The future of the annual 3-day _SOUTHSTART gathering in Adelaide has been assured until 2028 with three more years of funding from the South Australian government.
The new three-year $2 million commitment supporting the delivery of _SOUTHSTART, starting next year, will take the innovation festival to a decade under its current custodianship, with Craig Swann and Danielle Seymour as co-directors of one of the most-loved events on the startup calendar.
“This moment is a signal of belief,” Seymour said.
“In the importance of innovation, and the power of bringing people together to wrestle with the challenges of our time, and build the solutions that will help us overcome them.”
The event has a distinct character, with “Team Human” central to its ethos amid gatherings for debate and discuss at wineries in the region. This year former federal minister Ed Husic attended, and suprised everyone in announcing the government would adopt all 11 recommendations from the Diversity in STEM report chaired by outgoing Cicada Innovations CEO Sally-Ann Williams.
South Australian deputy premier and industry, innovation and science minister Susan Close said the festival’s uniquely immersive format invites participants into rich experiences of exchange, reflection, and celebration.
“_SOUTHSTART has proven its value as a catalyst for innovation, investment, new connections and business growth, helping put South Australia’s burgeoning startup sector and emerging industries on the map,” she said.
“Through this $2 million investment, the South Australian Government is backing the next stage of _SOUTHSTART’s growth, creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs, showcasing the depth of opportunities for investors, attracting new partnerships and strengthening South Australia’s innovation economy.”
Funding from the state Labor government means _SOUTHSTART now enjoys bipartisan support as a key event for the city and surrounds at a time when the capital also buzzes with WOMADelaide, Adelaide Writers’ Week, and the Adelaide Fringe.
_SOUTHSTART in 2026 is on March 17-19, with the program and ticketing released in October 2025.
Codirector Craig Swann said _SOUTHSTART has become a gathering place for those building the future – where business meets soul, investors break bread with first-time founders, and hard questions are asked around shared experiences.
“The renewed partnership will fuel continued evolution, helping to attract world-class thinkers, deepen local industry engagement, and amplify our position as a global hub for innovation and future-focused leadership,” he said.
“Our next chapter will also see us cater to the growing maturity and evolving needs of the startup community that has supported the event over the years.”
- Disclosure: Startup Daily and editor Simon Thomsen are regular guests and presenters at _SOUTHSTART.
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