Spark Festival reveals its free events across NSW

Spark Festival, Australia’s largest startup festival, has released its initial lineup of free, community events across NSW between October 27 and November 2.

The annual Spark Festival has connected founders, investors, universities and innovation hubs since 2016, through hundreds of events, building a network of over 40,000 participants. 

This year, more than 100 speakers will appear at venues across Western Sydney, Newcastle and Sydney’s CBD, Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches featuring topics ranging from AI, housing affordability, energy, social impact, and fundraising.

Spark launches on Monday, October 27, at Tech Central’s Collider space where former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a line-up of special guests will celebrate the successes of the last decade of Australian innovation and the opportunities ahead for the Australian tech sector.

“We’re opening Spark Festival to everyone in our ecosystem – without charging a dollar for passes,” said Spark Festival chair Murray Hurps.

“Thanks to our incredible community of volunteer hosts, festival leads and sponsors, Australia’s largest startup event remains hashtag free to all. Spark is committed to ensure all of NSW is included in the conversations which is why we’ve encouraged events across the state, including Parramatta, Newcastle, Bradfield, the Northern Beaches and of course Tech Central in the Sydney CBD. We hope to see you there.”

Flagship events in this year’s program include:

Spark Festival Opening Celebration

6pm, Monday, October 27

The Collider, 477 Pitt Street Sydney

The highlight of the startup calendar! The Spark Festival team will join Mr Turnbull and a range of ecosystem leaders as we look back at the successes of the last decade of Australian innovation, and ahead at the opportunities and challenges facing the Australian tech sector.

Spark Festival Housing Affordability Lunch
12pm, Monday, October 27

Level 14, Barangaroo Tower 3, 300 Barangaroo Avenue Sydney

This year, Spark Festival tackles the hot-button issue of Australian housing affordability. Joined by a panel of entrepreneurs and policy leaders, we will explore the opportunity for startups and technology to lead the way.

AI: Friend, Foe or Frenemy? A Western Sydney Community Conversation

5.30pm, Thursday, October 30

WSU Launchpad, Level 1, 6 Hassall St, Parramatta

As AI rapidly transforms our jobs, relationships, and daily lives, Western Sydney residents need space to explore these changes together. This interactive panel brings together diverse local voices, including tech workers, educators, business owners, community advocate, to discuss AI’s real-world impact through compelling stories and current events.

Motherhood, Startups & Government: Balancing Life and Leadership
5.30pm, Wednesday, October 29

Western Sydney Startup Hub, 5 Fleet Street North Parramatta

In this conversational session, Cr Hayley French of the City of Parramatta) and Shuoyan Zhu from the Western Sydney Startup Hub & Western Sydney Tech Innovators), reflect on how parenthood intersects with leadership in government, startups, and beyond.

Spark Festival Closing Celebration

5pm, Friday, October 31

UTS Startups @ Central Event Space, corner of Broadway and Harris Street Sydney

As we wrap up a jam-packed week of programming, join us for drinks at the wonderful UTS Startups event space where former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean will share his unique perspective on tech investment, policy and regulation along with a gathering of the state’s startup and business leaders.

Spark is part of ensuring the innovation ecosystem remains a driving force in Australia’s economy. The organisers of the Spark Festival acknowledge the valuable sponsorship of the City of Sydney and Stone & Chalk. Expressions of Interest for other sponsor opportunities are welcomed.

Visit sparkfestival.co for more details on the upcoming events.