The Fishermans Bend ‘AI to Net Zero’ Roadmap is a bold vision for an innovation powerhouse.

Innovation and entrepreneurship thrive in place-based ecosystems, and we need to focus on these innovation hubs to speed up the commercialization of new ideas. Australia and its innovation precincts are at a pivotal moment where we can revamp our industries, from metals processing to quantum tech and from production to advanced manufacturing. It’s time to move away from industries that just export resources and start building sustainable, purposeful ones.

On 26 February 2025, industry leaders, academics, defence experts and think tanks gathered for the ‘Fishermans Bend AI to Net Zero’ workshop. Hosted by NEXTDC and convened the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), with support from the Semiconductor Sector Services Bureau (S3B) and Defence Council Victoria, the workshop aimed to figure out the key infrastructure and support systems needed to create a thriving innovation ecosystem in Australian precincts.

Fishermans Bend Precinct is Australia’s largest urban renewal project, covering about 480 hectares in the heart of Melbourne. It spans five precincts across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip, connecting Melbourne’s CBD to the bay. By 2050, it’s expected to be home to around 80,000 residents and provide jobs for up to 80,000 people. The Victorian Government has invested significantly in transforming the area, including the former General Motors Holden site, into a world-class innovation precinct.

Using the Fishermans Bend Precinct as a creative springboard, the workshop identified the essential elements to help Fishermans Bend foster a robust innovation ecosystem that will enable Australia to emerge as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, engineering and design, especially in defence, renewable energy, transport and advanced manufacturing.

The 5 core innovation pillars include:

1. 1. A Shared Access Multi-Use Manufacturing Facility for advanced technologies
2. 2. The ‘Fishermans Net’ Innovation Hub
3. 3. Testing, validation and certification facilities for new devices, materials and components
4. 4. Design Hub
5. 5. Renewable Energy Hub.

To get the most out of existing R&D investments (from government, universities, philanthropy and industry), these 5 pillars are crucial for scaling and success, whether the ecosystem is in one place or spread out. These elements can build on the facilities and expertise already at Fishermans Bend and ensure better access to critical infrastructure.

By implementing the recommendations outlined in the ‘Fishermans Bend Precinct: AI to Net Zero’ report, Fishermans Bend and Victoria can seize these opportunities, boost economic growth and create valuable Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and jobs for Victoria and Australia. This report is a strategic roadmap to help Fishermans Bend reach its full potential as a world-leading innovation precinct.

Read the full report here.