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

QUT named Entrepreneurial Leadership Team of the Year

QUT has been recognised internationally with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Team of the Year Award at the Triple E Awards, recognising our commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration at a gala event in Prague.

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

Events

4 February - 2 December

QUT Entrepreneurship's Open Pitch nights 2026

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

10 September

QUT Commercialisation Club: Built to Last - The Partnerships Behind Innovation

Join us for QUT Commercialisation Club to hear the stories behind successful industry-research partnerships, from first conversations to lasting collaborations.

When: 4pm to 6:30pm (Registration from 3:45pm) 10 September

Where: E550, E5 Function Space, E Block Kelvin Grove 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.

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.

Amplify+

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

Register now

Build Studio

Have an idea, problem, project, opportunity, side hustle or early build you want to test?

QUT Entrepreneurship Build Studio is a practical semester program that helps you move from interest to action. You'll learn how to shape an idea, identify a real problem, speak to potential customers, build a simple test, form a team, gather evidence and prepare a pitch.

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 6-7.30pm 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 4pm, 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

Expressions of Interest for QUT Excolo! pitching competition close on Sunday 16 August.
16 Jul 2026

Expressions of Interest for QUT Excolo! pitching competition close on Sunday 16 August.

QUT Excolo! is an innovation pitching competition created to support QUT researchers to enhance their knowledge, experience and engagement with the process of research commercialisation and other alternative pathways to create impact from research.Excolo! has invested more than $800,000 in researcher-led commercialisation and impact projects.

Real futures: Year 11s & 12s dream big at QUT summit
7 Jul 2026

Real futures: Year 11s & 12s dream big at QUT summit

A four-day university summit at QUT in Brisbane has inspired curiosity, ignited passion and deepened understanding of possible career pathways for 305 high school students from 148 schools across Brisbane, Queensland and northern New South Wales.

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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 close 11 January 2026.

    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 five 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. Five 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