QUT - Entrepreneurship

Amplifying entrepreneurship

QUT Entrepreneurship inspires and amplifies opportunities for students, staff and alumni to realise their entrepreneurial capabilities. Through short learning programs and by connecting people across the entrepreneurial community, our award-winning programs empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Led by Professor Rowena Barrett, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation), the dedicated QUT Entrepreneurship team is here to help unlock potential and grow talent. As a university-wide initiative with global collaborations, we build on QUT's heritage as an entrepreneurial powerhouse to help our students, staff and alumni turn ideas into reality.

We understand what future entrepreneurs need to develop, grow and scale their ideas. We’re invested in the next generation of entrepreneurs who will make an impact in Queensland, Australia and internationally.

Spotlight on entrepreneurship

QUT named Entrepreneurial University of the Year

QUT has been named Entrepreneurial University of the Year for the Asia-Pacific region at a gala event in Barcelona, Spain.

The Triple E Awards, hosted by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities, launched in 2020 to recognise entrepreneurial excellence and foster change in universities, emphasising the role institutions play in enhancing communities and ecosystems.

Read the story

Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis

Nadine Bates and Kristen Souvlis' extraordinary journey and exceptional contributions to the children's entertainment industry serve as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs and creative minds. Their joint win of the 2023 QUT Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus Award is a fitting recognition of their pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Their achievements are not only a testament to their creative prowess but also to their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world through the power of children's entertainment.

Wes Huffstutter

Wes brings his experience of starting up and supporting startups in the US to QUT. Wes is the CEO and co-founder of SecuritySnares, a cyber security tools company and he is the former CEO of QuadMetrics, a cyber risk analytics company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has worked on commercialising university Intellectual Property spending close to a decade working for the University of Michigan's Office of Technology Transfer where he was the startup expert/mentor and principal connector to resources (people and equity funding) for companies forming based on Michigan’s research.

At QUT, Wes mentors a range of student and alumni venture founders. He asks hard questions, helps founders find resources and generously shares his expertise and advice. Whether it is cyber security, technology of some form in different applications or just a ‘how might I…’ question, Wes is here to help.

Wes Huffstutter, QUT Entrepreneur in Residence

Events

28 February - 10 December

QUT Entrepreneurship's Open Pitch Night 2025

QUT Entrepreneurship Open Pitch Nights are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-7pm. This is a great opportunity to practice your idea, project or venture pitch in a supportive environment.

Where: The foundry, B230, Level 2, B Block, Gardens Point campus

23 April

How To... session with Wayne Gerard

Plug In & Thrive: How to... Navigate the Local Ecosystem with Wayne Gerard! Success in business isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about connecting with the right people and opportunities. Join Wayne Gerard, founder of Partner Ventures, former owner of RedEye Apps, and former Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, as he shares insider strategies for engaging with your local ecosystem and finding the people who will help you grow.

When: 1pm - 2pm 23 April

Where: Yoga Room, The foundry, B230, Level 2, B Block, Gardens Point campus

30 April

How To... session with Sarah Timmermann

Join Sarah Timmermann, founder of Beginning Boutique, as she shares her journey from startup dream to fashion forward. In this practical session, Sarah will break down the essential steps to launching and growing a successful creative business—covering everything from brand building and digital marketing to customer engagement and scaling. If you’re ready to turn your passion into profit!

When: 1pm - 2pm 30 April

Where: Yoga Room, The foundry, B230, Level 2, B Block, Gardens Point campus

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Programs

We have a regular schedule of programs designed to address different elements of the entrepreneurial lifecycle.

If you don't know where to start, email entrepreneurship@qut.edu.au for advice or visit the QUT foundry at Gardens Point to chat with us in person.

Side Hustle

Turn your project, skill, idea or hobby into a business. You'll learn to identify a ‘problem worth solving’, how to validate an idea and a business model, and where to find customers.

Venture Catalyst

Venture Catalyst takes you through the next steps to get your idea to market. This includes creating and establishing your brand and marketing collateral, finessing your research, costing and finance, pitching and sales.

Growth Lab

Growth Lab is a 12-week program that will help you build your knowledge and connections to advance your idea to the next level.

Innovation Catalyst

During Innovation Catalyst, you'll collaborate with a local organisation to innovate and create new products. Our students have worked with Virgin Australia, VALD, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and QUT Sustainability.

Amplify+

A weekend boot camp to create and pitch the next big thing. Amplify+ is about creating, learning, collaborating and experimenting.

Collaborate and connect

Entrepreneurial communities thrive on collaboration. We love to engage and connect people at regular events. Students can collaborate, network and share ideas in a more relaxed forum, and grow to be a part of our on-campus community.

Open pitch night

Held in person at the foundry, Gardens Point Campus, Level 2, B Block from 6-7pm on the first Wednesday of the month. This is a great opportunity to practice your idea, project or venture pitch in a supportive environment.

Inside innovation

Each month we visit one of the city's most innovative startups, hubs or businesses. Join us on the site tour, hear from founders and staff, and build your network and knowledge in a conversation over a cup of coffee.

How To sessions

Every Wednesday at 1pm, join one of our visiting entrepreneurs for a How To session where they'll share their expertise and experience in building a successful venture. Each session covers topics that will inspire you, help you get started, and answer questions about business and social impact.

Entrepreneurial mentoring

The QUT community, including staff, students and alumni, have the opportunity to engage with our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and visiting mentors. These sessions are available to discuss your ideas and provide support to take them to the next level.

News

14 Apr 2025

From community to catwalk: QUT fashion collaboration highlights regional innovation

QUT students are heading to Far North Queensland this week, marking an exciting milestone in the ongoing Hope Vale x QUT collaboration and a new chapter for the recently established Regional University Study Hub in Cooktown.

19 Mar 2025

Inside Innovation Visit: Dead Puppet Society

Dead Puppet Society (DPS) is one of Australia’s leading visual theatre companies. Founded in 2009, DPS was born out of project work at QUT while David Morton and Nicholas Paine were studying.

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QUT foundry co-working spaces

Staff are available every weekday to help you find the people, resources, and connections you need at whatever stage you're at on your entrepreneurial journey.

Take a virtual tour of the QUT foundry

Scholarships for budding entrepreneurs

Many QUT students study and develop an entrepreneurial venture at the same time. We foster this creativity and innovation through the Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship. Applications open July 2025 - send us an expression of interest.

Scholars work together and with a mentor, while pursuing their entrepreneurial passion through access to unique support and learning experiences.

Since 2021 we have provided a minimum of four three-year scholarships per year. Scholarships are worth $24,000 each, and applications are sought from entrepreneurial students coming into any QUT undergraduate degree or diploma. Four scholarships have been made possible with financial backing by:

Marie Mortimer, CEO and founder loans.com.au
Matt Fairhurst, CEO and co-founder Skedulo
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
John Stainton, founder John Stainton Productions
Dr John Puttick.

Find out how you can support these scholarships to help us achieve even more.

Contact us

Send email

07 3138 1790