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Spark Festival and Georges River Council combine forces to launch the first-ever Spark Sydney South

12/06/2024

Spark Sydney South will be held at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah on June 20. It will be a gathering and celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and SMEs in the South Sydney region, hosted by Spark Festival, Georges River Council, St George Business Chamber and ANSTO. 
 
Since 2016, Spark Festival has run annually, sparking engagement in the NSW startups, innovation and entrepreneurship community, with events largely focussed on the Sydney Tech Central district, Western Sydney and in regional NSW. This time, it’s Georges River Council that will host emerging technology, innovation and ideas for the rest of Sydney and beyond to attend. 
 
The question we are asking our presenter is "where could innovation take you"? says Spark Festival Co-CEO David Lillo-Trynes. “We all know there is a thriving SME and startup community in Sydney’s southern LGA’s, they have participated in Spark Festivals in the past by travelling or attending remotely, and now it’s time for others to travel to this wonderful part of our city”.
 
Those familiar with Spark Festival will recognise the tried and tested formula that has seen it become Australia’s largest grassroots startup and innovation festival. Spark Sydney South will feature prominent technology leaders, local innovators, a chance to learn the basic skills needed to identify, validate and test innovative ideas, and networking opportunities to help attendees find their future collaborators. 
 
Councillor Sam Elmir, Mayor of the Georges River Council will officially welcome attendees. 
 
“Council is very supportive of entrepreneurship in the Georges River area and we want to nurture innovation and drive growth for our business community,” he said.
 
“We believe Spark Sydney South has the potential to connect businesses with essential resources, guiding them towards success.”
 
Attendees will look forward to a variety of elements packed into just a few hours: 

  • The Dragon’s Den Rapid MVP workshop:  Attendees will learn how to find their own innovative idea.

  • Fireside chats and special guest speaker Maria MacNamara, CEO Space Industry Association of Australia.

  • Startup and Innovator Panel Showcase: Local innovators and supporters of innovation featuring Emma Earley (Head of Accelerator, Remarkable), Annette Dockerty (Program Lead, SME Engagement at the University of Technology, Sydney), Nick Karahlis (Head of Product and Traffic Engineering at Sydney startup, Compass IoT) and others.

  • Networking sessions designed to help attendees find their local collaborators and supporters.

Those interested can RSVP for this free event, at Spark Sydney South. Spaces are limited.
 
In addition to ANSTO, St George Business Chamber and the Georges River Council team, Spark Festival is supported by NSW Government, the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Stone & Chalk and Herbert Smith Freehills.
 
Event Enquiries: Email mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or David Lillo-Trynes - David@sparkfestival.co and visit Sparkfestival.co.
 
Media Enquiries: media@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.