Ground level
Forest Floor
Networking and stalls running throughout the day.
Canberra's Innovation Showcase
Experience the energy and insights of a major conference, reimagined for busy professionals. UNSW Canberra City · Wednesday 4 November · 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
What to expect
Canberra’s innovation ecosystem, in one place
The Innovation Showcase brings Canberra’s innovation ecosystem together in one afternoon. It has taken different forms over the years, from tradeshows to conference-style gatherings, always with the same aim: connecting the people, ideas, and energy that move the region forward.
These showcases are open to everyone. You don’t need a business, a startup idea, or a particular background. Come along to hear from innovators and entrepreneurs across the network, plus voices from the national network.
If you’re curious about innovation, looking for inspiration, or just want to meet people in Canberra’s entrepreneurial community, this day is for you. Real stories, what’s emerging, and room to talk, in a setting that’s easy to walk into.
Gallery
Feel the day before you arrive
Moments from past Innovation Showcases: the energy, the stages, and the conversations that keep Canberra’s ecosystem growing.
Above the canopy
Emergent Layer
Panels and experts across a wide range of spaces.
Mid layer
Canopy
Pitching, tours, and showcasing what’s on offer.
Between floor and canopy
Understory
Workshops with practical tools and skills you can use straight away.
Understory
Inventors
Hardware, prototypes, and bold products in the open.
Forest Floor
Connections
Mentors, workshops, and the links that turn chats into collaborations.
Open innovation rainforest
Why the rainforest theme?
The spaces are named for layers of a rainforest because that’s how the network describes Canberra’s innovation ecosystem: connected, collaborative, and stronger when everyone can grow.
The Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) is a collaborative collective-impact initiative by design. Since 2014, as an ACT Government–led initiative, CBRIN has united universities, research institutions, startups, SMEs, community organisations, and corporations under a shared vision: to transform local ideas into impactful, globally focused commercial realities through collective investment in a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
That ecosystem is often called a “rainforest”, after the 2012 book Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley. In a highly connected rainforest, everyone matters, not just the tallest trees. Helping behaviours, collaborative mindsets, and trust are shared assets that shape everyone’s ability to connect, contribute, access resources, and grow. This open-innovation philosophy is core to CBRIN’s work, which has added $1 billion to the territory’s economy over the last decade.
CBRIN is a backbone organisation working with ANU, the University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, and UNSW Canberra City, with foundational support from the ACT Government and corporate partners including King & Wood Mallesons, Optus, Canberra Airport, and PwC. Through events, programs, and collab labs, the network activates those partnerships for systemic impact, from First Wednesday Connect to tailored support across the startup and SME journey.
Content provided by the Canberra Innovation Network. Read on Collaborate Mag
Who is it for
Many sectors, one ecosystem
Founders, researchers, students, investors, SMEs, and community: members of Canberra’s innovation ecosystem, all in one afternoon.
Innovators & entrepreneurs
Individuals with early-stage ideas who are exploring ways to develop or commercialise them.
Youth & students
Young people under 25 or enrolled at higher education institutions in Canberra as students.
Researchers & academics
Researchers and people at academic institutions exploring ways to have impact outside the lab.
Startup teams
Founders, co-founders and teams building new early-stage startup companies in Canberra.
Scaleup leaders
People leading ambitious high-growth later stage companies.
SMEs
Leaders of established small and medium enterprises.
Mentors and investors
Individuals or organisations with expertise and ability to mentor or invest in innovation companies.
Corporations & community
Established corporations, multinationals and community organisations with public good missions.
Who is it for
Many sectors, one ecosystem
Founders, researchers, students, investors, SMEs, and community: members of Canberra’s innovation ecosystem, all in one afternoon.
Innovators & entrepreneurs
Individuals with early-stage ideas who are exploring ways to develop or commercialise them.
Youth & students
Young people under 25 or enrolled at higher education institutions in Canberra as students.
Researchers & academics
Researchers and people at academic institutions exploring ways to have impact outside the lab.
Startup teams
Founders, co-founders and teams building new early-stage startup companies in Canberra.
Scaleup leaders
People leading ambitious high-growth later stage companies.
SMEs
Leaders of established small and medium enterprises.
Mentors and investors
Individuals or organisations with expertise and ability to mentor or invest in innovation companies.
Corporations & community
Established corporations, multinationals and community organisations with public good missions.
Rainforest layers
Four spaces, one ecosystem
Named for rainforest layers. Move freely between habitats as the afternoon unfolds.
Forest Floor
Ground level
Networking and stalls throughout the day. The open space to meet people and browse what’s on offer.
Canopy
Mid layer
Pitching, tours, and showcasing. See ideas up close and hear what’s being built.
Emergent Layer
Above the canopy
Interesting panels and experts across a wide range of spaces. Sit in, listen, and join the conversation.
Understory
Workshop room
Get practical tools and skills you can use straight away in the workshop room.
Program
Schedule to be announced
Wednesday 4 November · 2:00–6:30pm at UNSW Canberra City. Session details across the rainforest spaces will be confirmed closer to the day.
Coming soon
Detailed program TBD
Register now for your free ticket. The full schedule will be published in the hub and on this page once it’s locked in.
FAQ
Good to know
Is the event free?
Yes. Registration is free. Create your ticket below to get your QR code, then sign in on the day for announcements, Connect, and the schedule.
Who is this for?
Everyone. You don’t need a business or startup idea. Founders, researchers, public servants, students, investors, SMEs, makers, and the curious public are all welcome.
When and where?
Wednesday 4 November 2026, 2:00–6:30pm at UNSW Canberra City. Venue map, transport, and accessibility notes will be shared closer to the day.
What should I expect?
An open Innovation Showcase that brings Canberra’s ecosystem together: stories from innovators across the network, voices from the national community, and space to connect. The detailed session schedule will be announced soon.
Why rainforest spaces?
The network describes Canberra’s innovation ecosystem as an open “rainforest”: everyone matters, not just the tallest trees. The four spaces (Forest Floor, Canopy, Emergent Layer, and Understory) are named for those layers. See Why the rainforest theme?
Do I need the app on the day?
Bring your QR ticket for check-in (this site on your phone is enough). Sign in for Inbox announcements, Connect, and the live schedule once it’s published.
Free tickets
Ready to come along?
Register for your free QR ticket, or sign in if you already have one.
About 2 minutes · Free · QR ticket instantly · Wed 4 Nov · 2:00–6:30pm