UQ graduate Geoff Smith was named the 2025 Queensland Australian of the Year for his work aimed at increasing workforce participation for young neurodivergent people. Discover the story behind his impactful work and how Geoff’s time at UQ shaped his career.
Geoff completed a Bachelor of Business Management (International Business) and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) at UQ in 2011. In 2020, Geoff started a not-for-profit social enterprise called Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) with the goal of turning the untapped potential and unique strengths of young neurodivergent people into a powerhouse of productivity as the next generation of data professionals.
Geoff Smith is the CEO and founder of Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA)
Image source: Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA)
“We started ASA because of the appalling unemployment rate of autistic people in Australia,” he says in his Australian of the Year interview.
“But it shouldn't be that way. The young neurodivergent mind often has fantastic strengths in this technologically advanced world.”
“There is so much untapped potential in our unemployed community. Young autistic people are unbelievable not only for productivity, but also for workplace culture. They're the best colleagues to have around,” the founder and CEO says.
Geoff’s claims are supported by research conducted by Associate Professor Miriam Moeller, who says workplace diversity is good for business.
What percentage of autistic people are employed in Australia?
As Geoff indicated, the unemployment rate for autistic people of working age in 2022 was 18.2%. This is more than double the rate for people with disability and almost 6 times the rate of people without disability, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2024). Many autistic people of working age also tend to experience underemployment. In 2022, only 50% participated in the workforce (in paid or unpaid roles), 42.2% were employed and only 11.4% were employed full time.
Australian Spatial Analytics also aimed to address an economic problem. The problem: Australian organisational data is being processed offshore at a rate of more than a billion dollars a year.
“By training young neurodivergent people on the job as data analysts, we bring that work onshore,” Geoff says.
Australian Spatial Analytics now has locations in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, and has employed over 220 people since inception. Eighty per cent of ASA staff are young neurodivergent people and most are autistic Australians. As a Social Impact Leadership Australia recipient, Geoff’s goal is to employ 1000 people by 2030.
“As we grow, we show other organisations the potential of neurodivergence in the workplace,” Geoff says.
“Neurodiversity is our strength.”
Geoff Smith shaking hands with The Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, Prime Minister of Australia
Image source: NADC / Salty Dingo Photography
From UQ to Queensland Australian of the Year
As a UQ graduate, how did Geoff’s time at university shape his career path and foray into social innovation and entrepreneurship? We asked Geoff for his insights and advice – and he shared some gems!
What are the most valuable things you learned from studying at UQ?
Looking back at my time at UQ, the most valuable things I gained extend far beyond the specific content of my courses. While academic knowledge has formed a solid foundation, it's the broader skills and experiences that have shaped my path. The ability to form trusted networks and build rapport with potential partners to do good things is more easily learned in an experiential environment like a university.
How has your time at UQ helped pave the path to your current success?
In short, my time at UQ was transformative. It provided me with not just an education but a set of skills, a mindset and a network that continues to benefit me daily. I tested assumptions with those who had a different viewpoint, which has carried me through the business challenges I face and helped foster an innovative mindset.
The great melting pot of views and experiences of university life helps me navigate the community-building work I do every day.
How have you applied what you learned at UQ to your career and business?
I apply the skills gained during my business management and international relations undergraduate degrees regularly in my career. These skills include:
- supporting teams to reach shared objectives
- sound financial management
- good corporate governance
- persuasive writing
- bringing people along on the ride when forming an idea to address social problems.
Do you have any advice for young people who have ideas they want to pursue to create change in the world?
Just go and do it! When tackling complex challenges, no one has all the answers – we learn by doing, so just start!
Also, reach out to people doing positive things for their communities. You’ll find that social changemakers love discussing their cause with others, so ask them for a coffee. I got into social enterprise by cold emailing the most well-known social entrepreneur I could find in my local area. The rest is history!
Geoff is the 2025 Queensland Australian of the Year
Image source: Salty Dingo Photography
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Header image source: Salty Dingo Photography
