March 11, 2026
Illawarra innovation takes centre stage at Parliament House
UOW research entities join 21 Illawarra industry and community partners to highlight regional strength and national impact
Industry leaders, community organisations and leading researchers from across the Illawarra join forces in Canberra on Tuesday evening (10 March) to showcase the region’s capability at the Made in the Illawarra: Innovation, Energy and Manufacturing Expo at Parliament House.
Hosted by the Federal Member for Cunningham, Ms Alison Byrnes MP, in partnership with the University of Wollongong (UOW), the expo brought together 21 Illawarra companies and organisations alongside leading UOW researchers to showcase the technologies, products and research driving Australia’s energy transition and lower-emissions manufacturing future.
Ms Byrnes said the Illawarra is emerging as a national powerhouse shaping Australia’s future industries and workforce.
“The Illawarra helped build modern Australia, and today it is helping lead a Future Made in Australia – driving clean energy, advanced manufacturing and secure jobs for the nation’s future,” Ms Byrnes said.
“The Albanese Government has a proven track record of investing in the Illawarra as a clean energy powerhouse, providing millions of dollars to boost local companies’ capability, train our future workforce, and support households with the energy transition.”
“Through its research, partnerships and training, the University is helping position the Illawarra at the forefront of innovation and preparing the workforce Australia needs for the future.”
UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO was pleased by the large turnout at the event and the interest that the exhibiting businesses and research groups received. He said the Expo reflected the Illawarra’s growing national influence and the University’s role in connecting regional capability with federal decision-makers.
“The collective capability brought together at Parliament House shows the immense strength of the Illawarra’s innovation ecosystem, driven by collaboration between university, government and industry, and united by a shared purpose to deliver impact locally and globally,” Professor Lu said.
"By assembling industry leaders, researchers and policymakers in the nation's capital, the University is ensuring the Illawarra’s expertise and capability is part of the national conversation on Australia’s future."
The event connected Illawarra innovators directly with Federal Ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials, policy advisers, national industry leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. An audience of several hundred Canberra decision-makers turned out to view the exhibits, which showcased the scale and impact of the region’s innovation – from advanced manufacturing and green hydrogen technologies to renewable energy systems, materials science and next-generation batteries – demonstrating how the Illawarra is translating research excellence and industrial capability into real-world impact.
For the exhibitors, the Expo provided direct engagement with people shaping national policy and funding priorities, creating opportunities for new partnerships, while positioning the Illawarra within the broader national energy and manufacturing agenda.
Made in the Illawarra: Innovation, Energy and Manufacturing Expo featured 21 Illawarra-based companies and organisations showcasing their work alongside alongside UOW expertise in marine and coastal research, advanced manufacturing and materials, public health, energy transition, molecular bioscience, environmental science, entrepreneurship, social sciences and community engagement.
University of Wollongong Research Entities
Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS)
A global leader in ocean governance, maritime security and marine resource management, supporting sustainable use of ocean environments.
Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM)
A multidisciplinary institute advancing materials science, energy storage, superconductors and nanotechnology for industrial and medical applications.
Australian Power Quality Research Centre (APQRC)
Conducts industry-focused research on power quality, grid stability and integration of renewable energy into electricity networks.
ARC Energy Technologies for Future Grids
Develops next-generation grid technologies and workforce capability to support Australia’s transition to low-emissions energy systems.
Molecular Horizons
A purpose-built molecular science research facility advancing discovery in molecular bioscience, drug development and precision health.
iAccelerate
UOW’s business incubator supporting startups and scaleups through mentoring, investment readiness and industry engagement.
Explores the complexities of human existence in a diverse and changing world through disciplines including Criminology, Justice and Social Policy; Geography and Sustainability; Indigenous Studies; Politics and International Studies; Social Work; and Sociology.
UOW Science Space
An interactive science and education centre promoting STEM engagement, community outreach and future workforce development.
Illawarra Industry Exhibitors
BlueScope
A global steel manufacturer headquartered in the Illawarra, advancing lower-emissions steelmaking and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Business Illawarra
The region’s peak business organisation advocating for economic growth and industry development.
Ecojoule
Provides intelligent, Australian-made power electronics platforms that enhance power quality, strengthen network reliability and increase grid efficiency, supporting the transition to a cleaner, more distributed energy future.
Electrify 2515
A community-led initiative accelerating household electrification and local climate action.
Endeavour Energy
An electricity network operator delivering safe and reliable power to millions of Australians across NSW.
FivepHusion
FivepHusion is a globally focused, advanced clinical stage, biotech company driven to optimize cancer therapy to improve patient treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Green Gravity
Develops gravity-based energy storage systems using repurposed mine shafts to store renewable energy.
Gridsight
A GridTech startup accelerating the global transition toward electrification and decarbonisation. Provides advanced grid analytics software to help electricity networks manage renewable energy integration.
Hi Neighbour
A not-for-profit social enterprise connecting communities through digital platforms and local engagement initiatives to support clean energy transition.
Hysata
A hydrogen electrolysis company commercialising high-efficiency technology to reduce the cost of green hydrogen production and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels.
i3net
An industry network connecting businesses across manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors in the Illawarra.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation
Umbrella organisation for local government in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Region bring together Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven city Council
Power Chord
An energy technology company focused on focused on increasing the capability and reliability of the electricity network.
Project and Portfolio Management (PPM)
Provides strategic project advisory services across infrastructure, energy and major development sectors.
A regional development organisation supporting economic growth, investment and workforce initiatives.
Rewiring Australia
A national advocacy organisation promoting electrification to reduce household energy costs and emissions.
Sicona
A battery materials company developing next-generation silicon-carbon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries.
Squadron Energy
A renewable energy developer delivering large-scale wind, solar and storage projects across Australia.
Tiny Tins Skip Bins
A waste management provider offering innovative, small-scale skip solutions for residential and commercial use.
Wollongong City Council’s investment attraction arm, supporting business growth and regional development.
The local government authority driving infrastructure, economic development and community services across the region.