19-22 September, 2023 |

GEC Opening Ceremony: Transforming Our World, Together

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

An official welcome from Oceania's thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem will be delivered by leaders from all six Australian states.

Startup Nations Ministerial

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Details coming soon

It’s a ‘No’ From Me: Supporting Failure As An Ecosystem

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Failure is a part of the learning-on-the-job experience as an entrepreneur, but how do we respond to support those who have failed?

Mastering the US Market: Strategies for International Companies

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The United States is home to some of the world's leading startup ecosystems and is one of the most desired markets for up-and-coming companies. This session, designed for startups that want to expand to this market, will share insights and strategies for navigating its complexities and achieving success. Seasoned US-based investor Scott Fox will host […]

Founders Summit: Cross-Border Collaboration for Startup Growth

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The Founders Summit offers bringing together entrepreneurs from some of the world's leading startups in a community that extends beyond the life of the Congress.

Building HEX: The Unsung Heroes of a Healthy Ecosystem

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The rate of change in tech is exponential, but the rate of change in traditional education is flat, according to the founders of Australia-based education startup HEX. The company, a rising star in Melbourne, delivers a new kind of learning that is immersive, up-to-date, and based in the real world. The team has supported more than […]

Divergence or Convergence: AI, Spirituality, and the Future of Innovation

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The concept of a world where machines think, learn, and adapt like humans, and where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life, is no longer confined to science fiction or technology innovation labs – it is now a reality with a growing presence in day-to-day life. As organizations question if AI is friend or foe, […]

Startup Nations Summit: Scaling Companies for Economic Impact

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This Startup Nations Summit session will explore the structure and impact of scaleup programs in driving economic growth and scaling startups, including through global commercialization. With practical examples and insights from industry experts, participants will learn how building the “top of the pyramid” transcends an ecosystem, from multiplying economic impact to building a culture of […]

Entrepreneurship In Unexpected Spaces: How to Foster Vibrant Ecosystems in Small Cities

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The center of gravity for the world's entrepreneurship landscape is rapidly shifting. No longer do innovators need to be in Silicon Valley to succeed. Increasingly, small cities are embracing the opportunity to build vibrant innovation ecosystems. Join this session to learn from ecosystem leaders who are taking charge to boost opportunities in their communities. Using […]

Startup Nations Summit: How to Adapt Program Portfolios to the Rise of Deep Tech

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This Startup Nations Summit session will discuss how, with the rise of deep tech, scarce government resources are increasingly wasted, and opportunities for increased economic impact are missed because of the growing mismatch between portfolios of existing accelerator and incubator programs – often developed several years ago – and the new reality of startup ecosystems. […]

Small Town, Big Dreams: Strategies for Building Thriving Rural Startup Communities

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Entrepreneurship and innovation are not limited to big cities. In many countries, self-employment rates are higher in rural areas than in highly-populated urban centers. It's time to challenge the common misconception that entrepreneurial opportunities are scarce in regional areas. Join this panel of experts for an eye-opening discussion on the growing culture of innovation in […]

Beyond the Kármán Line: The Role of Governments + Space Agencies in Startup Ecosystem Development

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

From moon missions to commercial space travel and beyond, innovations in the space sector are captivating entrepreneurs and propelling new technology development for use both on Earth and beyond the Kármán line. National governments play a critically fundamental role in the cultivation and maturation of commercial space ecosystems. This session will explore the role of […]

GBAN Summit: How Risk Capital Can Transform the World

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Funding fuels innovation. Both are in high-demand as countries and communities strive to be leading destinations for talent and technology. At the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN) Summit, angel investors from around the world will share new approaches, learnings and opportunities for cross-border investing that spurs and supports new entrepreneurial growth with potential to transform […]

Mastering the SAFE for VC Success Beyond Silicon Valley

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), created by Y Combinator, a technology accelerator based in Silicon Valley, was introduced in 2013 as a standardized investment agreement for startups to raise funding from investors. It gained popularity in the Valley as an alternative to traditional equity financing options, and has since been modified by investors […]

Supporting Strong Economies: Digital Government Summit

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The digitization and automation of services mean governments can do more with less to help startups — reducing costs and improving efficiencies that minimize barriers to entry, lead to a rise in startup formation, and support a strong economy.

The Future of Work and Learning: Building Business Schools for Tomorrow

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

As disruptive technologies, new ways of work and learning, and global talent gaps continue to shape our world, educators have a unique opportunity to explore new configurations, program offerings, and learning experiences. In this panel, action-orientated education disruptors, corporates, organizations, and diverse learners will share their case studies and experiences. Discover the crucial role business […]

GEN Compass Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The GEN Compass Awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship, policymaking, investing, support programs and research – and honor those who are making a difference in helping entrepreneurs start and scale around the world. The top leaders in entrepreneurship ecosystems globally will be recognized across 16 categories.

Building Strong Businesses in Health + Life Sciences

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This round table, drawing on expertise from Australia, the US, UK and Singapore, will explore the hurdles navigated by entrepreneurs and innovators in the health tech/medtech/biotech industries to build sustainable business.

Startup Nations Summit: How to Identify and Address Ecosystem Funding Gaps

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This Startup Nations Summit session will explain how to precisely quantify the shape of funding gaps at each round. Delegates will discuss traditional and novel funding policies to address each gap and increase access to startup and growth capital. Making use of the latest global research and case studies, delegates will use different lenses to […]

Global Entrepreneurship Week Summit

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The state of entrepreneurship is evolving. More than ever, founders are strapped for time, resources, connectivity, and community. In order to cultivate healthy, thriving businesses, entrepreneurs need all these things and so much more.

Risk and Reward: Building a Zero Risk Startup

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Most entrepreneurs fail to raise investment. Why? Investors and companies have no money to invest? Investors and management boards have no skills to support them? The correct answer is – too much risk! The real dilemma lies on the border of potential and reality.

Unlocking Diversity Among Emerging Investors: Pathways through Education

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Historically, investor demographics have skewed largely male and white. Slowly, the field is diversifying - a transition that is imperative to a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem that empowers all and grows economies. Greater diversity amongst investors leads to greater diversity in funded founders, and that leads to more economically empowered individuals. Communities around the world are […]

GEN Research Summit: Where Evidence Meets Action

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

In this session, research leaders from around the world will explore key knowledge gaps, priorities and opportunities for new research in 2023 and beyond.

How to Build a Startup Community Anywhere

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Session description coming soon.

Why We Convene: The Power of Conferences in Shaping Startup Ecosystems

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

In this panel discussion featuring directors of major Australian tech and startup conferences, discover the role that conferences play in ecosystem and community development. This session provides a rare opportunity for leaders in the tech and startup conference space to come together and discuss the regional variances and similarities in the conference landscape, and the […]

Startup Nations Summit: Engaging and Attracting Founders and Talent

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This Startup Nations Summit session will focus on how governments can strengthen ecosystems by attracting entrepreneurs, startup talent and investment. This includes defining an ecosystem's unique selling proposition, creating a compelling story, and implementing effective attraction campaigns and soft-landing programs.