Love startups or just curious to know more? Keep your diary open for the week commencing October 30th.
At a critical time for the New South Wales innovation ecosystem, the state’s largest tech sector gathering, Spark Festival, is returning for 2023 with new leadership and new supporters.
Better connectivity will always improve the potential of an ecosystem, regardless of the surrounding conditions.
Spark's mission remains to drive engagement into and across the NSW startup ecosystem, and this year a tighter one-week program will bring together startups, investors, hubs, accelerators, universities, government and the public for events including panels, roundtables, VIP speakers, pitch nights, talent/job-finding events and networking forums.
With seven years of incredible leadership under Maxine Sherrin, Spark Festival has connected tens of thousands of participants in over 800 events – cementing it as a driving force behind NSW’s leadership in emerging technology.
To lead the Festival from 2023 onwards, Spark is delighted to announce the appointment of Co-CEOs Harry Godber and David LT with ongoing support from past leader Maxine Sherrin.
A senior technology executive and economic policy leader, Harry Godber has served as a tech, space and financial regulation adviser under two Australian Prime Ministers. He most recently helped lead one of Australia’s largest ever fintech transactions, exiting Sydney-based startup Flare to private equity.
Helping inspire the creation of over 1,000 new tech startups created while working with UTS Startups, David Lillo-Trynes has also been involved in several startups that have benefited from the uniquely supportive environment in NSW.
"There’s never been a more important time to give New South Wales’ tech community visibility and certainty, Dave and I are thrilled to be leading Spark into its next chapter and helping put our state on the map as a global leader in generating new ideas, jobs and economic complexity" - Harry Godber
"Both Harry and I have worked, and still work, in startups. We know full well the impact and the value that the Spark Festival brings to the ecosystem, and what this means for startups and supporters alike" - David Lillo-Trynes
Spark’s governance will continue to be led by directors Murray Hurps, Maria MacNamara, Anne-Marie Elias and Kristy Dixon.
Spark Festival has been made possible by the generous support of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), the Australian Computer Society (ACS), William Buck and the Atlassian Foundation.
"ACS shares a common mission with Spark of bringing together the thriving technology and startup communities. Our partnership with Spark is about driving connections and the opportunities across industry, government, and academia which is why we are proud to be supporting the Festival." - Chris Vein, ACS CEO
"The impact of Spark in driving Australia’s economic transition through collaboration and innovation cannot be overstated. By supporting Spark, we’re investing in a future where access and opportunity through entrepreneurship is core to driving sustainable productivity growth and social impact throughout our country" - Steve King, Director of the Atlassian Foundation
"Supporting the Spark Festival over the years reflects William Buck’s focus on enabling our nation’s startups to succeed. As accountants and business advisers to Australia’s cutting-edge companies, it’s a privilege to promote access to the economic support infrastructure that helps them continue to grow" - Jack Qi, Director of Tax Services at William Buck
When: Spark Festival 2023 will take place in the week commencing Monday October 30th 2023. Please save this in your diaries.
What: The condensed schedule is new for 2023, and our efforts will be focused on making sure each day of programming contains must-attend events.
Where: Activity will be NSW-focused, with extra emphasis on Western Sydney and Tech Central.
Who: Current and potential startup ecosystem participants. Subscribe to the newsletter on sparkfestival.co to stay in the loop.
Want to host an event?
Please use this form to express interest in hosting or running a Spark event.
Want to support Spark?
Limited opportunities exist to support the Festival as a sponsor. Let us know if your organisation believes in driving engagement into and across our startup ecosystem - there's no better opportunity for broad exposure and grassroots community advocacy. Contact Harry Godber for more info via harry@sparkfestival.co
Questions?
Please comment below or contact David LT at david@sparkfestival.co.
See you on October 30th! ⚡️
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