Forward Thinking is a Coast and Commerce Podcast special series of eight episodes featuring live interviews from Forward Fest 2025. Episode 1 highlights two innovative businesses: Aqua Ubique and Moyai. Aqua Ubique focuses on generating drinking water from air, addressing the issue of water scarcity in Australia. The founder, Shannon Lemanski, shares how FWD Fest has been pivotal in his entrepreneurial journey, providing networking opportunities and community support. Moyai, founded by Ilana Morrow, aims to create an inclusive world for people with disabilities by connecting them with businesses and government resources. The conversation emphasises the importance of community, innovation, and social impact in driving business success.

Takeaways

• Aqua Ubique generates drinking water from air, addressing water scarcity.
• Over 2 million Australians lack access to safe drinking water.
• Community support is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
• Moai connects people with disabilities to businesses and government.
• The importance of networking and collaboration in startups.
• Aqua Ubique's mission is to provide 300 million litres of water by 2032.
• Moyai evolved from an index to a solution-focused business.
• Accessibility is a key focus for businesses to attract more customers.
• The entrepreneurial ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast fosters innovation.
• Both businesses highlight the impact of local initiatives on global challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Forward Thinking podcast series

00:54 Aqua Ubique: Water from Air

06:00 The Impact of Business Community and Collaboration

11:30 Motivation for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

13:34 Introduction to Moyai: Building for All Bodies

18:01 The Evolution of Moyai

22:19 Future Plans for Moyai

Visit to know more - https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-01

NEW COAST & COMMERCE PODCAST special series drops weekly from this Tues 1 Sept... Hosted by Ben Amos and produced by Craig Josic

INTRODUCING:

>>> FWD Thinking: Innovation Stories from FWD Fest 2025, featuring Sunshine Coast Businesses Making a Global Impact.

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In Episode 8, the last of Coast and Commerce Season 4, Ben Amos chats with Brad Chesham, founder of Bundle of Rays, about the transformative potential of immersive learning technologies of XR, AR, and VR in healthcare education. Brad shares his journey from nursing to entrepreneurship, the challenges of innovating in a conservative industry, dealing with entrepreneurial sacrifices and the importance of building a community of early adopters to champion emerging technologies. He emphasises the need for a shift in how medical education is delivered and the role of disruptive innovators in driving change within Australian healthcare systems.

Takeaways

• Immersive learning can revolutionize medical education.
• The transition from traditional teaching to XR is challenging but necessary.
• Healthcare innovation faces significant institutional inertia.
• Building a sustainable business model is crucial for startups.
• Mental health and work-life balance are critical for entrepreneurs.
• Community support is vital for startup success.
• The future of nursing education will involve objective skill assessments.
• Disruptors play a key role in challenging the status quo.
• Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for innovation.
• Adopters of new technologies can help drive change in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Immersive Learning

05:59 Transforming Medical Education

12:02 Challenges in Healthcare Innovation

17:48 The Journey of a Startup Founder

24:02 Scaling Up: New Opportunities and Challenges

30:00 The Future of XR in Healthcare

36:02 Disruption and Institutional Inertia

41:12 Building a Community of Practice

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-8