Calling All Future City Innovators
Nexus2025 competition is open and the city is looking for future innovators to imagine a better future for all.
The Nexus2025 “Future City Innovators” Competition was officially launched on Wednesday, 14th May at Melbourne Town Hall, drawing a full house of over 140 guests.
Incepted in 2019 as a joint initiative between the City of Melbourne, Nanjing Pukou High-Tech Zone and the Australia-China Association of Scientists and Entrepreneurs (ACASE), the Nexus innovation program has expanded its reach in 2025 through new partnerships with SeedPlanet, a leading Asian-Australian startup community in Australia, and Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), the program’s new funding and R&D partner in Jiangsu.
Under the theme "Future City Innovators," the 2025 program seeks to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to develop smart solutions that address the challenges faced by future cities in Melbourne and China, specifically in the areas of:
- Climate Technology
- Health Technology
- Digital Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Urban Mobility Technology
Thanks to the strong support from organisations such as Victorian Cleantech Cluster, Australia China Business Council Victoria, StartSpace, and Melbourne Climate Network, the Nexus program is poised to generate greater impact and unlock new opportunities for innovative businesses across Melbourne and Australia.
Eligible applicants will have the chance to win a range of prizes, including a cash award, acceleration support package, and a travel opportunity to visit Melbourne’s partner city, Nanjing, China — a gateway to expanding into the Chinese market.
To apply or find about more, visit: https://www.acase.org.au/nexus-2025-competition or email hello@acase.org.au.
Applications close on 30th June. An online information session will be held on Friday, 13th June, to answer any questions from prospective applicants. Please stay tuned for more details.
