Innovators & entrepreneurs
Individuals with early-stage ideas who are exploring ways to develop or commercialise them.
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.
Ground level
Forest Floor
Networking and stalls running throughout the day.
Outside
Food & catch-up
Outdoor space to grab a bite and keep the conversation going. Details closer to the day.
Mid layer
Canopy
Pitching blocks and the Innovation Debate through the afternoon.
Workshop room
Understory
AI Battle Royale, CBRIN Skills, and Female Founders workshops you can book.
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.
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 rooms
Three rooms, one afternoon
Named for rainforest layers. Move freely between rooms as the afternoon unfolds. An outdoor food and catch-up spot will be confirmed closer to the day.
Forest Floor
Networking & stalls
Open networking and innovation stalls from 2:00–5:00pm. No booking needed.
Canopy
Pitches & debate
Three pitching blocks through the afternoon, then the Innovation Debate. Book a seat to help us gauge numbers.
Understory
Workshop room
AI Battle Royale, CBRIN Skills, and Female Founders workshops. Book a seat for the session you want.
Program
Room timetable
Wednesday 4 November · 2:00–6:30pm at UNSW Canberra City. Gaps between sessions are for networking and exploring. Canopy pitch names are shown below; more to follow.
Speakers & workshops
Meet the line-up
Pick a name to read a short bio. Pitchers are in Canopy; workshops run in Understory.
Speakers
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. See the room timetable above, then book sessions in the hub after you register.
Why rainforest spaces?
The network describes Canberra’s innovation ecosystem as an open “rainforest”: everyone matters, not just the tallest trees. This year’s program runs across three rooms (Forest Floor, Canopy, and Understory), with an outdoor food and catch-up spot to be confirmed. 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 to book sessions on the Schedule tab.
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