation
Here, experimentation is not only welcome but essential. Across disciplines and industries, entrepreneurs are testing new technologies, materials and business models — each drawing on their creativity to contribute to a precinct in transition.
Among them is Heliotope, an architecture practice based on regenerative design principles and focused on environmental repair. Working across architecture, public space, design and interiors they are actively researching and experimenting to turn waste resources into new materials through their studio embedded Heliotope Tactical Metabolism Laboratory (HTML) — from architectural panels using mycelium to 3D printed glass..
As Founder and Director Jane Caught says: “It has been fascinating meeting with local businesses and industries to understand the wealth of ‘waste’ resources in the area, and the opportunities for circular and symbiotic design outcomes that are available. Similarly, working from the FB IDEAs hub has introduced us to an exciting range of practitioners from different disciplines, all developing super interesting projects.”
Meanwhile, you’ll find a hive of activity in the 3d printing space where Hone.pd and constantly testing new products for their clients using 3d printers and prototyping tools.
Incubating Collaboration
As well as providing space to experiment and a place to incubate ideas, the Hub is also incubating collaboration and building industry networks.
Also in residence are the Victorian Cleantech Cluster, Engineering Scientific International (ESI), Savion Aerospace, UpSol and ELIoT Energy. They are part of a growing group of businesses in the Hub who are developing emerging climate and sustainable technologies. From sustainable aerospace solutions to environmental engineering and battery breakthroughs, the businesses are diverse — but united by a common ethos a cleaner and greener future.
As David Hauser, CEO and Founder of ELIoT Energy reflected:
“FB IDEAS has been an incredible catalyst for our progress at ELIoT Energy. Their support, access to the HUB, and the community at Fishermans Bend was and is so beneficial for an early startup like ELIoT. The energy and openness of the team make the experience not only productive but genuinely enjoyable. The FB IDEAS Hub has been more than just a space—it’s been a launchpad.”
Showcasing sites in transition
More than just a co-working space, the Hub showcases one the core goals of FB IDEAs – to demonstrate and support ways of utilising existing buildings and sites while the precinct is in transition.
In partnership with Urban Logistic Co and Area 53, whose mission is to give ideas a place to grow and community a place to connect, the Hub has transformed an empty commercial office space into a thriving hub of activity.
As Ashlie Hartigan from Area 53 commented:
“Area 53 supports growing businesses and entrepreneurs that need specialty science and innovation spaces. Our connection with the FB IDEAs hub has been invaluable to ourselves and our lab tenants as they establish themselves in Fishermans Bend. We believe, like FB IDEAs that precincts are community led and the hub is a beacon for the area and its growing innovators.”
This is an approach well known to Andrew Cribb from REDO, a real estate consultancy expanding from London to Melbourne. Andrew says:
“After 15 years unlocking space for good in the UK, we’ve learned that the opportunity often lies in what already exists. Interim use brings momentum and flexibility, creating space for new ideas to emerge. FB IDEAS supports everything from grassroots ventures to growing businesses - helping build an ecosystem that lasts.”
Also working in the built environment and cultural sectors you will find Atelier + Friends and Studio MK among the cohort, both working to make our cities and places more community-focused and creative.
Building Community
This is where ideas meet industry. Where collaboration thrives and cost is not a barrier to entry. With applications open and spaces still available, the FB IDEAs Hub is positioning itself not just as a co-working space, but as the beating heart of a precinct on the rise — powered by those daring enough to shape what’s next.
There is also a regular program of events to build community and supercharge the connections.
As Hub Manager Marina Monz says: “It’s been amazing to watch our Hub Members and their businesses accelerate when they join the FB IDEAs Hub and build connection with the Hub and Fishermans Bend community.”
With a series of lunch and learn and more external-facing events, the program offers an opportunity for both Hub members and FB IDEAs partners to share their insights and seed opportunities to shape the future together.
Earlier this month, we hosted an event with Andrew Cribb from REDO and James Hewison from Atelier + Friends to share practical insights from projects that use spaces in the meantime to grow cities that are inclusive, activated, and made for community and how the “Access All Areas” model might offer fresh possibilities for Fishermans Bend.
Coming Up at the Hub
Quantum Tech for Business
Wednesday 13 August, 12:30 to 1:30pm
Curious about quantum physics and what it could offer your business in the future? Join us for a lunch and learn session with Chris Ferrie, notable quantum educator, best selling author for an introduction to quantum computing and explore modern applications for start ups and small business.
Future Forces: Innovation & Opportunity in Australian Agriculture
Tuesday 19 August, 12:30 to 1:30pm
In partnership with Farmers 2 Farmers, we are hosting a lunch and learn session for local businesses and innovators to learn more about the cross-sector opportunities in agriculture for design, engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses and innovators in Fishermans Bend.
Revisioning Social Procurement
Tuesday 16 September, 12:30 to 1:30pm
Hosted by UpSol, join us for this lunch-and-learn session to explore how achieving the triple bottom line for ‘People and Planet’ should just be the by-product of a good business decision.
Get Involved
The FB IDEAs Hub offers more than desks and Wi-Fi. It’s a landing pad for ambitious ideas and an open invitation to collaborate for anyone working at the intersection of sustainability, technology or design.
We offer fully subsidised space for business and projects that align with FB IDEAs goals and the future vision for Fishermans Bend, particularly those with a connection to the advanced manufacturing, engineering and design sectors.
Whether you are looking for a place to work, or a community to connect with we encourage you to get involved. Find out more about becoming a Hub Member using the button below, or Contact Us if you would like to be part of this growing innovation ecosystem.
