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Fuse lit for Spark Festival 2018

Media release | 19 October 2018

Spark Festival 2018, Australia’s largest event for startups, innovators and entrepreneurs, will feature over 120 events across NSW from 19 October to 4 November with the support of the NSW Government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business and Regional NSW John Barilaro said Jobs for NSW is major sponsor of the festival which will showcase the vibrancy of the startup sector and leading businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“This amazing festival has something for everyone, from startups to companies going global as well as entrepreneurs, investors, inventors and students,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Exciting and insightful events will be held in the CBD including the Sydney Startup Hub, Manly, Mosman, Liverpool and Parramatta as well as regional locations.

“This year’s Spark Festival will include regional events in Newcastle, Lismore, Bega, Wollongong, Byron Bay, the Central Coast, Armidale and Tamworth.

“Jobs for NSW will also host a ‘Local Innovation Network Pitchfest’ at the Sydney Startup Hub involving seven startups from Armidale, Bathurst, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, the Hunter and Illawarra and live streamed on the Jobs for NSW Facebook page.

“This will showcase the exciting startup talent across the Local Innovation Network being developed in our regions with $2.1 million support from the NSW Government,” Mr Barilaro said.

Other events during Spark at the Sydney Startup Hub include:

  • a ‘parent-repreneur’ event featuring a panel of inspirational female entrepreneurs and childcare provided onsite to make it easier for parents to attend
  • a ‘Mediatech versus Fintech’ debate involving incubators The Studio and Stone and Chalk;
  • and a blockchain startup showcase

Spark Festival Program Director Maxine Sherrin said events would allow people to learn about everything from startup accounting, legal protections, and brand and social media marketing to women wanting to break into the male-dominated sector.

“There will be a National Future of Work Summit with international speakers on tackling the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Reserve Bank providing insights on the future of the economy.

“CSIRO and Data61 will run events for children to get hands-on experiences with robots and drones and some other events will include a startup pitchfest to Indian investors and even Australia’s first Cannabis Expo focusing on medicinal purposes.”

For further information on the Spark Festival and a full list of events visit http://sparkfestival.co/

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