Opening session

9.30am - 11.10am

9.30am – 9.40am
Official Opening & Housekeeping
Peter Osborne, CEO, Cremorne Digital Hub

9.40am – 9.50am
Welcome to Country
Mandy Nicholson, Djirri Djirri

9.50am
Keynote Introduction
Peter Osborne

9.55am – 10.40am
Tech Week Opening Keynote

How Ecosystem Innovation is like Jazz

The rise in new challenges (like sustainability and climate, amongst others) that are impacting enterprise the world over, require a change in the way we innovate, particularly when it comes to collaborations. This new way of working requires the coordination of a multitude of players, with different short-term objectives, but shared long-term goals, each contributing their unique capabilities.

Unilever faces a multitude of these challenges, and as one of the largest Consumer Goods companies in the world we are looking to constantly evolve our partnership models in order to innovate at a faster and more impactful pace. This evolution has given rise to the ‘Ecosystem Innovation Model’.

Learn more about this model and how Unilever is seeking to solve significant sustainability and product superiority challenges.

International Keynote Speaker
Darren Adams, Managing Director, Unilver Foundry 

10.40am – 11.10am
Panel

DRIVING INNOVATION WITH AN Outside In’ Approach

Looking to supercharge innovation in your organisation? Join us for an insightful event where we’ll explore how partnering with external players—like startups, universities, and others in the innovation ecosystem—can bring fresh ideas, insights, and capabilities into your enterprise.
In today’s fast-paced business world, tapping into external expertise isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. We’ll dive into how an ‘Outside In’ approach can revitalise your company’s innovation efforts by leveraging the strengths of external partnerships.

Speakers
Darren Adams, Managing Director, Unilver Foundry 
Peter Osborne, CEO, Cremorne Digital Hub
Val Brown, ASX Executive, Board Member & Advisor, Mentor

MORNING TEA
11.10am - 11.55am

MORNING session

11.55am - 12.55Pm

STREAM 1

Cyber Security Escape Room

The team from La Trobe University will be hosting a Cyber Security Escape Room experience. This immersive activity provides the experience of being under a whole-of-business cyber-attack. Identify theft, meta-data, phishing, authentication, and ciphers – the world of cyber security can be a bit perplexing. Cyber security isn’t just for the IT department though, everyone is responsible for keeping information safe and the bad guys out. This session gives a primer of the fundamental concepts and techniques for keeping your organisation safe and is aimed at the normal employee not just the IT-whiz. The activities are based around educational escape rooms to create a memorable, collaborative learning environment where you can nut-out all the puzzles together.

Presenter
Dr Robert Ross, Associate Professor, La Trobe University 

STREAM 2

ethical and effective implementation of AI  

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evident across numerous sectors, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and transportation. However, amid the excitement, there lies the critical challenge of navigating the ethical and effective implementation of AI technologies.

This talk delves beyond the sensational headlines to address the real-world implications and responsibilities that come with deploying AI systems and how you can consider them in your organisation across product and design.

Speakers
Andrea Castano, Design Manager, REA Group
Johanna Hagenauer, Senior Product Design Manager, REA Group
Sarah Murray, Leader, AI Design Strategy, REA Group

STREAM 3

Talent session

STREAM 4

CHAMPIONING FEMALE FOUNDERS

This panel facilitated by Alan Jones – will explore what it is to be a future forward female founder in 2024. Topics covered to include some ‘myth busting’, some facts and figures, some showcasing of the ‘awesome’ talent who are developing and scaling businesses in both the Australian and the Global Markets. This session will include lots of opportunities for those joining to contribute, share, support and encourage everyone in the room.

Speakers
Devini Goonetilleke, Fin Tech Start-up Founder and a Business/Digital Transformation Specialist
Nikki Tugano, Founder and CEO, SeenCulture
Madeleine Scavone, Founder and CEO, Speckles
Michelle Ridsdale, Founder, Kaboose

Moderator
Alan Jones, Tech investor, founder, coach, and radio host.

LUNCH
12.55pm - 2.00pm

afternoon session

2.00pm - 3.00pm

STREAM 1

Carsales Tech Revolution

This session will explore how carsales have built and implemented CDP, Self Service & Ad Solution to drive commercial growth.

Speakers
Stephen Kyefulumya, General Manager of Media Product & Technology, carsales

STREAM 2

Building Gen AI Responsibly at SEEK

Developing, deploying and managing Generative AI within a commercial organisation responsibly – lessons from one of Australia’s largest Responsible AI teams.

Speakers
Thyago Liberalli, Director of AI & Ontology, SEEK
Fernando Mourao, Head of Responsible AI, SEEK
Terrence Szymanski, Head of GenAI, SEEK

STREAM 3

THE GREAT INNOVATION DEBATE—UNIVERSITIES ARE WHERE INNOVATION GOES TO DIE

Are universities actually holding back innovation instead of encouraging it? Join us for a lively debate focused on the bold idea that academic institutions might be slowing down ground-breaking progress, rather than helping it to accelerate. Hear from thinkers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship as they dive into the role that universities play in today’s innovation scene.

Debators
Jennifer George, CEO, Strategic Commercialisation Australia
Andrew Nash, Operating Partner, University of Melbourne Commercialisation & Entrepreneur-at-Large
Kendra Vant, Coach & Advisor for Boards & C-suite across APAC
Maxine Lee, COO & Investment Director, Skalata

Moderator 
Vishaal Kishore, Managing Partner, Synthesis Capital

STREAM 4

Talking Tech at Telsa

Ever wondered how the world’s most innovative company brings hard tech innovation to life? Join us for an exciting dive into how the world’s most innovative company brings hard tech innovation to life.

In this event, we’ll explore how Tesla pushes the boundaries of technology—from electric vehicles and autonomous driving to renewable energy solutions. Learn about their unique approach to tackling complex challenges and transforming industries.

Speakers
TBC

AFTERNOON TEA
3.00pm - 3.45pm

CLOSING session

3.45pm - 5.30pm

Tech Week wrap-up

5.30pm – 7.00pm

Connect with industry leaders and fellow attendees, and toast to the future of innovation together!