• The Innovate at Charles Sturt showcase event will be held on Wednesday 11 June in Wagga Wagga

Programs run by Charles Sturt University are encouraging the next generation of innovators across industries such as food production, climate change, healthcare and cyber security.

Innovate at Charles Sturt offers workshops, bootcamps, conferences and masterclasses to support those wanting to grow their business ideas and is currently running two programs – the First Nations Innovators Program and Startup Year.

The First Nations Innovators Program is a 10-week program that showcases local entrepreneurs blending traditional knowledge with modern business, creating ventures that honour culture and generate lasting community impact.

The Startup Year - Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program empowers recent graduates to build purpose-driven ventures that tackle sustainability, inclusion and resilience supported by mentors from regional creative, technology and social impact sectors.

Participants who will showcase from the First Nations Innovators Program include:

• Tatum Moore, who is building a consultancy business to deliver holistic, culturally informed and results-oriented solutions
• Deborah Munson, who founded Baagi Milaygiin – Grandmothers Spirit, an Aboriginal-owned wellness business blending generations of cultural knowledge and bush medicine to create products that nurture body, mind and spirit
• Jet Williams, who promotes and showcases drone technology startup to support Traditional Owners in better land management
• Hayden Farr, who created Farrout Bricks, an AI-powered LEGO warehouse that is revolutionising how second-hand LEGO is sorted, processed and sold

Participants who will showcase as part of Startup Year include:

• Ellie Buchanan, who owns Tomorrow’s Table that helps regional young adults who want to be involved in decision making by equipping them with skills and confidence
• Marcel Julliard, who wants to enhance the biodiversity benefits of mangroves through education, research and participatory opportunities
• Haylee Murrell, who wants to create an onboarding program for new farm employees so they can ‘hit the farm running’ when they start a new job

AgriPark Executive Director Mr Nick Pagett said the final showcase is an opportunity to witness First Nations innovation and regional entrepreneurship in action and to connect with future leaders.

“The First Nations Innovators Program empowers participants to transform cultural knowledge into sustainable business ventures, while enriching Charles Sturt University’s mission to foster inclusive, community-led innovation,” he said.

“This program is more than launching startups - it’s about empowering the next generation of changemakers to lead with purpose and build solutions that matter, right here in the regions.”

Attending the event will be Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Neena Mitter.

The showcase will be held on Wednesday June 11 at the Charles Sturt Riverina Playhouse in Wagga Wagga. Doors open at 5.30pm and the showcase starts at 6.30pm. Free tickets for the event are now available online.