Rick's Story

Key Moments That Defined a Visionary Journey

Humble Beginnings

Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1955, Rick McElhinney grew up in Dubbo before moving to Coffs Harbour, where his curiosity for problem-solving and innovation took root. His passion for engineering led him to Newcastle University, where he earned a Bachelor of Civil and Structural Engineering with honors in 1978. These formative years instilled resilience, creativity, and a drive for transformation—qualities that would define his career.

Ridley Island Coal Loading Facility

Engineering Pathway

Rick’s engineering career began at Sinclair Knight and Partners in Sydney, where he focused on infrastructure design and developed a strong interest in engineering software. Eager to expand his expertise, he moved to Canada, joining Swan Wooster Engineering as Branch Engineering Manager in Prince Rupert, just 40km south of the Alaska pan handle. There, he secured contracts with local councils and Indigenous communities and contributed to bridge design projects for the British Columbia Highways Department.

Rick played a critical role as site project scheduler for Canada’s northeastern coal loading facility and grain terminal at Ridley Island, overseeing 50+ contractors in large-scale construction efforts. These experiences deepened his leadership in global infrastructure projects and set the stage for his transition into entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial Breakthrough

In 1984, Rick embraced entrepreneurship by founding Corporate Software Solutions in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company quickly became an industry leader, serving 3,500+ clients across aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Under his leadership, the company went public in 1987, gaining recognition for its cutting-edge engineering software.

During this time, Rick also became a published author, writing Using AutoCAD for Macmillan Publishing and contributing to leading industry magazines. In 1998, after years of innovation and success, he sold his majority stake and returned to Australia, ready for new challenges.

Client Project Models

Return to Australia & Renewable Energy Leadership

Back in Australia, Rick turned his focus to early-stage investments, playing a key role in shaping the country’s start-up ecosystem. His passion for sustainability led him to join Eco-Kinetics, where he scaled operations across Asia, Europe, and Fiji as CFO, helping the company achieve a successful exit in 2011.

Starting In 2020, as CEO of Sunshine Hydro, Rick is pioneering 24/7 carbon-free energy and green fuel solutions, pushing the boundaries of renewable technology. His leadership in renewables reflects a deep commitment to a sustainable global future.

Pumped Hydro Project

Supporting Start-ups and Innovation

Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t end with his investment oriented ventures. In 1999, he founded Founders Forum Limited, a non-profit organization supporting start-ups through angel investments and mentorship. Over two decades, the forum has hosted hundreds of entrepreneurial presentations and helped numerous companies thrive in industries like technology and renewable energy. Rick’s guidance has helped many turn ideas into impactful businesses and supporting Australia's thriving innovation eco-system.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

Rick’s commitment to the community is as strong as his business acumen. He was a driving force behind the Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre, raising crucial funds and serving as a director for over 15 years. A dedicated Rotary Club of Coomera Valley member, he has championed youth development initiatives, earning the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award. His dedication to empowering future generations is a core part of his legacy.

rick mcelhinney coomera community youth centre

Visionary Investor

Rick’s ability to identify transformative opportunities has shaped industries. From Corporate Software Solutions to Eco-Kinetics and Autodesk, his investments have fueled innovation and growth. Under his leadership, Founders Forum has supported over 3,500 participants, with $90+ million invested in local companies.

As co-author of Commercializing Innovation, Rick shares his expertise with entrepreneurs and investors, helping them navigate the complexities of business growth and investment.

Present Day: Sharing Expertise and Vision

Today, Rick McElhinney continues to mentor, invest, and speak at global industry events. Whether guiding start-ups, advancing renewable energy, or inspiring audiences worldwide, his story is one of continuous innovation, leadership, and a bold vision for a sustainable future.

Richard J. McElhinney

Key Moments That Defined a Visionary Journey

Who is Rick McElhinney?

Rick's extensive global experience, from Australia to the USA and Canada, has helped shape his approach to investing, always prioritizing innovation, leadership, and tangible results.

CEO of Sunshine Hydro, a leader in deep energy storage.

Co-founder of successful technology and engineering companies.

Mentor and advisor for start-ups through the Founders Forum.

Author of "Commercializing Innovation," a guide for entrepreneurs.

40+

Years Experience

Rick's Backstory

Working initially with Sinclair Knight Mertz in Sydney and Newcastle, Rick and his wife moved to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada in 1981 to work for Swan Wooster Engineering. Rick became involved as on-site Project Scheduler with the Ridley Island coal loading facility in Prince Rupert some 600 miles north of Vancouver and 40 miles south of the Alaska panhandle. He set up and managed the regional office until 1984.

Always involved in the computer side of engineering, Rick purchased, in 1982, the 4th IBM PC delivered to Canada. With this new tool Rick developed a number of engineering related software packages that were eventually sold throughout the world. With a Canadian partner a software company was founded in early 1984.

Later in 1984, Rick relocated his family and business to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he became involved in developing engineering software to manufacturers in the Midwest region of the USA. The company was taken public in 1987 and became well known for providing computer solutions to engineering companies within the region. The company provided engineering software, training, consulting and custom software development services to over 3,500 aerospace, automotive, medical and manufacturing companies with operations in the Midwest.

During his time in the US, Rick authored “Using AutoCAD” for Que Publishing Corporation, a division of McMillan Publishing, for distribution by the B. Dalton Book Stores. He also authored articles for CAE Magazine, Desktop Engineering and Computer Reseller News. He was speaker at such events as PC Expo, Society of Manufacturing Engineers meetings, company technology days, University programs and Apple Developer conferences. He has participated in the Entrepreneurship & New Ventures program for the Griffith University, Graduate School of Management and was featured in the Bond University MBA Program, "Business Breakthrough Video Series".

Rick has held board positions in manufacturing and technology companies within the US. He is a co-founder of Unlimited Plastics Technology, Inc., a specialist in the engineering design and analysis of high technology plastics components. He was an active member of the University of Toledo Manufacturing and Technology Advisory Board between 1989 and 1993, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers between 1985 and 2000. He has been a senior member of the Institute of Engineers, Australia since 1978. He is a member of the Bond University Smart Enterprise Research Advisory Committee and the Gold Coast City Council, Regional Economic Development Corporate Advisory Committee.

Since returning to Australia, Rick has invested in and provided advisory services to a number of manufacturing and IT corporations. He was involved in establishing and currently chairs Founders Forum Limited. The Founders Forum is a network of business angels who syndicate their efforts in assisting start-up companies through investment and mentoring. Rick is involved as an equity partner and maintains various levels of involvement including investor, CEO, chairman, director and advisor roles in a number of companies. These companies include:

Sinotech Media, Eduss Broadcast & Media, Inc., Grassads Pty Ltd, Cheeta International Pty Ltd, Eduss Asia Pacific Ltd., Seasafe Pty Ltd., ZVino Pty Ltd., Hydrokinetics, Pty Ltd, CarbonLink Pty Ltd, Angels Institute Pty Ltd., Voxsol Energy Pty Ltd, Australian Biorefining Pty Ltd., Hotshed Limited, Ubaryon Pty Ltd, Gogotech, Inc., KOKO Matrix and Sunshine Hydro Pty LtdRick is CEO of Sunshine Hydro.

Sunshine Hydro's AESOP technology is used to generate highly efficient and cost-effective deep energy storage superhybrid
projects.

During the period from 2007 and 2008 Rick co-authored the book "Commercialising Innovation", which is a concise guide for entrepreneurs, mentors and angel investors. Rick plays an active role in youth programs on the Gold Coast, with 7 years in director roles for the Coomera Valley Rotary Club and as a member of the Coomera-Oxenford Community Youth Centre Management Committee 2003-2021. Rick was awarded a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his efforts in the formation of the Coomera-Oxenford Community Youth Centre.

Explore the visionary investments and projects led by Rick McElhinney, a seasoned investor and mentor with decades of experience across various industries. From renewable energy to cutting-edge technology, Rick’s investments reflect a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth.