Start Here: Discovering Sunshine Coast's innovation ecosystem 

Sunshine Coast Council launched its new Innovation @ Altitude series on 25 March, with the inaugural event ‘Start Here, your launch point for the Sunshine Coast Innovation Pathway’ held at Altitude Nine.  

Delivered in collaboration with local industry organisations, the session introduced participants to the region’s innovation ecosystem, helping them understand who’s active locally and how to connect. 

The SOLD OUT breakfast event provided a clear, practical overview of the Sunshine Coast’s innovation landscape — from grassroots founders and coworking hubs to emerging technologies, industry groups and investment pathways — giving attendees a simple starting point to plug into the region’s innovation community. 

This series is a community-building initiative, designed to make the Sunshine Coast innovation ecosystem more visible, connected and collaborative. 

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the launch marked an important moment for the region. 

The inaugural Innovation ecosystem event held at Altitude Nine. 

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Emerging industries

“The Sunshine Coast is entering a pivotal period of economic transition — one where emerging industries, technology and knowledge-based jobs will play a much larger role in shaping our future,” Mayor Natoli said. 

“Innovation isn’t just a ‘nice to have’. It’s central to building a resilient regional economy that can keep and retain local talent, attract new investment and create high-value jobs. 

“Across Australia and globally, we’re seeing that regions with strong innovation ecosystems consistently outperform in productivity, job creation and industry growth.  

“We want the Sunshine Coast to be firmly in that mix. 

“This event was the perfect place to really understand the Sunshine Coast’s innovation story — and meet the people who are driving it.  

“If you’re new to the region, or ready to get involved, this is where your journey starts”. 

About Innovation @ Altitude 

A curated program with local industry groups designed to: 

• showcase local innovation and capability 
• strengthen cross-sector collaboration 
• position the Maroochydore City Centre as a leading innovation precinct 
• connect founders, technologists, investors, industry leaders and government 
• accelerate the growth of future industries on the Sunshine Coast. 

The series will feature thought-provoking panels, fireside conversations, live technology demonstrations and strategic networking — all aimed at surfacing bold ideas, emerging technologies and collaborative solutions. 

Each month will spotlight a different part of the innovation ecosystem, from tech and AI to creative industries, health tech solutions, advanced manufacturing, agrifood and future technologies. 

About Altitude Nine 

Located on the ninth floor of Sunshine Coast City Hall, Altitude Nine offers one of the region’s most impressive business event settings, with 360-degree views stretching from the Glass House Mountains to the coastline. Purpose-built for corporate functions, networking events and conferences, the boutique rooftop venue caters for up to 180 guests and is available seven days a week. With flexible layouts, dedicated onsite event support, premium audiovisual capability and an environmentally conscious 5-star Green Star and NABERS accredited building, Altitude Nine provides an elevated, professional space for organisations looking to host memorable business events in the heart of the Maroochydore City Centre. 

Street parking and paid parking available around City Hall, and at ParknGo Lightning Lane.