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

Innovation Arena

As part of the Startup Year initiative supported by the Australian Federal Government, QUT are offering a program that aims to build founders and innovative professionals, not simply build startups. Innovation Arena is a structured, guided program that equips you with the practical skills to develop and scale new products and services, either as a new venture or as an intrapreneur, driving change within organisations.

Learn more

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

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

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

19 March

Inside Innovation Visit: Dead Puppet Society

Dead Puppet Society is a production and design company who create design-led theatre in Australia and take it to the world. Don't miss out on this exceptional chance to visit, connect, learn, and be inspired. Register now to secure your spot at Inside Innovation visit to Dead Puppet Society.

When: 10am - 11am 19 March

Where: 6 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba

14 May

QUT Entrepreneurship's Pitch Showcase Semester 1, 2025

Come and see the results of QUT Entrepreneurship teams participating in programs in Semester 1, 2025. Teams from our Side Hustle, Venture Catalyst and Innovation Catalyst programs pitch their venture. The Pitch Showcase is a celebration of the work and achievements every team has made over this semester.

When: 5:30pm - 7:30pm 14 May

Where: OJW Room, S1215, Level 12, S Block, Gardens Point campus

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 Arena

Innovation Arena is a structured, guided program that equips you with the practical skills to develop and scale new products and services, either as a new venture or as an intrapreneur, driving change within organisations.

Learn more

Amplify+

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

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.

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

27 Jun 2024

Industry leaders gather to upskill next-gen innovators

More than 300 high school students from across Queensland and northern-New South Wales are workshopping Australia’s most in-demand skills for jobs of the future as they meet in Brisbane for the QUT Future You Summit.

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

07 3138 1790