West Tech Fest 2024: what to expect at Australia’s premier tech and innovation festival

Tech enthusiasts and innovators, mark your calendars—West Tech Fest is back for 2024, running from December 2 to 6 in Perth. Australia’s longest-running technology and innovation festival, promises an exciting lineup of events, featuring world-class speakers and networking opportunities designed to connect local startups with global thought leaders.

Since its inception, West Tech Fest has provided a platform for startup founders, investors, and entrepreneurs to share ideas and foster collaboration. This year, it’s shaping up to be bigger than ever, with thousands of delegates expected to attend from across Australia and the globe.

The festival highlights Perth as a growing tech hub, showcasing not only cutting-edge innovations but also the lessons learned from building successful startups in the unique environment of Western Australia.

The 2024 keynote speakers: Global thought leaders

This year’s speaker lineup is nothing short of impressive, headlined by three global heavyweights in the world of technology and innovation.

Monique Woodard is the Founding Partner of Cake Ventures, a US-based venture capital firm. Monique is renowned for her commitment to inclusive innovation, advocating for tech solutions that reflect and serve diverse communities. With years of experience investing in early-stage startups, she will bring valuable perspectives on emerging markets, demographic shifts, and how these trends influence the future of technology.

Joining Woodard is Linzi Boyd, an internationally recognised entrepreneur and the Founder of ‘One Earth’. Boyd is a thought leader in brand building and sustainability, and her global impact initiatives aim to help businesses make a positive shift towards sustainability and ethical practices. Her keynote will focus on the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability, offering insight into how future companies can balance profit and purpose.

Steve Killelea is a philanthropist and Founder of Integrated Research Ltd. With a career that spans business, philanthropy, and peace-building efforts, Killelea is perhaps best known as the founder of the Global Peace Index. He will offer a unique perspective on the tech industry’s role in global development and peace, emphasising the importance of technology as a tool for positive societal impact.

A week of innovation and inspiration

West Tech Fest isn’t just about keynotes—there’s a full schedule of events designed to engage and connect tech professionals at every stage of their journey. The four main events promise a deep dive into WA’s technology ecosystem, creating opportunities to network, learn, and find new partners.

• Mon, Dec 2: West Tech Women – A celebration of women in technology, this event will shine a light on female entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. Expect empowering discussions on breaking barriers and fostering diversity in the tech sector.
• Tues, Dec 3: West Tech Coast – This event will explore how corporates, startups and individuals can leverage technology to achieve sustainable development goals, with an immersive beachside experience at Port Beach.
• Wed, Dec 4: Freo Startup Fest – Held in Fremantle, this event will bring a startup vibe to the festival, featuring startup founders who have achieved breakout success this year.
• Thurs, Dec 5: West Tech Main – This full-day conference will stimulate conversations about scaling startup businesses and investment in technology and innovation at a global scale, whilst fostering connections and building support networks.

A global stage for local innovation

With the support of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s New Industries Fund, West Tech Fest has positioned itself as a vital platform for Western Australian innovators to connect with global investors and partners. According to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, Stephen Dawson, “Set against the stunning backdrop of WA, West Tech Fest has become a cornerstone of Australia’s innovation landscape and is a fantastic opportunity for local innovators to gain exposure, connect with investors, and hear about the latest trends.”

This year’s festival is not only an opportunity to learn from some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world but also a chance to celebrate the vibrant startup community right here in Perth. As the technology sector continues to grow, events like West Tech Fest are crucial in shaping the future of innovation in Australia.

Tickets for West Tech Fest 2024 are now available, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting celebration of technology, investment, and innovation. Visit the website for more information.