At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), entrepreneurship is a catalyst for transformation. The cross-university team of seven visionary leaders drives a bold agenda that embeds entrepreneurship into the fabric of QUT’s teaching, research, and engagement, delivering tangible real-world economic and societal impact. The team comprises: Professor Robina Xavier (Provost); Professor Rowena Barrett (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation); Dr Erin Rayment (Chief Commercialisation Officer); Professor Cameron Newton (Deputy Dean, Faculty of Business and Law); Associate Professor Glen Murphy (Director, QUT Entrepreneurship); Ms Kate Taylor (Director, Office of Industry Engagement); and Dr David Herold (Entrepreneurship Study Area Coordinator). With light-touch, ambidextrous leadership, the team activates opportunity across QUT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Around 25% of QUT’s 50,000 students engage in entrepreneurial activities annually, supported by a dynamic mix of curricular (Diploma in Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Innovation major) and co-curricular incubation and acceleration programs (Side Hustle, Growth Lab, Innovation Catalyst, Amplify+) delivered across faculties and through QUT Entrepreneurship. These programs, events and mentoring foster a dynamic entrepreneurial culture where ideas are transformed into actionable outcomes. QUT backs more than 150 ventures each year, offering initiatives like quarterly Commercialisation Club, monthly Pitch Night, Wednesday How to’s and the annual Excolo! Pitching Challenge with AUD200K in prizes to support and encourage staff and students. Entrepreneurial mindsets are cultivated through high school engagement at events like the Future You Summit and regionally in the Queensland Connects program. Strategic partnerships with global leaders—MIT, BMW, CISCO, TUM—extend QUT’s reach and influence. Team QUT operates with a spirit of collaboration, excellence, and continuous innovation. Each team member works individually and collectively to ensure QUT remains a national leader in entrepreneurship and a driving force in Australia’s innovation economy. Success is shown by producing highly employable graduates, award-winning alumni, and research that strengthens industry competitiveness and regional resilience.

Professor Robina Xavier
Provost
QUT



Professor Rowena Barrett
Pro Vice-Chancellor Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation
Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation,  QUT



Dr Erin Rayment
Chief Commercialisation Officer
QUT



Professor Cameron Newton
Deputy Dean
Faculty of Business and Law,  QUT



Associate Professor Glen Murphy
Director
QUT Entrepreneurship,  QUT



Ms Kate Taylor
Director
Office of Industry Engagement,  QUT



Dr David Herold
Entrepreneurship Study Area Coordinator
Faculty of Business and Law,  QUT

Team QUT comprises senior leaders from key portfolios—QUT Entrepreneurship, the Office of Industry Engagement, and the Faculty of Business and Law—who steer the university’s strategic entrepreneurial direction. Yet, the strength of QUT’s thriving ecosystem lies in the collective efforts of many more staff across the university.

From academics delivering dedicated entrepreneurship units in the Faculty of Business and Law and QUT College, to those embedding entrepreneurial thinking into discipline-based learning, the commitment is widespread.

A core group of staff work daily to activate and grow entrepreneurial activity. In QUT Entrepreneurship, Graham, Marcia, Wes, Julie, Madonna, Tim, Kate, Vicky, Zane, and others operate the Foundry and Tinkerspace, delivering in 2024 alone:
• 11 programs
• 56 events
• Engagement with 50+ industry speakers
• Partnerships with 4 research centres
• Integration into 34 faculty units

The Office of Industry Engagement teams in Health and Social Impact and Science and Engineering drive knowledge transfer between researchers and industry. Their work has enabled landmark achievements which include amongst many others,
• Distinguished Professor James Dale’s genetically modified, nutritionally enhanced Cavendish bananas receiving Australian government approval for commercial development
• Professor Sarah Couperthwaite’s research on high-purity alumina from mining waste, leading to the creation of the Lava Blue venture—advancing critical minerals for the energy transition

Collaboratively, these efforts underpin QUT’s entrepreneurial impact and momentum ensuring the university remains a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.