AI Skills for Business Success
The Uplift program is a key component of our Tokenizer initiative, providing AI exposure and upskilling support to businesses in the region. Through talks, workshops, and residencies, participants will gain practical AI skills they can implement immediately.
Why AI Matters
Much like the internet and smartphone before it, AI is a general purpose technology that allows people and businesses to do things that were not previously possible, creating new opportunities for value creation.
Stay Competitive
Businesses that fail to leverage AI technology risk being out-competed by those that do. Our program ensures your organisation is well-informed and prepared to benefit from this technology shift.
Practical Application
Beyond theory, we focus on practical applications of AI that you can implement in your business immediately, from workflow automation to advanced data analysis.
Program Components
The Tokenizer Uplift program offers three tiers of engagement to meet the diverse needs of regional businesses.
Upskilling
SMBs
Regular AI talks, workshops, and residencies covering practical applications of generative AI:
- Advanced prompting techniques for LLMs
- AI-powered automation workflows
- Hands-on workshops with cutting-edge tools
- Ethical considerations and best practices
1:1 Commercial Mentoring
Personalized guidance to explore specific AI opportunities for your business:
- Identify unique AI use cases for your business
- Expert consultative approach to your specific needs
- Unlock commercial value from your existing IP
- Strategic planning for AI implementation
Proof of Concept Support
Technical assistance to develop and validate AI projects:
- Turn ideas from mentoring into tangible solutions
- Technical guidance from AI and robotics experts
- Validate your concept's commercial viability
- Prepare for full-scale implementation
Learn from Industry Experts
Our program is led by experienced mentors who are at the forefront of AI innovation
Steve Telburn
Tokenizer Uplift Stream Lead
Highly experienced technology executive and business advisor, with deep expertise spanning venture capital, enterprise consulting, and startup leadership. Currently at Antler's pre-seed VC fund, working directly with AI startups and founders.
Chris Boden
Director, Peregian Digital Hub
Director of the Peregian Digital Hub and passionate advocate for regional innovation. Distinguished international career in technology and innovation, previously leading initiatives at Lonely Planet.
Rich Low
Technical Mentor
Seasoned Principal Product Manager with over 20 years experience in SaaS and cloud solutions. Founder of ProductSpark, empowering founders with AI leadership.
Alice Batista
Technical Mentor
Full-stack software engineer leading AI-driven legal tools development at MinterEllison. Founder of Koality with expertise in machine learning.
Ian Hansel
Technical Mentor
Data scientist and Director at Verge Labs leading innovative machine learning projects. Expert in applying AI to real-world business challenges.
Michael Ridland
Technical Mentor
Seven-time Microsoft MVP with over 20 years in software development. Extensive experience delivering AI projects for major enterprises.
Roman Olivera
Technical Mentor
Co-founder of EVEN Labs delivering innovative health solutions. Expert in engineering and business operations across multiple industries.
Greg Freeman
Technical Mentor
Three-time CTO with over 20 years experience aligning technology with business objectives. Led teams to achieve significant exits.
Who Should Join?
The Tokenizer Uplift program is designed for medium-sized enterprises ready to embrace AI technology
Existing SMBs
- Looking to improve efficiency through AI automation
- Want to develop new AI-enabled products or services
- Need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market
- Ready to unlock new value through AI implementation
Industry Sectors
- Food and Agribusiness
- Manufacturing
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Professional Services
- Digital and Creative Industries
Business Leaders
- Forward-thinking decision makers
- Innovation-focused managers
- Teams ready for digital transformation
- Professionals seeking AI upskilling
Participant Selection
We work closely with regional partners to identify and select businesses that will benefit most from the program
Our Partners
- Food and Agribusiness Network
- Manufacturing Excellence Forum
- Tourism Noosa
- Noosa Council
- Regional Development Australia
Selection Process
Our selection process focuses on identifying businesses that will:
- Demonstrate strong commitment to implementing AI solutions
- Have clear potential for AI implementation
- Be ready to bring proof of concepts to life
- Validate potential through practical application
Our AI Track Record
The Peregian Digital Hub has a proven history of engaging with AI technologies and equipping our community with essential skills
AI Education Programs
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2020+AI Cadetship Program - Hands-on AI fundamentals for high school students, engaging over 200 students since 2020
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2013+Coding from Beach Meetups - Long-running tech community events with AI-focused workshops and expert talks
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2023+"Upstream" Program - Weekly sessions keeping members at the cutting edge of generative AI technologies
AI Ecosystem Development
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InfrastructureAI Lab Facility - Dedicated space for AI development, experimentation, and collaboration
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CommunityThriving AI Startup Hub - Home to innovative AI startups like Springboards.ai, Telescope.co, and Workr Labs
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ImpactRegional Growth - 2020/21 SROI evaluation revealed $4.8M in social and economic value (1:60 return on investment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Tokenizer Uplift is a targeted initiative providing practical AI knowledge, personalised mentoring, and real-world AI projects designed specifically for medium-sized local businesses on the Sunshine Coast.
Established Sunshine Coast businesses employing 10 or more local residents, capable of embracing organisational change, and operating independently (not franchises or branch offices), particularly in professional services, allied health, creative industries, tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors.
The program consists of expert-led upskilling workshops, personalised one-on-one mentoring, collaborative Proof of Concept AI projects, and comprehensive strategic AI planning tailored specifically to your business. The upskilling series includes a four-week series of workshops, seminars and networking events covering AI fundamentals, impacts on business roles, actionable steps for organizational preparation, and practical AI applications.
Tokenizer Uplift commences in late May 2025, hosted at the Peregian Digital Hub. The workshops will be run on Thursdays from 9am-11:30am.
Participation is entirely free, funded through the Queensland Government's Regional Enablers Grant and Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay Sunshine Coast. However, you will need to cover your attendance at events.
The program is led by Chris Boden, Director of Peregian Digital Hub, and Steve Telburn, a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience in venture capital, consulting, and startup leadership.
Tokenizer Uplift is supported by Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), Noosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF), and Tourism Noosa.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted online. Spaces are limited, and early applications are strongly encouraged. You can submit your expression of interest using the registration button above.
Join the AI Revolution
Don't let your business fall behind in the AI revolution. Register your interest now to be part of the Tokenizer Uplift program and ensure your company is ready to harness the power of AI.
Register Your Interest