Brisbane’s economy has surpassed $200 billion with 16% growth in four years. Discover the innovators behind the city’s momentum at the milestone 20th Awards.
What’s happening: Twelve of Brisbane’s most innovative entrepreneurs and enterprises have been named winners at the milestone 20th annual Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, honouring breakthroughs across sustainability, MedTech, creative industries, manufacturing, digital transformation and global business leadership.
Why this matters: The winners reflect Brisbane’s evolution into one of Australia’s most business-friendly, future-focused economies, backed by 16% economic growth in the last four years, accelerated momentum across high-growth sectors and rising global visibility in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
Brisbane’s brightest business minds took centre stage as the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards recognised 12 standout winners steering the city’s innovation agenda across local and global markets.
Now in its 20th year, the Awards continue to honour the visionaries, disruptors and emerging leaders reshaping Brisbane’s economic landscape, from grassroots founders to internationally recognised industry forces.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the 12 award winners would continue Brisbane’s proud tradition of turning bold ideas into reality.
“I want to congratulate all the winners and finalists and thank each of them for helping strengthen Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s most business-friendly city,” Cr Schrinner said.
“For 20 years, the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards have championed and celebrated our city’s thriving business community. This is about recognising the innovation, resilience and growth that make Brisbane such a standout on the global stage.”
Leadership spotlight
Chemist Warehouse Managing Director Brett Clark AM took home The Courier-Mail Business Person of the Year, a fitting win in the company’s 20th anniversary year. Clark co-founded the Brisbane-based pharmacy company 20 years ago before growing its initial 10 stores into an ASX-listed, international network.
Architect and urban innovator Michael Rayner AM received the Lifetime Achievement Award for a career shaping some of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks, from flood-resilient ferry terminals and iconic bridges to the Brisbane Convention Centre and QPAC’s soon-to-open Glasshouse Theatre.
Emerging talent also shone, with Anti Ordinary founder Rob Joseph named the Port of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year for his globally distributed beanie helmet protecting snow athletes in 51 countries.
Economic momentum
The Awards come as Brisbane records one of its strongest economic periods in decades, with the city’s economy surpassing $200 billion.
According to the 2025 State of the City Report, the Brisbane economy has achieved a 16% uplift in four years and is on track to reach $275 billion by 2041.
High-growth industries are accelerating sharply. Property and construction has grown 41% over 10 years, while advanced manufacturing has increased 29%. Transport and logistics has surged 43%, and knowledge industries have jumped 50%. The experience economy now contributes $13.7 billion, with the health industry valued at $22 billion.
With global attention intensifying in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, the city’s business momentum is set to continue rising.
Innovation pipeline
From ocean tech to AI and creative excellence, this year’s winners reflect the breadth of Brisbane’s innovation pipeline. Blue Carbon was recognised for its world-first oPod™, an autonomous ocean pump powered by wave, wind and solar energy to support climate restoration.
Attekus was honoured for simplifying bookings, events and appointments with digital solutions transforming customer experience. Nadu, a fast-rising startup pioneering nasal health technology for people with chronic respiratory conditions, took home the oOh!Media Micro Business Award.
Like a Photon Creative, a globally acclaimed creative studio producing award-winning family content from Brisbane, won the Carers Queensland Small Business Award.
Priestley’s Gourmet Delights emerged as the standout business success of 2025, winning both the Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award and the Optus Platinum Award. The company has transformed from a suburban cake supplier to a national manufacturer and distributor.
Valenhold was recognised for transforming mining technology through sustainable Heavy Mobile Equipment innovation across 14 countries, while Tom’s Pallets received the Dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award for advancing circular economy practices through sustainable pallet recycling.
Help Enterprises, a community-focused organisation delivering more than 50 years of impact for people living with disability, won the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award.
The Equine Practice Company took home the BDO International Business Award for reshaping global veterinary practice through education, innovation and advocacy.
Global recognition
Brisbane’s winners reflect the city’s expanding global reputation across advanced tech, sustainability, manufacturing and creative industries.
As Queensland’s capital prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is strengthening its international competitiveness.
The 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards showcase innovations from sports safety and aviation to pioneering climate technology and award-winning animation, highlighting how collaborative, ambitious and future-focused Brisbane’s business community has become.
The 12 winners represent sectors poised to drive Brisbane’s next chapter of growth, with innovation-active businesses across Australia continuing to introduce new products, services and processes that reshape industries and create global opportunities.
With Brisbane’s business landscape evolving rapidly as startups and established enterprises drive innovation, the 2025 winners highlight where the city is heading next.
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