TECH WEEK 2024 — EXPLORING THE FRONTIER OF INNOVATION
Featured speakers
We’re proud to present a dynamic lineup of distinguished speakers, each offering unique insights and expertise. Here are some of the brightest minds shaping the future of innovation.
DARREN ADAMS
Managing Director, Unilever Foundry
Keynote speaker Darren Adams will talk about the rise in new challenges that are impacting enterprise the world over, require a change in the way we innovate, particularly when it comes to collaborations.
VAL BROWN
ASX Executive, Board Member & Advisor, Mentor
Val Brown will form part of an insightful panel discussion which will explore how partnering with external players can bring fresh ideas, insights, and capabilities into your enterprise.
MORE INFOANDREW GREEN
Head of Design, Canva
Andrew Green will reveal how the seamless fusion of design and product development has helped Canva evolve into a beloved global brand.
ALAN JONES
Tech investor, founder, coach, and radio host
Alan Jones will be facilitating a panel of female founders that will explore what it is to be a future forward female founder in 2024.
Thyago Liberalli with Fernando Mourao and Terence Szymanski from SEEK will discuss developing, deploying and managing Generative AI within a commercial organisation responsibly.
MICHELLE RIDSDALE
Founder, Kaboose. AI/neurodiversity
Michelle is the visionary force behind Kaboose dedicated to improving mental health and fostering connections within the neurodivergent community. She will be a key part of a panel, led by Alan Jones, exploring what it means to be a future-forward female founder in 2024.
STEVEN SAMMARTINO
Globally Recognised Futurist
Experience an inspiring journey into the future with Steve Sammartino, a distinguished futurist and technology entrepreneur known for his passionate approach to innovation.
NIKKI TUGANO
Founder and CEO, SeenCulture
Nikki brings a diverse background in human resources, positive psychology, and entrepreneurship. She will be a key part of a panel, led by Alan Jones, exploring what it means to be a future-forward female founder in 2024.
KENDRA VANT
Coach & Advisor for Boards & C-suite across APAC
Hear from thinkers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship like Kendra Vant as they dive into the role that universities play in today’s innovation scene.
Check out the full list of experts and thought leaders who will be sharing their insights over the four day event.
JOIN US AT TECH WEEK
Culminating in Summit Day on Thursday, Tech Week features a packed agenda of insightful talks, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities over four days. This is your chance to engage with leaders and innovators shaping the future. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to secure yours. For full details, check out the program below.
SUMMIT DAY—THU 31 OCT
Engage with industry leaders as they share insights and strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve and drive impactful progress in your industry.
MON 28 OCT
COMMUNITY & INCLUSION DAY
From exploring the fusion of Indigenous wisdom with deep tech to discussing inclusive employment and ethical AI, this day will be a vibrant celebration of diversity in tech, where you’ll experience interactive showcases, fireside chats, and powerful panels.
TUE 29 OCT
INTERSECTING IDEAS DAY
Deep dive into the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of technology. From Australia’s energy transition to regional startup success stories and sportstech breakthroughs, this day offers an exciting lineup of panels, workshops, and discussions.
WED 30 OCT
FUTURE FORECASTING DAY
Gain insights into the skills and technologies driving tomorrow’s workforce. From the Victorian AI Jobs & Skills Summit to hands-on threat modelling games, this day is packed with opportunities to explore the intersection of technology and talent.
GIANT WARM INTRO (GWI) IS BACK & OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!
Cremorne Digital Hub and Rampersand have partnered as part of Tech Week 2024 to bring GWI to the Vic startup ecosystem in a new in-person format. You’ll have the opportunity to meet 1:1 in a supportive, collaborative environment to ask for advice, test your pitch, create connections, or learn about the fundraising process.
SHOWCASE @ TECH WEEK HUB & WALKING TOURS
Across three days, the Tech Week Hub will be your go-to destination for interactive showcases and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, the Tech Week Walking Tours offer a unique chance to explore ‘Australia’s Silicon Valley’ with expert guide Desmond John, as you visit startups, scaleups, and unicorns, while learning about the area’s transformation into a major tech hub.
SUMMIT DAY—THU 31 OCT
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, Unilever 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
You have a talent problem. Sourcing and attracting premium talent is hard at the best of times, and especially difficult in the current market. Our expert panellists will bring their experience in developing sourcing strategies to tackle the problem of attracting tech talent into high growth businesses. This session will uncover key insights on what’s driving the current talent market and define what it takes to attract high performing employees.
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 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.
Presented by
AFTERNOON TEA
3.00pm - 3.45pm
CLOSING session
3.45pm - 5.30pm
3.45pm – 4.30pm
DESIGN AS A PRODUCT SUPERPOWER
In today’s visually-driven world, design isn’t just an asset or a skill—it’s a superpower. Andrew Green, Head of Design at Canva, will reveal how the seamless fusion of design and product development has helped Canva evolve into a beloved global brand. Learn how his team transforms complex capabilities into simple, beautiful user experiences, and discover the design strategies that fuelled Canva’s bold expansion into the generative AI space.
Speaker
Andrew Green, Head of Design, Canva
4.30pm – 5.30pm
Futurescape with Steve Sammartino
Experience an inspiring journey into the future with Steve Sammartino, a distinguished futurist and technology entrepreneur known for his passionate approach to innovation. This Tech Week closing keynote promises to engage and enlighten, leaving attendees with thought-provoking insights that will resonate long after the event.
Closing keynote speaker
Steve Sammartino, Globally Recognised Futurist
Tech Week wrap-up
5.30pm – 7.00pm
Connect with industry leaders and fellow attendees, and toast to the future of innovation together!
Traditional Wisdom & Deep Tech
A Fireside Chat with Indigenous Tech Founders
DATE: MON 28 OCT
TIME: 1.00pm - 3.00pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. Numbers are limited
Join us for an enlightening fireside chat as we explore the powerful synergy between Indigenous wisdom and cutting-edge technology. This event will feature three visionary founders who are pioneering new pathways for integrating traditional knowledge with deep tech solutions.
Unlocking Potential: Indigenous Employment in Tech
A Path to Inclusive Excellence
DATE: MON 28 OCT
TIME: 3.30pm - 4:30pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. Numbers are limited
This panel will explore what it means to commit to and create a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.
Regional Tech Founders: Growing & Scaling Throughout Australia & Globally
Presented by La Trobe & Startup Central Vic
DATE: TUE 29 OCT
TIME: 2.00pm - 3.00pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. Bookings essential
This session will explore, myth bust and showcase what is happening in the Regions – especially those growing and/or scaling their ventures throughout Australia, APAC and Globally.
New Fields of Play: Cross-Industry Insights & Innovation in Sportstech
DATE: TUE 29 OCT
TIME: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. Bookings essential
Get ready for an inspiring panel discussion featuring some of the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) members, with diverse backgrounds in adjacent industries, who are now shaking up the sportstech landscape.
Join us as these innovative founders share their exhilarating journeys, revealing how they’ve drawn on their skills and expertise from other fields to launch successful startups in sports technology.
Emerging Tech Immersion workshops
Presented by Women in Emerging Tech
DATE: TUE 29 OCT
TIME: 9:30am - 5.00pm
LOCATION: REA Group
COST: $0-$213.08
Are you excited by the idea of emerging technologies but don't know where to start? Let us take you on a beginner’s journey through our emerging tech workshops. The topics include: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, User Experience, Internet of Things, Neuro-diverse strategies, Emerging Tech Careers, Virtual Reality, AI and much more.
Victorian AI Jobs & Skills Summit
Presented by AIIA and DJSIR
DATE: WED 30 OCT
TIME: 9.00am - 12.30pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. Bookings essential
The AIIA in conjunction with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is calling for all parties with an interest in making Victoria the hotbed of all things AI to attend a profound AI & Skills Summit.
We will debate and discuss the current and future state of the industry in Victoria.
Top Tech Trends Debate
Presented by the Churchill Club
DATE: WED 30 OCT
TIME: 6.00pm - 10:30pm
LOCATION: SEEK
COST: $120-$150
The Top Tech Trends Debate, unlike any other event in Australia, offers an electrifying panel discussion that has quickly become a must-attend yearly highlight. In a unique format, a hand-picked selection of experts fiercely compete to convince both their fellow panel members and the audience that their tech trend is the one to watch.
AI and Australian Businesses: Global Trends and Local Realities
Presented by AI4Diversity
DATE: MON 28 OCT
TIME: 5:30pm - 8.00pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. Bookings essential
Join us for an insightful discussion on the global trends and local realities of AI in Australian businesses. We'll delve into the opportunities, challenges, and future prospects for AI, exploring how it is shaping industries across the country.
Consumer Data Drives our Energy Transition
Australia 4.0 Event
Hosted by the Pearcey Foundation.
DATE: TUE 29 OCT
TIME: 10.00am - 12.00pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. First in basis, 60 seats only
You will witness experts collaborate on shaping the path for innovative Australian ICT solutions to facilitate the transition of our energy system to Net Zero.
THREAT MODELLING GAMES
DATE: WED 30 OCT
TIME: 3.00pm - 4.30pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
Are you wondering how to include cyber security considerations in your teams’ software development cycles in a sustainable way, while also boosting your application's security and developers' security knowledge?
Join us to try out the threat modelling card games:
Cumulus by TNG in cooperation with OWASP for Cloud and DevOps;
Elevation of MLSec for Machine Learning Security (MLsec)
They promise an effective, fun and an easy way to keep security on the agenda!
Impact & Innovation Pitch Night
Presented by the Startup Network
DATE: TUE 29 OCT
TIME: 6.00pm - 8.30pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: $24.99
Join us for an exciting evening, sponsored by Giant Leap, where we’ll showcase the latest in impact-driven startups at our Impact & Innovation Pitch Night. This event will focus on startups that are creating transformative solutions across areas such as climate, health, education, and social equity.
Tech Week Open House
DATE: WED 30 OCT
TIME: 9.00am - 5.00pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. No bookings required
Tech Week Open House is an adventure where you will have the chance to uncover some of the best hidden gems in Cremorne, from a local business or startup. This interactive experience is designed to connect you with numerous innovative companies.
Tech week Walking tours
DATE: 28, 29 & 30 OCT
TIME: 11.45am - 1.30pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: $24.49
Cremorne is home to over 700 businesses and 10,000 workers while being home to some of Australia's unicorn companies including carsales, SEEK, MYOB, REA Group, and several co-working spaces.
Note: Numbers are limited.
SHOWCASE @ Tech Week Hub
DATE: 28, 29 & 30 OCT
TIME: 9.00am - 5.00pm
LOCATION: Cremorne Digital Hub
COST: FREE. No bookings required
Take advantage of the chance to be part of Tech Week’s interactive showcases, networking and collaborative opportunities. Entry is free and is open to all.
Soak up the best Tech Week vibes by being part of the activities at the Showcase @ Tech Week Hub.
GIANT WARM INTRO (GWI) IS BACK & OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!
DATE: THU 31 OCT
TIME: 12.30pm - 2.30pm
LOCATION: carsales, Cremorne
COST: FREE for successful applicants
Cremorne Digital Hub and Rampersand have partnered as part of Tech Week 2024 to bring GWI to the Vic startup ecosystem in a new in-person format. GWI connects Australia’s most accomplished and active VCs and Angel Investors with the brightest startup minds.
Featuring: Rampersand, BlackBird, Giant Leap, SquarePeg, Skalata, Artesian, Gandel Invest, The Alice Anderson Fund, SEEK Investments and CoAct.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet 1:1 in a supportive, collaborative environment to ask for advice, test your pitch, create connections, or learn about the fundraising process. Think of it like speed dating. You will be matched with like-minded VCs with expertise in your field. We actively encourage pre-seed tech founders looking to raise capital in the next 12 months to apply. Applications close at midday AEDT on Friday, October 18th.
ALBURY WODONGA
TUE 29 OCT
Master Canva with These Quick and Easy Tips
Time
10.00am – 11:30am
Location
The Cube, Wodonga
Canva is a HOT topic right now for small businesses wanting to use the design platform. You can use it for your social posts, event posters, strategic documents and more. This workshop will step you through the dynamic tips and tricks you can use to showcase your business or community group using the software. Startup Shakeup & Click Region's digital guru Melissa Antony will feature at The Cube in Wodonga to bring you an interactive workshop where you can start to design like a pro!
Secure your FREE seats by booking now (valued at RRP $30). This session will fill up fast!
GET TICKETS
BENDIGO
THU 14 NOV
Innovative Futures: Digital Jobs, Diversity and Creativity in Regional Tech
Time
5.30pm – 7:30pm
Location
La Trobe University Bendigo, Library (LSU) Gallery
As our ways of working continue to rapidly evolve with continuous improvements and changes in technology, we know that our future jobs and workforce will look different to the past. Join us for this exciting discussion that will explore the future of digital jobs and the evolving workforce.
Click on the link below for more information and to book.
Chair: LTU School of SCEMS - Dr. Leanne Ngo
Hugo Leschen – CEO, Golden Dragon Museum
Kerry Anderson, Manager, Startup Central Victoria
Marcus Laws, Partner, Deloitte
GET TICKETS
GIPPSLAND
WED 30 OCT
Creating Content that Converts & Connects
Presented by Startup Gippsland
Time
5.30pm – 7pm
Location
Online
Learn how to create your own content marketing + social media strategy.
Because we all need a game plan. This workshop is here to help you create a path and direction on your social media, podcast, blog -whatever channels you use for your business. Mariah takes small businesses through the 7 step process to building a content marketing strategy!
REGISTER
MILDURA
WED 30 OCT
Navigating the Future of Agri Tech in Food and Medicine
Time
5:30 - 7:30pm
Location
Brian Grogan Lecture Theatre
471 Benetook Avenue Mildura, VIC 3500
Welcome to the Navigating the Future of Ag Tech in Food and Medicine. Join us at La Trobe University Mildura for an insightful discussion around the the role of technology, including AI, in the production of food and medicinal agriculture products. This in-person event is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
Rebecca Wells - CEO, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre
Angus Murray - Cultivation Manager, Cann Group
Stuart Putland - Industry Development Officer, Murray Valley Winegrowers
GET TICKETS
SHEPPARTON
WED 9 OCT
Navigating the Future of Food and AgTech in the Goulburn Murray
Time
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location
Shepparton Art Museum
530 Wyndham Street Shepparton, VIC 3630
Welcome to the Navigating the Future of Food and Ag Tech in the Goulburn Murray Panel Discussion! Join us at the Shepparton Art Museum for an exciting evening with expert insights and discussions about the challenges and opportunities of AI and technology in Agricutlure. This in-person event is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field. Save the date and mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience!
Lisa Birrell - Executive Manager, NorVicFood
Mark Hunter - Engineering Manager, SPC
Jon Murphy - Operations Manager, Flavorite
Assoc Prof Tony Gendall - Dept of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe University
GET TICKETS
$249 TECH WEEK SUMMIT
FULL DAY EVENT
Open 30 Sep at 5pm
SUMMIT DAY - Thursday 31 October 2024.
An all day summit featuring keynote speakers, expert panels, workshops and interactive displays that will bring together the tech community as we collaborate and innovate for a better future.
$0-$100 Other events
Monday 28 October 2024.
Tuesday 29 October 2024.
Wednesday 30 October 2024.
Explore a variety of other Tech Week events taking place from Monday to Wednesday, featuring networking, collaboration, inspiration, and even hit the pavement to explore the Cremorne's vibrant tech and creative scene.
Darren Adams
Managing Director
Unilever Foundry
Scott Allen
Chief Executive Officer
Nallawilli Bunjil
Kerry Anderson OAM
Manager
Startup Central Vic
Hugo Leschen
Chief Executive Officer
Golden Dragon Museum
Marcus Law
Partner
Deloitte
Maxine Lee
COO & Investment Director
Skalata
Fernando Mourao
Head of Responsible AI
SEEK
Andrew Nash
Operating Partner | University of Melbourne Commercialisation & Entrepreneur-at-Large
Dr Leanne Ngo
Associate Professor
Latrobe University
PARTNER WITH TECH WEEK
Why not elevate your brand, connect with the community and inspire everyone in your network by partnering with Tech Week. There are lots of opportunities to be part of Tech Week – and we’re also happy to create bespoke partnerships that perfectly align with your goals.
Talk with us today.
MORE ABOUT TECH WEEK?
Curious about Tech Week and eager to dive deeper into what it offers? Reach out and find out how you can get involved. We're eagerly awaiting your message and are more than ready to welcome you into our vibrant community.
Tech Week - Collaborating for a better future.