<table class="mcnTextBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px;" valign="top"> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 24px;">Welcome to our latest edition of <em>Inside the DIF</em> where we feature events for you to attend, news about the industry and opportunities for you to be a part of this year’s DIF2023 Festival. <br /><br />Looking ahead, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://bit.ly/43BYSYm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May</a> is busy and we feature some events below but there are hundreds of events across the state every day - so make sure you take a few minutes to check the calendar on the <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="http://dif.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DIF Online Hub</a>. <br /><br />Awards season is well underway with the <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11105-a/enter-the-iawards-2023-bring-your-tech-innovation-to-the-big-stage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iAwards 2023</a> closing 10 May and <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18312632-a/pause-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PauseAwards</a> opening 17 May. Get ready for gala celebrations for the <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17839301-a/australian-not-for-profit-technology-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Not-for-Profit Tech Awards</a> on 11 May and <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18001907-a/2023-techdiversity-awards-gala-dinner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TechDiversity</a> 29 May. Then May will wrap up with <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11233-a/finalists-announced-for-the-7th-annual-fintech-business-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Finnies</a> at the Forum on 31 May. <br /><br />The DIF2023 Festival program is starting to take shape, with many events returning and new partners keen to #maketheDIF this year. If you are thinking of hosting an event, you can <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/page/start-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">start here</a>. Make sure you <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vqAuchw-EUutb5QB1oVuJLAyB_mn-lVOgQ4FHAS6PHlUNkVSRUxUU1ZTVjNCTEhHVVJJSzZONlRVRS4u&utm_source=EDM_ITD&utm_medium=MSform&utm_campaign=EOI+2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your expression of interest</a> early and attend our next <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17839775-a/dif2023-festival-community-call" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DIF Community Call</a> on 18 May. <br /><br />As always, if you have a question, a story to share or an offer to make, please contact us.<br /><br /></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnButtonBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnButtonBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnButtonBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 18px 18px;" align="center" valign="top"> <table class="mcnButtonContentContainer" style="border-collapse: separate !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; border-radius: 4px; background-color: #000000;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnButtonContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; padding: 15px;" align="center" valign="middle"><a class="mcnButton " style="text-size-adjust: 100%; display: block; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; color: #ffffff;" title="Submit your DIF2023 Expression of Interest now" href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vqAuchw-EUutb5QB1oVuJLAyB_mn-lVOgQ4FHAS6PHlUNkVSRUxUU1ZTVjNCTEhHVVJJSzZONlRVRS4u&utm_source=EDM_ITD&utm_medium=MSform&utm_campaign=EOI+2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Submit your DIF2023 Expression of Interest now</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/editorials/none/none/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/3a482eba-c6c3-2c8a-6933-5ac5fcbe384d.gif" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnTextBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px;" valign="top"> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">DIF News features award-winning leaders, digital trends, and opportunities from across Victoria’s tech ecosystem. See the latest stories below or read some more online.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnTextBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; padding: 0px 18px 9px;" valign="top"> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px;">+ <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Cremorne Digital Hub boosts Victoria’s global tech status" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11042-a/cremorne-digital-hub-boosts-victorias-global-tech-status">Cremorne Digital Hub boosts Victoria’s global tech status</a><br />+ <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Finalists announced for the 7th annual FinTech business awards" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11233-a/finalists-announced-for-the-7th-annual-fintech-business-awards">Finalists announced for the 7th annual FinTech business awards</a><br />+ <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Be a part of Melbourne International Games Week " href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11329-a/be-a-part-of-melbourne-international-games-week">Be a part of Melbourne International Games Week</a><br />+ <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11043-a/startups-start-here-campaign-showcases-states-thriving-91b-ecosystem" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Startups Start Here campaign showcases the $91b ecosystem</a><br />+ <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Be part of the 6th edition of Pause Awards" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11106-a/be-part-of-the-6th-edition-of-pause-awards">Be part of the 6th edition of Pause Awards</a><br />+ <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Virtual Reality Technology to Make Firefighting Safer" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11137-a/virtual-reality-technology-to-make-firefighting-safer">Virtual Reality Technology to Make Firefighting Safer</a></h3> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnButtonBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnButtonBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnButtonBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 18px 18px;" align="center" valign="top"> <table class="mcnButtonContentContainer" style="border-collapse: separate !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; border-radius: 4px; background-color: #000000;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnButtonContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; padding: 15px;" align="center" valign="middle"><a class="mcnButton " style="text-size-adjust: 100%; display: block; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; color: #ffffff;" title="Let us know if you have a story to share" href="mailto:dif@ecodev.vic.gov.au?subject=We%20have%20a%20story%20to%20share..." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Let us know if you have a story to share</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/search-results/all/none/none/0/0/5/none/none/none/date/all/none/none/false/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/59433354-d990-3284-aa94-f611695c2bc0.gif" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnTextBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px;" valign="top"> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">Whether you work in a <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/entrepreneurs-startups">startup</a>, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/business-industry">industry</a> or <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/community_public-sector">local government</a> there are many opportunities across Victoria’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Events on <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/emerging-technology">emerging technology</a>, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/future-jobs">future jobs</a>; <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/digital-inclusion">digital inclusion</a>, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/online-business">online business</a> and more. We feature some below but there are hundreds of events online and in-person across the state every day.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/emerging-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/31d62cbb-8825-ac43-62e6-d6b2570d7de3.png" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18265727-a/from-ancient-agriculture-to-the-future-of-agtech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 541px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/2b7508f8-8cfd-14e3-4a6c-ae04bf28109d.png" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Hall & Wilcox" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/search-results?category=all&keywords=%22Hall%20%26%20Wilcox%22&location=none&latitude=0&longitude=0&postcode=none&state=none&suburb=none&proximity=5&page=1&sortType=Relevance&eventTags=none">Hall & Wilcox</a><br /> </div> <h2 class="null" dir="rtl" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><strong>Spotlight on Financial Services: Digital Assets</strong></span></h2> <div><br />Where are we at, and where are we headed with digital asset regulation in Australia? The opening event of the inaugural Spotlight on Financial Services week will bring together industry leaders to discuss the latest developments in this dynamic industry.<br /> </div> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px;">Mon 8 May, 12:30 - 2:00 PM<br />Hall & Wilcox, Collins St, Melbourne<br /><br /><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://hallandwilcox.com.au/event/spotlight-on-financial-services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a><br /><br /></h4> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17821387-a/masterclass-4-investment-documentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 545px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/276dec29-d85b-7b2f-dd0c-d7a3e9deced5.png" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Melbourne Angels" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/search-results?category=all&keywords=%22Melbourne%20Angels%22&location=none&latitude=0&longitude=0&postcode=none&state=none&suburb=none&proximity=5&page=1&sortType=Relevance&eventTags=none">Melbourne Angels Masterclass</a><br /> </div> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Angel Investment Processes & Documentation</span></h2> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><br />Are you a startup founder or an Angel investor? Demystify terms and conditions commonly used in funding early-stage entrepreneurs. This workshop will introduce many of the terms available for use in Angel deals so you can facilitate in-depth investment discussions.</p> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;">Sat 10 Jun, 9:15 AM - 4:30 PM</h4> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;">Stone & Chalk. King St, Melbourne </h4> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17821387-a/masterclass-4-investment-documentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a></h4> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/entrepreneurs-startups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/cab78ffd-045b-820b-5a81-0f498b438f66.gif" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18353917-a/digital-innovation-pitch-night-faculty-of-information-technology-monash-university" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 496px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/07abbdc6-4273-3ec5-9d68-5c215f287912.jpeg" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Silicon Beach Australia Pitch Night</span></h3> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Digital Innovation</span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />Calling researchers, scientists & engineers - are you a future startup founder? <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="Silicon Beach Australia" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/search-results?category=all&keywords=%22Silicon%20Beach%20Australia%22&location=none&latitude=0&longitude=0&postcode=none&state=none&suburb=none&proximity=5&page=1&sortType=Relevance&eventTags=none">Silicon Beach Australia</a> and the Monash University Faculty of IT invites you to pitch the results of your hard work to a panel of industry experts, ecosystem stakeholders and investors. We want to hear and see you pitch live on stage with Australia's most friendly and supportive startup community. We love big ideas and world-changing ambitions! <div> </div> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px;"><strong>Thu 11 May, 5:00 - 7:30 PM<br />Monash University Clayton</strong><br /> </h4> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18353917-a/digital-innovation-pitch-night-faculty-of-information-technology-monash-university" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a><br /><br /></h4> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18375048-a/student-founder-pitch-night" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 871px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/382a86b8-05b8-58cd-0879-b2199e66317a.jpg" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Start With HEX Pitch Night</span></h3> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Student Founders</span></h2> <div> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">Join us for a pitch night showcasing innovative ideas from Melbourne's brightest student founders! <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://draperstartuphouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Draper Startup House</a>, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://www.startwithhex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HEX</a>, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://www.skalata.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skalata</a>, <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/partner/hubs/activator" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RMIT Activator</a> and <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Melbourne</a> have partnered to host a showcase students who are on a mission to change the world. If you've ever been looking for inspiration to become a founder, learn what makes an epic pitch, or want to meet people from the Melbourne startup ecosystem, then this is the perfect event for you.</p> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><strong>Mon 8 May, 5:30 - 7:30 PM<br />RMIT Activator Carlton</strong></h4> </div> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><br /><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18375048-a/student-founder-pitch-night" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a></h4> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/events/emerging-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/73e50c27-fa4f-f6d9-8696-00991a246a96.png" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="250" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18311850-a/innovate-to-grow-cyber-security-and-digital-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 544px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/bbeb800e-ed3c-7290-5cec-e3310e58b888.jpeg" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18311852-a/innovate-to-grow-cyber-security-and-digital-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Innovate to Grow</strong></a></span></h2> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><br />Cyber Security & Digital Technology</h4> <div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">CSIRO's Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week virtual, self-paced learning program for SMEs to investigate new R&D opportunities related to cyber security and digital technology. The course provides tools and information to help you better understand what's involved with R&D and key things you need to consider at each step of the process. You'll be able to apply this knowledge to advance your innovation journey.<br /> </div> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;">Applications close 15 May<br />Course starts 8 June<br /><br /><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18311852-a/innovate-to-grow-cyber-security-and-digital-technology?mc_cid=62e8dca951&mc_eid=UNIQID" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a><br /><br /></h4> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18381347-a/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 755px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/4d3e6b91-4773-8d38-1474-305b0e53cb6b.png" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18381347-a/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AISA CyberCon 2023</strong></a></span></h2> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"> </h2> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;">Australian Cyber Conference Melbourne Edition</h4> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />Join the Australian cyber security community at CyberCon in Melbourne this October. Gain insights and best practices from the industry’s top experts, network with practitioners to help you better understand and manage current threats, as well as identify and prepare to meet emerging challenges. An interactive format provides the opportunity to network with experts and exhibitors alike.<br /> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px;">Tue17 - Thu 19 Oct<br />MCEC, South Wharf</h4> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: left;"> </h4> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18381347-a/australian-cyber-conference-melbourne-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a></h4> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/0e1ad992-ba3a-1d6e-4bda-b27f86b2b63d.gif" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 600px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/dbcf8a12-879d-9bba-270e-105f619b2064.png" alt="" width="264" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/article/11105-a/enter-the-iawards-2023-bring-your-tech-innovation-to-the-big-stage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>iAwards 2023</strong></a></span></h2> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><br /><strong>Bring your tech innovation to the BIG stage</strong></h4> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <h4 class="null" dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"> </h4> <p dir="ltr" style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">The iAwards 2023 is a unique opportunity to showcase your innovation and to grow and expand your business for international success. This year marks 30 years of the Australian Information Industry Association’s (AIIA’s) iAwards program – Australia’s longest running innovation program.</p> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Entries Close 10 May <br />Victorian iAwards 26 July</strong></div> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/search-results/all/none/iawards/0/0/5/none/none/none/relevance/all/none/none/false/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a><br /><br /></h3> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18312632-a/pause-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 800px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/e9c87da9-8da4-7330-259e-7913f3d95fe0.jpg" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18312632-a/pause-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PauseAwards 2023</strong></a></span></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><strong>Highlighting champions & unearthing secret gems</strong></h4> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />PauseAwards are on the lookout for the most ambitious and forward-thinking companies and individuals who are driving innovation and transformation across various industries in the country. Be part of the 6th edition of PauseAwards as they honour: Growth, Excellence, Operators, Good and Culture.<br /> </div> <div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Entries open 17 May<br />Entries Close 1 Sep</strong></div> </div> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18312632-a/pause-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a></h3> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1000px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/6812b85c-1584-144b-0c0d-33a122a4a541.png" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnCaptionBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17839301-a/australian-not-for-profit-technology-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 960px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/2010410e-59e9-4b28-055b-830bf4d07b8d.jpg" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18001907-a/2023-techdiversity-awards-gala-dinner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>TechDiversity Awards 2023</strong></a> </h2> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>Gala Dinner 25 May<br />Grand Hyatt Melbourne</strong> <div> </div> Let’s show the world that workforces with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) brings more growth, innovation and joy. The TechDiversity Awards recognise individuals and groups that have demonstrated leadership and embraced inclusion by raising awareness and promoting diversity initiatives and programs.<br /> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px;">'<a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://tdawards.jomablue.com/reg/store/ticket-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u><strong>Pay-It-Forwa</strong></u></a><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://tdawards.jomablue.com/reg/store/ticket-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u><strong>rd Tickets</strong></u></a>'</h3> TechDiversity Foundation invites organisations to purchase a 'Pay-It-Forward Ticket' for not-for-profit and startup nominees who may not have the financial resources to attend. Purchase a ticket here and we will deliver the good news!<br /><br /><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18001907-a/2023-techdiversity-awards-gala-dinner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a><br /><br /></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="0" width="400" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnCaptionBottomImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" align="center" valign="top"><a class="" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/18312632-a/pause-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 800px;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/7ee650da-123d-aa5c-d553-6a87ff6b741e.png" alt="" width="264" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 9px;" valign="top" width="282"> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17839301-a/australian-not-for-profit-technology-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Australian Not-for-Profit Tech Awards</strong></a></h2> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>Finalists announced 4 May<br />Awards Gala 11 May, Pan Pacific</strong> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px;">The Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards recognise the absolute best in technology innovation and excellence by organisations and individuals in the NFP sector. Part of the annual Connecting Up Conference hosted by Infoxchange, which focuses on empowering, transforming and inspiring Australia’s technology leaders.</p> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-weight: normal;" href="https://www.conference.connectingup.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Connecting Up Scholarships</strong></a></span></h2> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px;">Thanks to sponsors, not-for-profit organisations who want to attend the conference but are unable to do so without support can apply for a scholarship to cover the cost of their tickets.</p> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17839301-a/australian-not-for-profit-technology-awards-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FIND OUT MORE</strong></a></p> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnImageBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnImageBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnImageBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnImageContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnImageContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img class="mcnImage" style="border: 0px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; max-width: 1200px; padding-bottom: 0px; display: inline !important;" src="https://mcusercontent.com/8dbcb95e4285fdcd0a5507985/images/9fbc5b3d-d28f-b98a-0f40-d8b5e0a62342.png" alt="" width="600" align="center" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnTextBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px;" valign="top"> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" title="The DIF team" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/search-results?category=all&keywords=%22The%20DIF%20team%22&location=none&latitude=0&longitude=0&postcode=none&state=none&suburb=none&proximity=5&page=1&sortType=Relevance&eventTags=none">Join the DIF team</a></p> <h2 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; text-align: center;">DIF2023 Festival Community Call</h2> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;">18 MAY / 15 JUN / 20 JUL / 17 AUG<br />2:00 PM - 3:00 PM</h4> <p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">If you're interested in being involved in the Digital Innovation Festival as an event host or partner, these calls are designed to help you work out the options that are best for you and your business. </p> <h3 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #ff3399; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://dif.vic.gov.au/event/17839775-a/dif2023-festival-community-call" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RSVP NOW</strong></a></h3> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnDividerBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnDividerBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnDividerBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 10px 18px;"> <table class="mcnDividerContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; min-width: 100%; border-top: 2px solid #eaeaea;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="mcnTextBlock" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; background-color: #ffffff; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"> <tr> <td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"> <table class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mcnTextContent" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 18px 9px;" valign="top"> <h4 class="null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Industry & Innovation is at the centre of Digital Innovation Futures Victoria</strong></span></h4> <div style="text-align: center;">From January 1, the <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="http://dif.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Innovation Futures</a> initiative became a part of the <a style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" href="https://djsir.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/announcing-the-new-department-of-jobs,-skills,-industry-and-regions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Department of Jobs, Skills and Regions</a>. As part of the Industry and Innovation group within DJSIR, DIF will continue to showcase Victoria's tech sector, connect our digital innovators and build local capabilities. </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Digital Innovation Festival Victoria - Panel Discussion: Boosting participation and leadership of women in sportstech On Monday 29 September 2022, the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) hosted a women in tech panel discussion at the Australian Innovation Centre of Excellence (ASICE) on behalf of the Digital Innovation Festival Victoria. The panel was moderated by Emma Sherry from Swinburne University and was joined by a panel of experts covering both sports and tech including Bianca Keel (Sportradar), Iris Cordoba (GSIC), Tod Bergstrom (University of Washington) and Jasmine Lim (ASTN and Victoria Racing Club). As sportstech continues its growth trajectory in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, now is the time to put opportunities for women’s participation and leadership for sportstech on the agenda. Key panel takeaways Creating visibility is key Sportradar strives to hire, develop and retain top talent by emphasising diversity, inclusion and equity through initiatives such as its global Women in Technology initiative. “We are helping to educate our hiring managers and talent acquisition teams about the importance of bringing women into the sector, teaching them about unconscious bias, and bringing awareness to the fact that it’s important to us. And by participating and sponsoring events we are demonstrating our commitment to women in technology,” Bianca Keel, Sportradar. Encouraging STEM careers starts in schools A few years ago, Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC) powered by Microsoft asked its ecosystem how many women founded their company. Of 300 companies only six per cent were founded by women. To bridge this gap, Microsoft created new programs to help women in sport and now run more than 100 activities a year and support international women in sport events. Iris Cordoba (GSIC) believes women in sportstech need greater visibility, technology support and investment. “At GSIC we have the Showcase Centre in Madrid where we show how the technology is transforming the sport industry. We invite students to show them this and inspire them to study a STEM career. If we want to promote more women leaders in the sportech industry we need to start at the school level to promote more diversity for women in tech.” Iris Cordoba, GSIC. Title IX celebrates its 50th anniversary The introduction of Title IX in 1972 led to an increase in the number of females participating in organised sports within American academic institutions followed by growing interest in initiating and developing programs to support women's equality and equity in sport. Title IX states: No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education or program activity that is receiving federal financial assistance. “If you provide an educational program in the United States at the elementary, secondary or college level and you’re receiving any federal funds, you can’t discriminate against women on the basis of sex. This has expanded the opportunity for women to engage in athletics to achieve their full potential and we’ve seen so many examples of this.” Tod Bergstrom, University of Washington. Bergstrom said that the US Women’s national soccer team (USWNT) is a great example of how Title IX has opened new opportunities for women. USWNT is regarded as the most successful women sports team in Football in the last 50 years with four World Cup titles, four Olympic Gold Medals and nine CONCACAF Gold Cups. “Title IX created an avenue where schools opened other opportunities (scholarships etc.) for women to participate. We have seen individual examples of women being able to take advantage of these opportunities to put them on an even playing field, but we also see it systemically and I think women soccer is the best example of success across the board,” said Bergstrom. Cross transfer of skills from other sectors is vital Research shows that less than five per cent of sportstech founders in Australia are women. As part of its current educational programs, ASTN has demonstrated above industry average outcomes – with more than twelve percent of female founders or co-founders participating in ASTN programs. However, ASTN recognises that a specific and separate approach is required to effectively uplift female participation and long-term impact. ASTN recently announced a long-term partnership with Women in Sports Tech (WiST) to work together to increase representation of women in the sportstech industry in Australia. “One area where we are helping women into more leadership positions is by providing priority access to the ASTN and GSIC pre-accelerator and accelerator programs. We want to open these programs to other sectors within the STEM industry. Areas such as AI, robotics and blockchain would facilitate knowledge transfers into sportstech. And that would lead to innovation organically – so that cross pollution of ideas would lead to new ideas being formed.” Jasmine Lim, Deputy Chair, ASTN. Diversity is a catalyst for innovation Assisting female founders from these sectors to apply their knowledge into sport will not only help those founders, but also uplift innovation capability of the entire sector based on increased diversity. “Women have so much to bring to the table... When it comes to innovation, we need different and new ways of thinking. That’s how we get to that innovative approach and continue to drive sportstech innovation,” added Keel. Future focused: ASTN is committed to shifting the culture of sportstech ASTN recognises that the industry still has a long way to go in terms of driving more diversity across the sportstech sector – but is committed to taking a proactive and strategic approach to drive real industry change. Working closely with WiST, ASTN is looking to address four key areas. Provide priority access to female founders/co-founders for the ASTN pre-accelerator and accelerator programs Focus on cross transfer from other sectors that enjoy greater female representation (i.e. social enterprise, design, health and medtech). Provide 1:1 mentorship. ASTN will coordinate mentorship programs from female leaders in sportstech (selected nationally and globally) – ideally from women who have taken untraditional route to the sportstech industry to increase awareness and understanding of the business of sport, innovation and career pathways and opportunities. Offer Scholarships for the Women in Leadership Program delivered by the University of California, Berkeley. Upon completion, the candidates will get an opportunity to work with the team at WiST and connect with peers and potential VCs in the US to seek funding for their business and ideas. “ASTN is committed to working closely with leaders in its network to increase female representation in the industry. By giving women more opportunity, support, access and investment, we are confident that we can make significant strides in changing the ratio of women in sportstech over the next 24-36 months.” Martin Schlegel, Chair, ASTN