Innovation Central Brisbane

Lest we forget.

This ANZAC Day, we pause among the poppies to honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who served.

What can traditional sport learn from esports and emerging formats?

We’re excited to welcome Dean Tan, Deputy Chief (Industry Development) at Sport Singapore, to the Future of Sport Conference.

Dean helped deliver the inaugural Olympic Esports Week 2023, working with the International Olympic Committee and international federations to launch the first IOC-sanctioned esports competition.

At the conference he will explore the rise of new technology in sport, lessons from Olympic Esports Week, and the growing influence of next generation sports.

🎟️ Learn more via the link in our bio.

How are stadiums becoming smarter and more connected?

We’re excited to welcome Manny Spanoudakis, SVP Commercial - International Markets at PMY Group, to the Future of Sport Conference.

With more than 30 years of experience in technology and global sport venues, Manny has worked with organisations including FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, helping deliver digital infrastructure and innovation across stadiums and arenas worldwide.

At the conference, Manny will moderate a discussion with global experts exploring the future of smart stadiums and connected fan experiences.

🎟️ Learn more via the link in our bio.

What does the future sports fan experience look like?

We’re excited to welcome Ben Shields from the MIT Sloan School of Management to the Future of Sport Conference.

A leading voice at the intersection of sport, media and technology, Ben’s work explores how digital platforms, data and AI are reshaping how fans connect with sport.

Formerly Director of Social Media at ESPN and now an award-winning MIT educator, he helps organisations and future leaders understand what’s next for the global sports industry.

At the conference, Ben will share insights on innovation, AI and the evolving sports fan experience - and join a panel exploring the future of smart stadiums.

🎟️ Learn more and register via the link in our bio.

Got an idea that could change the future of sport?

Join the QUT Sport Innovation Hackathon - a 3-day challenge where students collaborate, build ideas and pitch solutions to real industry problems.

🏆 Funding for winning teams
🛠 8-week prototype build program
🤝 Mentoring + industry connections

Open to all QUT students — no coding experience required.

20–23 March
📍 QUT Gardens Point

Spots are limited. Register now via the link in our bio.

Speaker Spotlight – Travis Auld 🏁
Chief Executive Officer | Australian Grand Prix Corporation

We’re excited to welcome Travis Auld to the Future of Sport Conference.

As CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Travis leads the delivery of two of Australia’s premier global motorsport events — the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Fresh from another massive Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne, Travis brings unique insight into staging world-class sporting events that attract global audiences and hundreds of thousands of fans.

At the conference, Travis will share insights into delivering major international sporting events and the future of fan experience.

🎟 Student tickets just $99 with code: STUDENT99

📍 27 March 2026 | QUT Gardens Point
🔗 Register via the link in bio

DAY ONE. FULL HOUSE. 🚀

For many, their very first university lecture.

BSB105 Future Enterprise launched this week with Associate Professor Elliroma Gardiner and industry partner Followmont Transport Pty Ltd in the room, live and candid.

Students are tackling a real challenge across QLD and NSW, how technology and data might create a more meaningful, engaging and rewarding work experience for the next generation in transport?

Big problems. Real executives. First-year students stepping up.

Welcome to university. Let’s build what’s next.

WELCOME WEEK ENERGY. 🥞⚡

The pancake breakfast line? 100 metres long.

Campus is buzzing and we’re here for it.

New faces.
New ideas.
New possibilities.

At ICB, we’re back to regular programming:

🔹 Industry-connected challenges
🔹 Digital prototyping with real partners
🔹 Hands-on innovation experiences

This is where curiosity meets opportunity.

As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a big one at Innovation Central Brisbane.

Our 2025 Impact Report captures the people, partnerships and programs that shaped the year - from student innovation and industry collaboration to real-world digital outcomes.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in building this community.

Wishing our partners, students and collaborators a restful break, and looking ahead to a new year of possibility in 2026.

📘 Link in bio to read the full report

Such an energising day with the incredible women of the NIIN 💚🩵
We kicked things off at the Women of Cisco lunch, connecting and celebrating the brilliant women shaping innovation across our network.

After lunch, we joined a powerhouse panel with:
• Mary De Wysocki (Cisco)
• Nika Watters (Telstra)
• Alexis Ewing (Cenitex)
• Nairi Adaman (Cisco APAC)

Expertly facilitated by Adela Amanowicz, Women of Cisco Top Female Talent participant 👏

The conversation explored:
✨ AI enhancing human capability
✨ Disruption as opportunity
✨ Courage + curiosity
✨ Leaning in, even when we’re unsure

Feeling inspired by the strength, optimism + determination of the women in our NIIN and Cisco community. Here’s to creating a future where every voice has space and every idea can thrive.

Today we pause to remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

Their courage, resilience, and commitment to a better future continue to inspire generations.

Lest we forget.