Few Queenslanders have a resume as diverse as Professor Mark Harvey. A biomedical scientist by training, he spent his early career in academia, gaining his PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in North America. From there, he would swap his lab research in embryology to focus on the commercialisation of university research before eventually working as a venture capitalist. In this career, Mark has sat on the Board of Directors of ASX and NASDAQ-listed public companies, led two venture capital companies and been a member of the Investment Committee of several venture funds.

Today, Mark holds the esteemed role of QUT Vice-President (Engagement) and Chief Marketing Officer. Beyond this day job, he is also vice-president of Business Chamber Queensland, where he supports the organisation in guiding and connecting the state’s business owners.

From his perspective, this career evolution has been necessary. “Standing still is going backwards,” he explains.“There is only one path forward for us as a society, and that is to do things better and differently.”

Mark can now add the role of 40 Under 40 Awards judge to his credentials. This month he joins a diverse group of Queensland creatives, CEOs and innovators in deciding the state’s finest young entrepreneurs and changemakers. The winners of this deliberation will be announced at the 40 Under 40 Awards Gala event on Wednesday August 21.“There are a lot of challenges and negativity in the world at the moment, so a program that celebrates achievement, inspiration and youth is a great antidote!” says Mark. “We all need inspiration.”

Through his work with Business Chamber Queensland, Mark has remained a fierce advocate for local entrepreneurs and trailblazers and the role they play in Queensland’s growth.“Queensland industry and business is the backbone of our state. We all are completely dependent on businesses for employment, prosperity and the goods and services we consume to live our lives each day.”

It’s for this reason that Mark considers the 40 Under 40 Awards an opportunity to not only celebrate the great work that has been done, but to spur on all of the great work still to come in Queensland’s future as well. “40 Under 40 is a chance to inspire the next generation of innovators and remind all Queenslanders of the value that education, vision and hard work bring to our lives.”

Whilst Mark brings insight into the international business community to this year’s awards, when asked what he was looking to see from applicants, his answer was simple – “hope and inspiration.”

40 Under 40 Awards presented by InQueensland and The Weekend Edition will announce this year’s winners on August 21, 2024. The awards will acknowledge this year’s alumni of 40 of the state’s brightest, including the winners of the ten category awards.