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

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.

Side Hustle

Turn your project, skill, idea or hobby into a business. You'll learn to identify a ‘problem worth solving’, how to validate an idea and a business model, and where to find customers.

Venture Catalyst

Venture Catalyst takes you through the next steps to get your idea to market. This includes creating and establishing your brand and marketing collateral, finessing your research, costing and finance, pitching and sales.

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.

Innovation Catalyst

During Innovation Catalyst, you'll collaborate with a local organisation to innovate and create new products. Our students have worked with Virgin Australia, VALD, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and QUT Sustainability.

Amplify+

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

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 6-7pm 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 1pm, 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

24 Jun 2026

Global Innovation Challenge shoots for the business of sport

International university students are visiting Brisbane this week for the 2026 Global Innovation Challenge (GIC) at QUT to learn from Australian sport and education experts, including netball and cricket bosses.

23 Jun 2026

Future You Summit asks teens: Who do you want to become?

They’re young and have the world at their feet … but the big question for the 305 teenagers from 148 regional and city high schools attending the 2026 QUT Future You Summit is: Who do you want to become?

+ Show more

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