Chad Renando

Chad Renando is a prominent figure in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation in Australia. He currently serves as the A/Director of the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence at the University of Southern Queensland. With a rich background in growing award-winning digital and manufacturing businesses in both the US and Australia, Chad focuses on supporting entrepreneurial activities in regional areas. His work emphasizes data, mapping, and measurement, as well as establishing collaborative bodies to support local ecosystems.Chad is the Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Australia and the founder of Startup Status, where he maps and measures innovation ecosystems. His research as a PhD candidate explores the connection between entrepreneurial ecosystems and community resilience. Chad is also a professional facilitator, speaker, coach, and researcher, dedicated to understanding how to make a positive societal impact.Throughout his career, Chad has held various roles, including Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, Community Manager at Fire Station 101, and Management Consultant at Shape Consulting. His educational background includes a PhD in Regional Innovation Ecosystems from the University of Southern Queensland and a Masters of Applied Social Science (Management) from ACAP University College.