Manufacturing innovation, sustainable materials and circular economy solutions will be among the topics explored at the Greater Geelong Clean Economy Showcase 2026, organised by the City of Greater Geelong as part of Geelong Design Week.
The free event will take place on Thursday, 8 October, from 10am to 2.30pm at Wurriki Nyal, 137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong.
According to the City of Greater Geelong, the showcase will bring together industry representatives, researchers and innovators to discuss locally developed solutions, emerging technologies and opportunities across the clean economy.
The program includes a panel session on local innovation supported through clean economy grants, featuring Boomaroo Nurseries, Deakin University, Medsalv Australia and Rhino Instruments. Topics will include AI-enabled energy efficiency in manufacturing, reducing waste in the health sector and addressing the challenge of discarded consumer batteries.
A second panel will examine opportunities in the region’s clean energy sector, with Barwon Water, GeelongPort and Viva Energy Australia set to discuss hydrogen, biochar, offshore wind infrastructure and the potential to reuse post-consumer plastics in sustainable food packaging.
Manufacturing and materials innovation will also feature in a session on clean economy design and collaborative partnerships. Godfrey Hirst, Think Manufacturing, Loomtex and Deakin University will discuss approaches to creating value from waste resources, developing sustainable textile designs and producing goods that could reduce costs and access new markets.
The final panel will focus on industry skills and investment, with Deakin University, Geelong Tech School and The Gordon TAFE discussing workforce requirements and how education and training providers are preparing businesses, workers and young people for emerging clean economy opportunities.
The session will also feature Xefco, which the City identifies as one of Victoria’s Top 20 Tech Startups, as part of discussions on the relationship between skills, investment and innovation.
The City said Greater Geelong had spent more than a decade supporting local and national solutions to environmental and economic challenges, noting the region’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design.
The showcase is intended to provide opportunities for discussion and networking around clean economy initiatives and potential industry partnerships.
Attendance is free, with the event scheduled to run from 10am to 2.30pm on 8 October at Wurriki Nyal in Geelong.
