Dickie Currer, Head of Partnerships and New Markets at The Startup Network, aspires to make Australia's tech and innovation ecosystem more competitive on the world stage. The DIF team had the pleasure of sitting down with Dickie before he wraps up his time with The Startup Network with last hurrah at the inaugural Future Horizons Festival. Dickie's insights remind us that the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about the adventure as it is about the destination. He shares his thoughts on Victoria's vibrant startup scene, exciting future trends and valuable advice for aspiring founders. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? I'm originally from the North of England, though moved to Australia in 2015 and have called Melbourne home for most of that time. Travel has always been my north star, so I feel that I was always destined to be an expat. This hunger for adventure, which has taken me to 64 countries thus far, has also been an ever present in my career. Spending time working as an Immigration Lawyer and British Army Officer before finally falling into Partnerships and now the Startup world! During your two years at The Startup Network, what excited you most about Victoria's startup scene? The sense that we're on the verge of something huge! We've always been a country of innovators, though our startup ecosystem is still quite nascent and quite a way behind leading nations like the US, Israel and the UK. In spite of this, this some of our Founders are already solving global problems and building internationally scalable businesses'. This is forcing the ecosystem to start building the infrastructure so that it can catch up and keep supporting this growth. It's exciting for me to think that we're breaking new ground every day and there's still so much more to do. What gives you the greatest optimism regarding startups and entrepreneurs in Victoria? The people that I meet daily! Be that the Founders that show an incredible resilience and appetite for risk or the operators supporting them which are often just as passionate. I'm particularly enthused when I meet students or other young people that are just starting to explore entrepreneurship as an option. Inspiring the next generation of Founders and supporters is so integral to keeping our Victorian ecosystem growing! For aspiring startup founders, what advice and key considerations do you suggest as they grow into their role? I would say just to take stock and acknowledge the journey that you are about to undertake. Being a Founder isn't a job, it's a lifestyle and if you're not careful one that can lead to burnout, be really challenging on your mental and physical health and impact your relationships with those you care about most. It's an incredible undertaking and you should enjoy the highs and the lows, though make sure to do it safely. And make sure to build a strong support community around you! Can you share any emerging trends or areas of innovation that you believe will shape the future of startups in Victoria? I think less about technological advancements like AI and Quantum and more about the problems that need solving in our society. Be that the impending climate crisis, food and wealth inequality, the increase in cost of living and access to affordable housing, a lack of diversity in C-suite positions. These problems need innovators and Startups to solve them and will be front of mind for the generations to come. What role do you think collaboration and networking play in the growth and success of startups, especially in a region like Victoria? For me, it's one of the most important factors in a startup's success. As the old idiom goes, "it takes a village to build a Startup". Surrounding yourself with that supportive community both inside and outside of your business is so critical. We've got an active networking scene in the Victorian ecosystem, with a friendly and inclusive cast of people running it. I'd recommend anyone interested in any role within this world, to take the leap, show up and start becoming a part of the community. What has been your experience being part of the Digital Innovation Futures program over the last few years? I've had the pleasure of organising and hosting two showcase events as part of DIF and have been an attendee at plenty of other satellite events during the festival. I've loved working with the team and the energy that is in Victoria throughout the DIF programming. Events that bring together all the stakeholders of our ecosystem are so important for inspiring entrepreneurship and building community and I'm so grateful for the role that DIF has played in this. Dickie is also a founding member of The Growth Cartel, a community-driven podcast from which explores the many facets the entrepreneurial journey; successes, failures, insights and strategies. Tune in for more pearls of wisdom from Dickie and his team. You can also follow him on LinkedIn and subscribe to his newsletter ‘Startup Vagabond’.
The Australian tech industry witnessed a remarkable evening of celebration and recognition at the Pause Awards 2023, held in Melbourne. Now in its sixth year, the awards night shone a spotlight on the most ambitious and innovative companies in Australia, emphasising their dedication to not just financial success but also impactful innovation. Hosted by Megan Flamer and George Hedon, the evening celebrated the breakthroughs in technology and innovation across the country. The involvement of VicGov and sponsorship from Blackmagic Design further underlined the significance of this event in the Australian tech community. Quick stats: - X3 Triple Wins, X3 Double Wins and X3 Grand Prix - Out of 63 Finalists we have 32 Winners - Victoria’s entries increased by 20%, NSW by 2%, QLD dropped 40% - Average Founder age was 38 and funding $18M - Most entered under 100 people companies This year’s Pause Awards was a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation that drives the Australian tech industry. The event also featured the announcement of special prizes, including 4 tickets to the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix 2024, courtesy of Quad Lock. Drawing 63 finalists across five Category Tracks – Growth, Excellence, Operators, Good, and Culture – the competition was fierce. Out of these, 32 victors emerged, predominantly from Victoria and New South Wales, showcasing a vibrant diversity in sectors like Health, Financial Services, Web/Internet, Marketing/Advertising, and Computer Technology. WeMoney led the accolades with three awards, underlining its excellence in the financial sector. Following closely were Kollektive and Origin Energy, with notable wins by Macro Mike, Upstock, and Quad Lock. These companies exemplify the spirit of the Pause Awards, valuing innovation and ambition above all. The data revealed a 20% increase in Victorian entries in 2023, indicating a shift towards critical industries like Health and Financial Services. However, the gender disparity, with 63% male entries, highlighted an area for improvement. Lee Tonitto, the departing Chair of the Judging Board, emphasised that the winning entries evoke admiration and envy, embodying true innovation. The new Co-Chairs for 2024, Sonia Clarke and Ben Fintech Ford, are set to continue this legacy. The introduction of Champion winners and the Diamond award levels marked a new chapter in the Pause Awards. Kollektive’s win in the Small Team Culture and Brittany Garbutt’s triumph in Women in Business highlighted the commitment to diversity and empowerment. Origin Energy and InvestorHub were recognized for their environmental consciousness and adaptability, respectively. WeMoney, the Diamond winner, was lauded for its groundbreaking work in the Wildfire category. The People’s Choice awards, with winners like Wevolt, AirTree Ventures, and Michelle Mannering, added a democratic element, reflecting public admiration for these innovators. A new Investable Score™, assessing the investment potential of entrants, and the introduction of the Growth Mentors Board, featuring industry giants, signified a commitment to nurturing future innovators. The Pause Awards 2023 was more than an event; it was a celebration of the relentless spirit of Australian entrepreneurs. With a focus on innovation, impact, and excellence, the Australian tech industry is poised for a bright and groundbreaking future. This article was originally published by Pause Awards.
The 14th Annual ITS Australia Awards, has unveiled this year’s finalists. These awards recognise excellence in the field of intelligent transport systems (ITS). With 35 finalists across seven categories, this year's awards showcase talent and innovation from across Australia's ITS sector. Celebrating the ITS Australia Awards Finalists from Victoria Congratulations and all the best to the finalists for the nationals early next year, with winners, to be unveiled on 15 February. We’re sure they will continue to drive advancements within the intelligent transport systems sector in Australia and beyond. Victoria boasts a strong presence among the finalists, with innovative projects and organisations making their mark across roads, vehicles, infrastructure and more, including: HMI Technologies HMI Technologies has developed an accessible app that empowers individuals with disabilities to control automated shuttles effectively. This app allows users to hail shuttles, manage doors, select destinations and request assistance. It's part of a broader initiative leveraging 5G V2X technology to enhance automated shuttle capabilities, addressing challenges encountered in earlier trials. Transurban Transurban made history by conducting trials of a highly automated truck on public motorways in Melbourne. These trials involved sharing roadside data with the truck's automated driving system (ADS) to improve understanding of road and traffic conditions beyond the truck's sensors. Cubic Transportation Systems Cubic Transportation Systems aims to boost urban transportation efficiency through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Focused on Melbourne, the project predicts and responds to traffic patterns on motorways, arterials, and ramps, optimising the movement of goods and people between urban and suburban areas. Kapsch TrafficCom Australia Kapsch TrafficCom Australia's Intelligent Corridor on Nicholson Street in Carlton, supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant, seeks to optimise corridor efficiency for moving people effectively. Yarra Trams operated by Keolis Downer Yarra Trams has developed the Patterns platform, analysing GPS data to improve tram services in Melbourne, enabling a deeper understanding of mobility patterns and patronage. Sprightly Transport Solutions Sprightly Transport Solutions has introduced a groundbreaking solution for public route buses, integrating real-time safety and efficiency features into one streamlined system. Victorian Department of Transport and Planning The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning is implementing an account-based payment system for public transport customers, offering a seamless and user-centric ticketing experience. Transurban Transurban's pacemaker lighting system in the Burnley Tunnel enhances driver safety and reduces congestion, part of a broader tunnel improvement project. ITS Australia is headquartered in Port Melbourne with more than 145 member organisations across the country. ITS Australia works to promote the development and deployment of technologies that enable all Australians to move more safely, efficiently, and sustainably through the nation’s transport networks. Further information about ITS Australia please visit its-australia.com.au
Image: Team photo of the inaugural CDH Cremorne Challenge as part of the DIF2023 Festival on 6 September 2023 [Credit: Cremorne Digital Hub] Tech companies in Victoria are about to receive a significant boost to help them grow and create local job opportunities. The Cremorne Digital Hub (CDH) Scaleup Program is primed to support fast-growing tech firms, particularly in talent acquisition, operations and business development. This new and exciting program is now accepting applications, and is scheduled to commence in February 2024. Beyond industry-specific guidance, successful ventures will have the opportunity to engage with potential investors, corporate partners, and customers all within the tech and startup community. Victoria's startup ecosystem has experienced substantial growth, surging from $50 billion to an impressive $91 billion in the last three years. The CDH Scaleup Program is designed to nurture these tech scaleups and encourage them to thrive across the state. Collaborating with Artesian's Boab AI, Cremorne Digital Hub aims to deliver an unrivalled program. Boab AI boasts a remarkable track record in supporting AI scaleups, resulting in a collective company value of $365 million. Image: CDH in Balmain Street Cremorne is undergoing a transformation ready to open in 2024 [Credit: Cremorne Digital Hub] The Cremorne Digital Hub (CDH) is Victoria’s digital gateway, bringing together business, industry, education, research and technology to generate new pathways for innovation, opportunity and growth in the digital economy. The Director of Cremorne Digital Hub, Matthew Clunies-Ross, emphasised the program's adaptability to tailor to each scaleup’s unique challenges. "All companies in scaleup mode have different challenges and require the most time and cost-effective solutions to meet those challenges. The CDH scaleup model identifies each company’s critical needs and delivers bespoke services." - Matt Clunies-Ross, CDH This initiative promises to invigorate Victoria's tech landscape, foster innovation and strengthen the local economy. With a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of emerging tech businesses, the CDH Scaleup Program is poised to become a cornerstone of Victoria's flourishing tech sector. The Scaleup Program has been created for companies with an existing product that has demonstrable traction. Companies can be based in Australia or anywhere in the world. Applications for the Cremorne Digital Hub (CDH) Scaleup Program are now open. Hurry, as they close the 8 December 2023, 5pm (AEDT) and February 2024 is just around the corner. Find out more at scaleup.cremornedigitalhub.com.au
Spend DIF2023 opening day with Women in Emerging Tech and explore leading technologies such as Gaming, Inclusive Virtual Reality and the digital landscape impacted by AI. According to the ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2022 report, women make up just 31% of workers in the technology workforce compared to 48% of the Australian workforce. Therefore, this annual conference plays a pivotal part to support and showcase women in this sector. “We created Women in Emerging Tech (WiET) to be a welcoming place for women to be introduced to the concepts of Emerging Tech from Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Gaming, IoT and AI,” says Karen Cohen, who founded the organisation in 2017. Above: Karen Cohen, Founder of Women in Emerging Tech (WiET) It will be the third time that Women in Emerging Tech will partner with Digital Innovation Futures Festival. “This year we are re-imaging the world of AI, Gaming, and the Arts including physical, digital art and music,” says Cohen. “We are making this an interactive workshop where everyone can participate in the design of future WiET workshops.” Women leading the conversation Some of Australia’s leading speakers will feature in the event including Ghislaine Entwisle (Managing Director of Protiviti Australia), Alyse Sue (Director of Metaverse, KPMG), Sara Liyanage-Denney (Founder of KINSPACE) and Lisa Chikarovski (Head of Media and Communications, TCG World)– and that’s just four of the event’s 29 speakers. Ghislaine Entwisle “I will guide attendees through the evolving landscape of emerging technology, covering diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, metaverse, virtual reality, and more. I will share fascinating use cases from around the world - the inspiring and the concerning” Alyse Sue “The future is about using science and technology to overcome limitations of human biology such as exploring the possibilities of mind-uploading, living in virtual worlds, and importantly, achieving abundance and the decoupling of meeting basic needs from income. I’m eager to share my knowledge on the transhuman future, speaking to virtual humans in virtual worlds and humans merging with machines, highlighting what this really means for the future of our civilization.” Lisa Chikarovski “Truly inclusive game design requires two key components – a community of people who can contribute their ideas, views and opinions alongside flexible, adaptive and sophisticated technology that can bring these ideas to life. This is where I believe metaverse-based gaming could have an advantage over more traditional platforms. The communities behind these projects are normally highly engaged from the start and are ready and willing to provide input and feedback along the development journey.” Sara Liyanage-Denney Leaders who consistently question their own beliefs, bias, power and their role in the status quo, broaden their perspective. They begin to see what was otherwise hidden. I look forward to speaking about the power of inclusive practice and the role VR learning can play in mitigating bias and exclusion across the talent and product lifecycle. Hosted by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at this year's DIF Hub Docklands other topics include: Where are we now - setting the current landscape of Emerging Tech How do we future proof ourselves against AI, should we put the brakes on? Neuro diverse design: A case study using VR The future of inclusive talent Inclusive Game Design ostering Creativity in a Digital World The cost of convenience: is sharing data selling our souls? The Future of Tech Reimagined workshop Find out more about WiET, the speakers and ticketing options to pay it forward! Women in Emerging Tech (WiET) is a DIF2023 Feature Event of the annual Digital Innovation Festival and is sponsored by the Victorian Government
As part of the DIF2023 Festival, the Digital Summit will bring together digital leaders from Victoria and beyond to celebrate, learn and shape our digital landscape over the next decade. As the feature event of the Regional DIF2023 program, the Digital Summit is presented by Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee, Regional Development Victoria, Public Sector Network and Delos Delta. By providing an opportunity to showcase digital and innovation advancements within the Loddon Mallee region, the Digital Summit will catalyse future initiatives and investments in digital infrastructure, skills development and capabilities. Learn from thought leaders as they explore leading digital case studies, network with 300+ peers from federal, state and local government and hear from leading solutions providers as they explore key technologies to improve citizen services. Ultimately, the Digital Summit will culminate with the presentation of a Policy Paper designed to drive policy and action for the future of digital and innovative regions. ✓ Early Bird ticket sales end Friday 4 August. Secure your tickets today! ✓ Find out more about the Digital Summit on the DIF Hub. Keynote Speaker Highlight Victor Dominello is a former senior NSW Government Minister. In July 2022, he was recognised by The Australian newspaper as one of the country’s top 100 innovators. In 2019, Victor was appointed the world’s first Customer Service Minister. His presentation, Driving National Transformation Through Policy and Reform, will explore the theme of Digital Leadership and coordinating beneficial partnerships. Other Speakers include: Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo Hon. Maree Edwards MP Kathryn Arndt, CEO, Victorian Local Governance Association Carys Evans, Director, Digital Twins Victoria Leonie Burrows, Chair, Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee Leanne Rosewall, Regional Director Loddon Mallee, Regional Development Victoria Dr Adam Mowlam, Head of the Smart City Office at the City of Greater Geelong Learn more about the Digital Summit.