Speakers

2026 Speakers

Andrew Jones

High energy seasoned innovator and transformation strategist – worked with the world’s biggest brands, Coca Cola, Nestle, Red Bull

Angeline Achariya

Food Industry Leader, AEA Board member, Wine Australia Board member, Industry Innovation Science Australia

Bianca Hayes

Global Leader - Client Experience, GHD

Bill Patterson

Executive General Manager, Energy and Infrastructure at Viva Energy Australia

Chris Thompson

ComplyIQ360

Clare Anderson

Group Director Sustainability, Worley

David Gall

CEO, National Reconstruction Fund

Grant Johnston

Executive Chairman of Westview Group and co-founder of Bestbar, advancing Australia's position in low-emissions steel

Ivan Janssen

CEO, eManaged

Jack Fitzgerald

Founder of one of Australia's most innovative manufacturers, Think Fencing

James Heffernan

General Manager, Modularity

Dr James Mullins

Director, Defence and Security at Deakin University

Jason Crusan

CEO, Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (formerly NASA)

Matt Dingle

Leader and innovator, co-founder of Form Flow and Carbon Revolution

Professor Nick Birbilis

Executive Dean School of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University

Paul Marino

Manager - Corporate, Gallagher

Emeritus Professor Roy Green

Special Innovation Advisor, Chair of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub

Samantha Van Zyl

Manufacturing Leader and CEO of innovative textile manufacturer, LoomTex

Sarah Ashmore

2026 Summit host

Shaun Cumming

Managing Director, Barwon Water

Stretch Kontelj

Geelong Mayor

Professor Svetha Venkatesh

Distinguished Professor, Co-Director A2I2 at Deakin University

Tim Ayres

Minister for Industry & Innovation

Travis MacLachlan

Commercial Solutions Manager at Flow Power and wholesale and renewable energy strategist

Vanessa Lenihan

Head of Future Fuels and Decarbonisation at Viva Energy Australia

Event Partners & Sponsors