Energy Futures: From Challenge to Innovation is the first step in Gladstone’s 2026 renewable energy innovation journey. Building on the insights uncovered through industry engagement in 2025, this event brings together local businesses, innovators, educators and community partners to refine and prioritise the region’s most pressing renewable‑energy challenges.

Hear from Peter Ware, Chief Operations Officer at Alpha HPA, as he shares insights from their regional operations and reflects on the challenges surfaced through the Regional Enablers Program.

We’ll also be joined by Maddie Panther, Head of Programs at BOP Industries, who will explain how the challenges identified at this event will shape the work of local high‑school students ahead of their May innovation program.

Through lightning talks and a facilitated challenge‑refinement workshop, participants will help shape clear, actionable innovation briefs. These briefs will be carried forward by high‑school teams in the Future Creators Challenge (May) and later showcased at the Innovation Pitch Event (September).

This event isn’t a repeat of 2025 — it’s the next step in a sequenced, three‑event pipeline designed to move real industry challenges toward meaningful local solutions.

Special Guests
• Peter Ware — Chief Operating Officer, Alpha HPA
• Maddie Panther — Head of Programs, BOP Industries

Theme: Renewables Challenges in 2026
Free entry, with food and refreshments provided.

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

Contact the host of Gladstone Regional Enablers Program: Networking Event Energy Futures - From Challenge to Innovation