2 July 2024 – Leading innovators and entrepreneurs in the technology sector came together this week for the Parliamentary Innovative Tech Showcase 2024, hosted by the Tech Council of Australia (TCA).
Now in its third year, the annual event spotlights cutting-edge technologies and solutions from TCA members and industry leaders across a range of sectors including financial technology and trading platforms, education, healthcare, data centre infrastructure, agriculture, and logistics.
TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi said, “Australia’s tech sector is growing rapidly and we’re seeing a huge number of exciting innovations and technologies.”
“The showcase is an important platform for startups and established companies alike to present their work and engage with government, key decision-makers and other stakeholders in the tech industry.
“It’s an opportunity to demonstrate Australia’s vibrant tech ecosystem and its critical role in driving the economy and creating jobs.”
This year’s showcase, held at Australian Parliament House on 1 July, was sponsored by Microsoft, Datacom, YouTube, LinkedIn and AuCyber.
More than 50 tech companies unveiled their latest advancements and groundbreaking innovations, and there was a special focus on the defining trends of 2024: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing and space exploration.
“This isn’t just about the technology of today; it’s about showcasing the dynamic innovations, products and services that are shaping the future,” Mr Kassabgi said.
“The breakthroughs we’re seeing in network and future capability are building the infrastructure that will unlock new potential in AI and quantum technology and create a smarter, more connected world.”
The 2024 showcase was the TCA’s largest yet. More than 70% of the exhibitors were new to the showcase and 75% are headquartered in Australia and New Zealand.
Exhibitors included companies working in pay tech, digital ID, health software, robotics, ed tech, communications, agriculture and food tech, geospatial surveillance, HR tech, data centres, and supply chain tech, among other industries.
“The tech sector is delivering solutions to global challenges and the showcase highlights companies that are driving sustainability and productivity and transforming industries,” Mr Kassabgi said.
“We’re excited to create an opportunity for the industry to connect, share insights and spark conversations about the future of tech.”
The Innovative Showcase included displays, live demonstrations, and interviews with tech founders and entrepreneurs.
The event was followed by a VIP and Member Function that featured addresses from the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP; Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP; co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group on Tech and Innovation, Allegra Spender MP; Head of Corporate External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft, John Galligan; and Mr Kassabgi.
