We're building the Infrastructure CoLab for maximum impact.
The Infrastructure CoLab is the brainchild of the University of Queensland and Business Models Inc.
Learn MoreThe Team
The sector and thought leaders that make up the core design team driving the Infrastructure CoLab.
Learn MoreThe Network
A number of organisations have already joined the CoLab. Learn more about the teams participating.
Learn MoreThe Advisors
Our advisory board is a hand-selected group who are all deeply passionate about supporting the infrastructure solutions of a better tomorrow.
Learn More
The Infrastructure CoLab presents an opportunity for real collaboration, helping drive action and ultimately improving the lives of Queenslanders through innovative infrastructure sector solutions.
Leveraging Business Models Inc.’s multi-party innovation lab framework and design-thinking methodology, the Lab takes participants through a lean and iterative process of rapid prototyping. What might take months to is accelerated in the Infrastructure CoLab in a matter of weeks.
By working quickly (and out loud), participants of the Infrastructure CoLab are immersed in a new way of working that helps to embed the mindset, skill set, and toolset, that underpins multi-party innovation.
The Designers
The Infrastructure CoLab is powered by the delivery success of Business Models Inc and the academic rigour of The University of Queensland.
Business Models Inc
Powered by Business Models Inc (BMI) and their multi-party innovation lab framework and methodology, the Infrastructure CoLab operates as a platform for systemic co-innovation, taking participants through a lean and iterative process of rapid prototyping to come up with real solutions that can be actioned and implemented. BMI is an award-winning strategy design agency that thinks globally and acts locally, connecting ideas and delivering impactful innovation programs around the world.
The University of Queensland
Together with the University of Queensland (UQ) Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub, the Infrastructure CoLab seeks to benchmark best practice examples of sustainability and innovation to provide a blueprint of solutions that can be applied at scale. Providing access to UQ’s network of leading researchers both in Australia and around the globe, the Infrastructure CoLab will be supported by academic research to scale innovative solutions that maximise industry-wide transitions to sustainable principles.
The Team
Our design team will guide you throughout the entire process – helping you ideate, validate and create solutions for maximum relevance and impact.
Michael Eales
Partner and Strategy Designer, Business Models Inc AUS-NZ
Partner and Strategy Designer, Business Models Inc AUS-NZ
Business Models Inc is an award-winning international business, design and innovation consultancy. As the Managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Michael’s role is focused on strategy design, system design and co-innovation. His work pushes the traditional boundaries of business. As a design pioneer, he supports organisations of all sizes to think better, communicate more effectively and work faster – so their strategy can move as fast as their business. As a producer, he recently co-led the design and delivery of Australia’s first Circular Economy Lab, with prior co-innovation experience including strategy design for CHILL, Cisco’s Hyper Innovation Lab in San Fransisco, and the spearheading of South Australia’s Growth Lab focused on the convergence of the aged care, health and disability service sectors. He is now co-leading the design and delivery of Australia’s first Housing Action Lab and Infrastructure CoLab.
Cristyn’s research investigates how to increase the adoption of sustainable products and practices in organizations by improving understanding of the way individual employees and organizations make decisions related to sustainability. Cristyn has spent a number of years investigating sustainable materials adoption in infrastructure, leading to the development of the Infrastructure CoLab with partners BMI and ISCA.
The Advisory Board
The Infrastructure CoLab is supported by the best in the industry. Here are just a few who are helping guide the journey.
Professor Martie-Louise Verreyenne is a Professor of Innovation and Associate Dean (Research) of The University of Queensland’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law.
Previously she held roles such as Associate DVC Research and Innovation, RMIT University, and Interim Head of School and Deputy Head of School, Head of Strategy and International Business, and Program Leader for several programs at the University of Queensland.
Martie-Louise's research in small firm innovation focuses on how these firms leverage capabilities and networks to gain a competitive edge. She is particularly interested in the processes and technologies of open innovation.
Martie-Louise publishes in leading entrepreneurship, small business and interdisciplinary journals.
Dennis is the Chief Engineer of Transport and Main Roads. In this role he oversees a wide range of technologies including Geospatial Technologies, Road Design and Hydraulics; Pavement, Materials and Geotechnical Engineering; Traffic Engineering Technology and Systems; Structures; and Safer Roads Infrastructure.
Dennis is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a member of Engineers Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of company directors
Dennis has worked across a wide range of areas including strategic planning, traffic and transport planning, road safety policy and engineering, road design, road operations and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). He has contributed to a range of national groups and is the Queensland Director on the ANCAP Board. He is a board member and the Vice President of ITS Australia. He is also a member of the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia.
Dennis is committed to bringing together the skills and knowledge of his team and their partners to embrace new technologies, engage with customers and drive new ideas into action for the benefit of the community.
Dr Nick Fleming FIEAust GAICD
Nick is the Managing Director of advisory firm Innergise, aiding government and private sector clients to resolve policy, strategy and project challenges in highly complex multi-stakeholder environments. He has particular expertise in the intentional design of sustainable infrastructure. In addition to his consulting work, Nick is a faculty member of the ANZ School of Government. He delivers executive education on complex problem solving, systems thinking and effective policy implementation, drawing on 25+ years experience in infrastructure, water, natural resources, defence, energy and mining sectors throughout Australia, New Zealand, south-east Asia, the UK and Americas. Nick is also the National President and Chair of the Board of Engineers Australia, and a non-executive director of South Gippsland Water. He was previously a director of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia and taskforce chair at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia. Prior to founding Innergise, Nick performed the roles of Director – Innovation at Jacobs Group and global Chief Sustainability Officer at SKM.
The Public Sector Partner Network
The Infrastructure CoLab is supported by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science, and the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.