The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP) is set to supercharge its innovation capacity with the launch of the Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC)—a transformative project that will shape the future of health and advanced technology in the region.

HATRIC is being delivered with the support of a $25 million investment from the South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund, alongside $10 million from the City of Gold Coast, and co-investment from Economic Development Queensland (EDQ). The project is proudly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) as part of the SEQ City Deal—a landmark $1.8 billion partnership supporting jobs, connectivity and liveability across South East Queensland.

Located within the GCHKP, HATRIC will bring together Griffith University’s Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT), an expanded Clinical Trials Unit, and new biomedical research and commercialisation spaces—creating a world-class hub for collaboration, capability-building and real-world impact.

This significant investment reflects a shared commitment to boosting local innovation, with the Centre designed to support researchers, startups, scale-ups and industry leaders in developing and translating breakthrough technologies. HATRIC will also offer rich experiential learning opportunities for students, supporting the next generation of health and technology innovators.

The project is a standout example of what can be achieved through cross-sector collaboration, with all three levels of government working together to back a shared vision for Queensland’s innovation future.

“This project is a great example of what happens when universities, industry and government work together to create future-focused infrastructure,” said Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Cities.

From spinal repair and artificial ligaments to quantum sensing and recycling medical waste, HATRIC will play a critical role in turning ideas into solutions, and research into results—with impact that spans health, science, industry and the economy.

This investment strengthens the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct’s position as one of Australia’s leading hubs for health and technology innovation.

• Read the official media release from Minister McAllister here.
• Explore the SEQ City Deal here.

Despite the rain, our International Women’s Day 2025 celebration at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct was filled with inspiring stories, meaningful conversations and genuine connections. From our incredible speakers to vibrant networking, the event brought our community together to celebrate the incredible women driving progress across health, education and innovation.

To those who braved the rain and joined us in person—thank you for your incredible energy and presence. And to those who supported us from afar, we’re so grateful to have you in our community. Events like this aren’t possible without the support of our community—so thank you for showing up, leaning in, and helping us plant the seeds for meaningful conversations and future progress.

Meet the women shaping the future  
This special video, created for our International Women’s Day 2025 celebration, showcases the remarkable women leading change across health, education and innovation in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.

View the gallery from the event
Browse the gallery below to relive the day and see some of the moments that made it so special.

The Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct is proud to host our third annual International Women’s Day event, bringing together inspiring leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible contributions of women across healthcare, research, education and innovation, and explore how collaboration within the Precinct is shaping a more inclusive and innovative future.

📅 Wednesday, 2 April 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport Sharks
🎟 Register now 

Meet our incredible lineup of speakers

🌟 Associate Professor Dr Lara Herrero – 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for New Innovators award-winner, research leader in mosquito-borne diseases and medical doctor. 

🌟 Ali Stokes & Associate Professor Dr Laura Diamond – Transforming biomechanics and musculoskeletal health through cutting-edge software and hardware innovations, improving patient care and healthcare accessibility. 

🌟Vanessa Rebgetz – Principal of Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS), exploring pathways for future healthcare leaders in conversation with Cordelia Mead-Small and Maria Ciubuc-Batcu, both QAHS graduates, Griffith University alumni, and now an intern and medical registrar at GCUH. 

🌟Cr Brooke Patterson – Closing the discussion with reflections on key insights, takeaways and the collective impact of women driving change across the Precinct. 

This is a celebration of the collective achievements of women across the Precinct, so whether you’re a leader, mentor, colleague, student, or ally, this is a chance to support and be part of an important conversation about the role of women in the Precinct.

Register Now and follow us on LinkedIn for event updates.