Greater Geelong Clean Economy Showcase 2026

Explore what is happening now, and what comes next in Greater Geelong’s clean economy.

This showcase brings together industry, government, researchers and innovators to share local projects, research, emerging technologies and practical approaches to sustainability, circularity and clean economy development.

Aligned with Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design commitment to sustainability and circularity, the program looks at how design and innovation can respond to local challenges while creating new economic opportunities.

Program

Session 1 — Designing Geelong for Innovation, Sustainability and Zero-Waste Communities
Hear from speakers about more than a decade of clean economy leadership in Greater Geelong, government policy and strategy, and the challenges ahead. Topics include increasing waste volumes, complex materials and microplastics, recycling infrastructure, investment in technology and the opportunities for upcycling and higher-value reuse.

Session 2 — Local Innovations in Clean Economy and Collaborative Design Practices
A panel exploring what is already happening across Greater Geelong, including projects supported through City of Greater Geelong grants. Discussion will cover partnerships, building capability, practical approaches for businesses of all sizes, AI and efficiency, regulation and innovation, and sustainability in agriculture.

12pm — Break
Take a break, connect with speakers and other attendees, and continue the conversation.

Session 3 — Future Economic Opportunities
A panel looking at the next 10 years for Geelong and the region. Hear about current and emerging research, clean economy skills, investment and capital, new markets, consumer trends and opportunities to connect industry, academia and interdisciplinary research.

Session 4 — Connecting Industry, Research and Design for the Future
Continue the conversation around how collaboration between business, research, government and design can turn innovation into practical solutions and economic opportunity.

Who is it for?

Businesses, designers, researchers, students, government, industry professionals, sustainability practitioners and anyone interested in Geelong’s clean economy, innovation and future economic development.

Come along to hear what is happening locally, meet the people driving change and explore the opportunities for the next decade.