The Northern Territory recently hosted Explore24 and Venture Downunder, a premier event organised by Innovation Bay that brought together over 200 tech founders, investors, and ecosystem partners from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States. This transformative four-day experience stands out as a highlight in the Australian and New Zealand tech startup landscape.
Set against the unique backdrop of the Top End, Explore24 featured three distinct journeys tailored for founders, angel investors, and venture capitalists. The event emphasised the Territory's emergence as a hub for tech innovation and its potential to attract global investment while supporting local startup growth.
Innovation Bay is renowned for cultivating meaningful connections between founders and investors, playing a vital role in enhancing the startup ecosystems in Australia and New Zealand through education, networking, and investment opportunities.
Explore24 encapsulated this mission with a blend of experiential activities, insightful discussions, and collaborative networking.
A key moment was the gathering at the Darwin Innovation Hub, where The Hon. Robyn Cahill OAM, the newly appointed Minister for Trade, Business, and Asian Relations, delivered an inspiring address. In her first official engagement, she highlighted the Northern Territory’s significant investment opportunities and underscored the growth of its tech ecosystem. Insights from industry leaders such as Harley Paroulakis, CEO of Paspalis; Martin Redhead, Director of Business Innovation at the Northern Territory Government; and Ian Gardiner, Co-founder of Innovation Bay showcased the region’s strategic advantages and commitment to fostering innovation.
The event provided a platform for critical discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the tech sector. Panels featuring venture capitalists, angel investors, and founders delved into topics like investment pathways and the evolving landscape of the Territory innovation ecosystem, equipping attendees with actionable insights for scaling their operations and investing in the region.
Explore24 also positioned the Northern Territory as a key player in the global tech community. By attracting investors from diverse regions, the event not only celebrated local achievements such as Liandra Swim, Salty Games and The Array, but also highlighted the Territory's critical role in the broader tech landscape. Insights from global leaders like Priya Saiprasad (Touring Capital) and Marisa Warren (ALIAVIA Ventures) shed light on how Australia can enhance its impact in tech innovation, leveraging the current global innovation scene in the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Ultimately, Explore24 and Venture Downunder reinforced the Northern Territory’s dedication to building a vibrant, sustainable tech ecosystem. By uniting key stakeholders from around the world, the event opened new avenues for collaboration, investment, and growth, setting the stage for the Northern Territory to emerge as a leading destination for innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.