Back Ourselves
The day unfolds across three core chapters designed to evolve from high-level awareness to meaningful decision making and building practical forward momentum.
Analyse
Analyse context and reality
Awareness and Recalibration. We decode the shifting landscapes of global markets, emerging technology, and national policy. This is about sharpening awareness and identifying the change before others do.
Lift Off
The Resilience Summit MC frames the stakes. Why this room, why now, what winning looks like for Australia into the future.
Back Ourselves. Back Each Other.
Salus Ventures Founding Partner, Dan Bennett, lays the foundation for the day and sets the scene for all we have to be grateful for in celebrating our Australian champions.
Dan Bennett
Dan is a founder, investor and trusted partner, who loves going above and beyond to support those around him to achieve success.
Dan co-founded Salus Ventures to help make a difference in the Australian critical technology scene. He was Managing Partner for OurCrowd, one of the most active global venture investors ($3bn+), having established its Australian office in 2014 and running the business for a decade. He also founded Safewill, an Australian leader in the legal tech space.
With over 15 years’ experience in VC and deep tech, Dan has unparalleled networks in Australia, UK and Israel, where he has lived and which extends to the US and Asia. Dan has always enjoyed identifying incredible founders, solving real problems and providing founders deep support. He has invested in dozens of predominantly Pre-seed to Series A start-ups including Advance Navigation, Instaclustr, Propeller and Hailo.
Prior to this, Dan spent over 10 years in banking and law with Infigen, Minter Ellison and Allens.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, and is a non executive director on several unlisted companies and not for profits.
He’s an avid yogi and runner with a deep connection to the ocean.
In conversation with Robyn Denholm – An Ambitious Australia
A fireside conversation with Robyn Denholm. Exploring why sovereign capability matters. Drawing on her Ambitious Australia report and a career spanning Silicon Valley boardrooms to Canberra policy rooms, Robyn shares what she’s learned about aligning technology, capital and policy.
Marten Peck
Marten is an investment professional with a distinguished career spanning 30 years in the private banking, investment and property sectors.
For the past decade, he has served as investment lead for his own Family Office, during which time he has been an instrumental part of the eco system in sourcing and executing a wide spectrum of opportunities across multiple asset classes, with a particular emphasis on venture capital. Marten has initiated and overseen commitments in top-performing Australian funds as well as direct investments and has practical experience with incubators and accelerators.
Additionally, Marten is an owner and Principal of a leading Australian property consulting practice, where he has gained recognition for his expertise in public sector projects and directed the firm’s industry-leading reputation on numerous award-winning projects. Marten has earnt an industry wide reputation for fostering operational excellence and building and managing large teams working on complex projects.
He has also been a Non-Executive Director for private companies, including trailblazing AI business Sensore Pty Ltd. With an Honours Degree in Structural Engineering and Commerce from Melbourne University, Marten brings a unique perspective to investment opportunities.
Robyn Denholm
Robyn Denholm is a leading global technology executive. Robyn is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Tesla, Inc., Chair of Wollemi Capital Group, Board Director of Blackbird Ventures, Chair and majority owner of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), and a Board Advisor to several leading Australian technology companies.
In 2021, Robyn founded Wollemi Capital Group, the Denholm family office, with a mission to invest in ventures that deliver a positive impact. In 2024, they formed a consortium to acquire the WNBL, advancing women’s basketball in Australia. This followed Wollemi Capital Group earlier acquisition of Hoops Capital, making it the owner of the Sydney Flames and Sydney Kings – Australia’s first basketball club with both female and male athlete representation.
In 2025, Robyn led the Federal Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development, helping shape Australia’s long-term innovation and productivity agenda.
In recognition of her contributions, Robyn was awarded a Doctor of Business (Honoris Causa) by UNSW in 2019.
The Shifting Intelligence Stack
A fireside chat with two of Australia’s most senior intelligence figures.
Paul Symon AO
Paul Symon, AO, served as the Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) from 2017 to 2022, leading Australia’s foreign human intelligence agency. A distinguished military leader, Paul’s career included positions such as Deputy Chief of the Australian Army, Director of the Defence Intelligence Organisation, and significant command responsibilities in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and the Middle East. Recognised for his leadership, he is a recipient of the Order of Australia.
Dr Duncan Grove
Dr Duncan Grove joined the Office of National Intelligence as Deputy Director-General – Digital and Technology in May 2024. He oversees ONI’s digital and data capability, and drives harnessing innovative technology solutions across the National Intelligence Community (NIC).
With more than two decades working in the Defence and wider national security community, he has extensive experience leading technology-focused research, capability development, service delivery and innovation teams.
Prior to joining ONI, Duncan was Chief Mission Data Officer at the Australian Signals Directorate. After starting his career as a research engineer at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation working on a variety of computer security and artificial intelligence projects, he joined DFAT where he held a number of senior positions leading ICT, Data and Innovation functions.
Duncan has a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (First Class Honours) and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Adelaide, an MBA from UNSW, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Current Innovation Landscape
The Hon. Dr. Andrew Charlton MP, Federal Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy sharing his views on the current innovation environment.
Hon. Dr. Andrew Charlton MP
Andrew Charlton MP, Federal Member for Parramatta, is an economist, former business owner and senior economic advisor. Prior to entering Parliament, Andrew completed a PhD in economics at Oxford University and went on to work at the London School of Economics. He worked as an advisor to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during the global financial crisis. Andrew was previously appointed Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience and Australia’s senior official to the G20 Leaders’ Summits.
In his current roles as Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew is at the forefront of work to ensure new technologies have a positive impact across Australia’s economy, and that these benefits are equitably shared. He is dedicated to ensuring that Australia remains a leader in digital innovation.
As the Federal Member for Parramatta, Andrew is deeply committed to advocating for his diverse community, focusing on economic development, social equity, and sustainability. His leadership is characterised by a forward-looking approach, integrating economic, digital, and community priorities to build a stronger future for all Australians.
As the father of three young kids, Andrew believes in a government that has strong plans for the future.
AUKUS, Public Life, and what still keeps a PM up at night
An unfiltered conversation with Australia’s 30th Prime Minister focusing on establishing AUKUS, leading Australia through crisis and what lies on the horizon.
Dan Bennett
Dan is a founder, investor and trusted partner, who loves going above and beyond to support those around him to achieve success.
Dan co-founded Salus Ventures to help make a difference in the Australian critical technology scene. He was Managing Partner for OurCrowd, one of the most active global venture investors ($3bn+), having established its Australian office in 2014 and running the business for a decade. He also founded Safewill, an Australian leader in the legal tech space.
With over 15 years’ experience in VC and deep tech, Dan has unparalleled networks in Australia, UK and Israel, where he has lived and which extends to the US and Asia. Dan has always enjoyed identifying incredible founders, solving real problems and providing founders deep support. He has invested in dozens of predominantly Pre-seed to Series A start-ups including Advance Navigation, Instaclustr, Propeller and Hailo.
Prior to this, Dan spent over 10 years in banking and law with Infigen, Minter Ellison and Allens.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, and is a non executive director on several unlisted companies and not for profits.
He’s an avid yogi and runner with a deep connection to the ocean.
The Hon. Scott Morrison AC
The Hon. Scott Morrison AC served as Australia’s 30th Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.
As Prime Minister. Scott Morrison successfully led Australia through the global COVID-19 pandemic achieving one of the world’s most effective public health and economic responses – saving more than 30,000 lines, over 1 million jobs and 700,000 businesses.
At the end of his term, Australia had the third lowest COVID fatality rate in the OECD and had outperformed all G7 and almost all OECD nations in both employment and economic growth.
As Prime Minister, Mr Morrison was architect and Founder of the AUKUS trilateral defence agreement between Australia, the UK and the USA. He was a founding member of the Quad Leaders’ Dialogue with fellow heads of Government from the USA, India and Japan. Mr Morrison also completed numerous international agreements, including the first post-Brexit free trade agreement with the UK, the first bilateral defence forces reciprocal access agreement with Japan and the first comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with ASEAN.
Domestically, Mr Morrison stewarded the Australian economy to its lowest unemployment rate in almost 50 years, balancing the federal budget before the pandemic hit and returning it to a structural surplus. He ensured Australia remained one of only nine countries in the world to maintain an AAA credit rating from all major international credit rating agencies.
Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Mr Morrison served as a Cabinet Minister for five years, including three years as Federal Treasurer (2015-18), Minister of Social Services (2014-15) and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (2013-14), where he designed and implemented Australia’s highly successful border protection policy. Mr Morrison also served for eight years respectively on the Australian Government’s National Security Committee and Cabinet Expenditure Review Committee. Mr Morrison was a Liberal Member of the Australian Commonwealth Parliament House of Representatives from 2007 to 2024.
Mr Morrison now works in the private sector where he provides strategic advice in the defence space, finance, infrastructure and resource sectors. This includes roles as non-executive Vice Chairman of US geo-political advisory firm, American Global Strategies and Chair of the Advisory Board for Space Centre Australia. He also serves as Executive Vice Chairman of International Democracy Union, as well as on the advisory boards for the Center for a New American Security and the Hudson Institute China Center.
Mr Morrison holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with an Honours in Applied Science (Economic Geography) from the University of New South Wales, in Sydney.
He is married to Jenny, they have two teenage daughters and live in Sydney, Australia.
Middle Power. Global Ambition.
Engineering Australia’s role in a changing world. Dr Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President Programs with Anduril, reflects on his soverign projects and time between Australia and the US.
Dr Shane Arnott
Dr. Shane Arnott, Ph.D, is Senior Vice President of Programs & Engineering at Anduril Industries. Shane oversees the Maritime Division and its family of Autonomous Underwater systems; Maneuver Dominance, focused on bringing amassed autonomy to vertical lift in land and surface domains; as well as engineering development programs in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Before joining Anduril, Shane spent 23 years at The Boeing Company as one of their top-ranked engineers and as a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow. He was the founding leader of the global Phantom Works division, where he worked multiple classified programs. His last role was leading the MQ-28 Ghost Bat (“loyal wingman”) program, where he brought the autonomous fighter from sketch to flight within 3 years.
Most recently at Anduril, he led the inception of the Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle program.
Shane is an advisory board member of the Stanford University Common Mission Project and a contributing author to the NATO Allied Capability Transformation Program. He received his Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering from La Trobe University and his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from the University of Queensland.
Networking Break
Determine
Deciding what to back, what to cut and where to double down
Adapting without decisive action is drift. Bring focus to the transformational decisions required to drive meaningful action.
The Next Horizon
A conversation with investors and government leadership backing sovereign technologies in Australia.
Crystal Russell
Crystal joined QIC and the Private Equity team in 2007. She is responsible for the team’s investment focus in Asia Pacific across fund and co-investment strategies, and is a member of the Investment and Management Committees.
Crystal sits on the Board the Australian Investment Council (AIC) and the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo), along with a number of fund advisory boards and as an observer or board member of investee companies.
Crystal is a Chartered Accountant, has a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University, and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment from Financial Services Institute of Australasia. She is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed the Stanford Executive Women in Leadership course. Crystal is passionate about driving greater diversity and inclusion in the private equity industry and is a member of both the ILPA and AIC diversity and inclusion working groups/committees.
Ani Satchcroft
Ani is the Co-Head of Infrastructure for Asia Pacific at Macquarie Asset Management (MAM). The MAM Asia Pacific Infrastructure and Agriculture teams manage significant assets across more than 80 investments in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors. The teams comprise more than 100 people across nine markets and in more than a dozen locations. In her role, Ani is responsible for overseeing the asset management activities of these teams and is a member of the investment committees of numerous funds.
Ani has led major acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand across various infrastructure sectors, including digital, utilities, and transport. She sits on the board of several portfolio companies, including VicRoads and Vocus Group.
Prior to joining MAM, Ani worked for several other infrastructure fund managers in London and Sydney, with a focus on regulated utilities and transportation assets across Europe. She has also worked as a Portfolio Manager in the listed infrastructure space.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (first class honours) from the University of Sydney and a Master of Business Administration (high distinction) from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar.
Martijn Wilder AM
Martijn is Founder and CEO of Pollination. He is currently Chair of the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), and Chair of the Governing Board of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) based in Vienna. He is also an Adjunct Professor of International Climate Change Law at Australian National University, a Senior Advisor to Serendipity Capital, and a Member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.
Martijn was previously Head of Baker & McKenzie’s global climate law and finance practice for twenty years and played a key role with Australia’s clean energy finance institutions. He was previously President of WWF-Australia, Chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), a former Founding Director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), and he helped to establish and later Chair the Federal Government’s Low Carbon Australia finance body.
He was also Chair of the Victorian Government’s independent expert panel on Victoria’s 2035 Climate Change target. Martijn was a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar and was awarded an Australian Honour (AM) for his contribution to climate change law and the environment.
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte
From 2017-18 he was Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Ministry of Defence, from 2010-2014, he was CEO of National ICT Australia (NICTA), and from 1995-2010 Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems, an ARC Federation Fellow, and the founding Director of the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney.
Hugh is an honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia (HonFIEAus), a Fellow of the IEEE (FIEEE), of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA), of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), and of the Royal Society of London (FRS).
Amit Verma
Amit is Senior Manager, Listings at ASX. Since joining ASX in 2022 he has been responsible for the development of ASX’s domestic and international listings business across all industry segments. He also works closely with Venture Capital, Growth Equity and Private Equity funds.
Amit is also actively involved with early-stage technology companies.
He is an Explorer at Airtree Ventures and a mentor at the Founder Institute, a global accelerator.
Amit has an Engineering Degree and an MBA. He also holds a specialised Diploma in Financial Services and has completed strategy courses at Harvard Business School.
Meat pies and Corn dogs
Cultivating the growth of multi-layered connective tissue between Australia and the world’s largest market, the US.
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO is the former Australian Ambassador to the United States and a leading expert on Australian public policy and politics who has a wealth of public and private sector experience spanning national security, industry innovation, economic policy, and banking.
As Ambassador to the United States, Mr Sinodinos was closely involved in Australia’s negotiations related to AUKUS, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Ambassador Sinodinos previously worked as Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and was a Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament.
Ambassador Sinodinos is Partner and Chair of The Asia Group (TAG)’s Australia Practice.
From the exquisite few to the attritable many
Defence capability is shifting from a small number of high-cost, high-value platforms to large numbers of affordable, expendable systems. A conversation with David Goodrich OAM, Anduril Australia’s Executive Chairman on what this crucial transition means, fielding autonomous systems at scale.
Dan Bennett
Dan is a founder, investor and trusted partner, who loves going above and beyond to support those around him to achieve success.
Dan co-founded Salus Ventures to help make a difference in the Australian critical technology scene. He was Managing Partner for OurCrowd, one of the most active global venture investors ($3bn+), having established its Australian office in 2014 and running the business for a decade. He also founded Safewill, an Australian leader in the legal tech space.
With over 15 years’ experience in VC and deep tech, Dan has unparalleled networks in Australia, UK and Israel, where he has lived and which extends to the US and Asia. Dan has always enjoyed identifying incredible founders, solving real problems and providing founders deep support. He has invested in dozens of predominantly Pre-seed to Series A start-ups including Advance Navigation, Instaclustr, Propeller and Hailo.
Prior to this, Dan spent over 10 years in banking and law with Infigen, Minter Ellison and Allens.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, and is a non executive director on several unlisted companies and not for profits.
He’s an avid yogi and runner with a deep connection to the ocean.
David Goodrich OAM
David Goodrich OAM is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Anduril Australia. He oversees and drives Anduril growth and operations in Australia and the greater Indo-Pacific region.
Before Anduril, David advised the Australian Defence Force and other Australian and State government entities on dozens of major weapons system acquisition, sustainment and infrastructure contracts. David also served as the Executive Director at Silver Spirit Partners, a company he founded to develop significant retirement communities and advise on property development and infrastructure projects in New South Wales, most notably the Western Sydney Airport and the redevelopment of Sydney’s Darling Harbour. David currently sits on the advisory board of Gilmour Space Technologies, Australia’s sovereign space launch provider.
David graduated from the University of New South Wales’ Australian Graduate School of Management with an Executive MBA after obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sydney. In 2021, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to the community and defence sector.
Command in the Fog
In conversation with RADM Lee Goddard CSC on leadership, working with defence and no longer admiring the challenges we face but looking for solutions.
Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC
Lee is a Non-Executive Director of AUSTAL, the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, Pymble Ladies College and the Leeuwin Ocean Adventures Foundation, as well as an Advisor to the Minderoo Foundation, Salus Ventures, Saronic Technologies and Famille Capital, and the Chairperson (Race Director) of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. He was previously a Board Director of The Whiskey Project Group and Ocius Technologies. Prior to assuming his current industry roles, he was dual appointed as Commander, Maritime Border Command and Operation Sovereign Borders, responsible for the law enforcement and operational oversight of Australia’s maritime economic and security zones, this preceded by a two-year secondment into the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet. On promotion to Commodore in late 2014 he assumed the role of Commander Surface Fleet, commanding 18 major warships, and he has commanded warships and joint-agency Taskforce’s at every senior Navy rank from Commander to Rear Admiral. He continues to serve as an active reserve officer following 34 years full time service up until January 2021, and in 2023 he led the Chief of Defence Force Leadership Review.
10×10
Making a difference for grass roots communities.
Laurence Marshbaum OAM
Laurence Marshbaum OAM is the Founder of Community Capital, a social impact asset manager aligning private market investments with community outcomes. The firm manages approximately $1.2 billion on behalf of institutions, foundations and family offices; and redirects all management fees to support early-stage social purpose organisations.
Laurence co-founded Community Capital in partnership with Australian financial services firm Barrenjoey, following a decade in global finance. He was previously a Senior Portfolio Manager at Australian Retirement Trust, where he oversaw a $4 billion alternatives portfolio and has held senior investment roles in London and New York.
His shift from traditional finance to systemic philanthropy began in 2013, when he founded 10×10 Philanthropy, a global movement that supports early-stage non-profits through donor engagement and live community events. To date, 10×10 has backed over 450 organisations, engaged more than 25,000 donors and channelled $20 million to grassroots changemakers.
In 2022, Laurence was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the community. Driven by a belief that financial systems can and should do more than deliver returns, he speaks regularly on the future of philanthropy, capital design for impact and the case for outcomes-based investing.
Lunch + Curated Networking
Build
Forward Motion.
Showcase of the builders the founders, engineers, and operators who are not waiting for conditions to improve.
Beyond the Globe
Australia’s future in the booming space industry – reflections from a decade in orbit.
Nina Hooper
Nina is a founder, scientist and investor with a love for space, sustainability and innovation.
Nina has worked as a highly specialised strategic consultant in the United States supporting a portfolio of deep tech startups, including Swarm Technologies, which was SpaceX’s first acquisition. Nina also worked closely with Muon Space and B612. In this role, she raised millions of dollars of non-dilutive capital, developed critical fundraising strategies, conducted specialised customer discovery and designed go-to-market strategies.
Nina founded a start-up focussing on developing critical entrepreneurship capabilities for young adults that helped hundreds in the program set up their own digital business.
She was the only student speaker at the inaugural TEDx Harvard College Event sharing her deep knowledge on Asteroid Mining. Nina was also the winner of the Virgin Galactic Land Rover Spirit of Adventure Competition.
Nina completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Astrophysics from Harvard University and a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University.
Above the Noise
The global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion within the decade. Launch costs have collapsed, satellite miniaturisation has democratised access, and the downstream applications — from precision agriculture to maritime domain awareness to secure communications — are compounding. This is no longer a domain reserved for superpowers and primes – It is an open frontier.
The Hon. Kate Lundy
The Hon. Kate Lundy has enjoyed a distinguished career exceeding 19 years as a Senator for the Australian Capital Territory.
Among other portfolio positions, Kate was Shadow Minister for Information Technology, the Minister Assisting for Digital Economy and the Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation.
Since leaving Federal Parliament Kate continues to focus her energy on technology and innovation.
Kate is a non-executive director of Electro Optic Systems, independent non-executive Chair of the Geospatial Council of Australia, and Board Chair of both the Canberra Institute of Technology and the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre.
In 2017, Kate was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her contribution to information and communications policy by the Australian National University.
Dr Will Crowe
Dr William (Will) Crowe is Co-Founder and CEO of HEO, a Sydney-based company that provides commercial, resolved non-Earth imaging services through proprietary software by acquiring satellite imagery from space-based sensors.
Will founded HEO in 2016, while completing his PhD in astrodynamics from the University of New South Wales, Australia. His research focused on the dynamics of spacecraft swarms around asteroids and included a prize-winning paper on satellite missions to asteroids passing through Earth orbit. After earning his PhD in 2018, Will began applying the principles developed during his research to his business.
Will quickly discovered that his research could be applied to urgent applications in space debris management and inspecting damaged satellites. Today, he leads a team dedicated to helping satellite operators and governments monitor their assets in space, ensuring Earth and space safety.
Nina Hooper
Nina is a founder, scientist and investor with a love for space, sustainability and innovation.
Nina has worked as a highly specialised strategic consultant in the United States supporting a portfolio of deep tech startups, including Swarm Technologies, which was SpaceX’s first acquisition. Nina also worked closely with Muon Space and B612. In this role, she raised millions of dollars of non-dilutive capital, developed critical fundraising strategies, conducted specialised customer discovery and designed go-to-market strategies.
Nina founded a start-up focussing on developing critical entrepreneurship capabilities for young adults that helped hundreds in the program set up their own digital business.
She was the only student speaker at the inaugural TEDx Harvard College Event sharing her deep knowledge on Asteroid Mining. Nina was also the winner of the Virgin Galactic Land Rover Spirit of Adventure Competition.
Nina completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Astrophysics from Harvard University and a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University.
Adam Gilmour
Adam Gilmour is the CEO and Co-founder of Gilmour Space Technologies, a private Australian space company developing sovereign launch and satellite capability for defence, civil, and commercial missions. Headquartered on the Gold Coast, the company is building Australia’s first sovereign orbital launch capability, with integrated rocket manufacturing, satellite systems, and the licensed Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland.
Prior to starting the company, Adam spent more than 20 years leading a billion-dollar Asia-Pacific business for a global bank. Today, he leads a rapidly growing team focused on delivering responsive launch services, sovereign space capability, and next-generation aerospace technologies that will strengthen Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific space and defence ecosystem.
Unicorn Hunting
What it takes to build a unicorn in a space that really matters.
Vu Tran
Vu Tran is a Queensland-based tech founder. Originally a GP, he cofounded edtech unicorn Go1, and now is a cofounder of Black Sky Industries, building sovereign rocket motor and missile capability in Australia, OneMRI delivering preventative health via full body MRI and Bloody Good Tests providing on demand private blood testing.
He is also on the boards of the Metro South Hospital Health Services, Starboard Maritime Intelligence and ASX Listed PeopleIn. He mentors defence and deep tech startups through the UQ Momentum, UNSW Defence 10x and LuminaX accelerators.
At Scale
Sovereign capability is only as strong as the supply chains and manufacturing base behind it. A conversation with world leading neoprimes and financiers on what it takes to disrupt the field.
Vu Tran
Vu Tran is a Queensland-based tech founder. Originally a GP, he cofounded edtech unicorn Go1, and now is a cofounder of Black Sky Industries, building sovereign rocket motor and missile capability in Australia, OneMRI delivering preventative health via full body MRI and Bloody Good Tests providing on demand private blood testing.
He is also on the boards of the Metro South Hospital Health Services, Starboard Maritime Intelligence and ASX Listed PeopleIn. He mentors defence and deep tech startups through the UQ Momentum, UNSW Defence 10x and LuminaX accelerators.
Chris Shaw
Holding First Class Honours degrees in business and electronic engineering from the University of Western Australia. Chris began his career in mechatronics R&D, developing aerial and autonomous vehicles. In 2012, he co-founded Advanced Navigation to disrupt an industry reliant on outdated systems. Under his leadership, the company has evolved into a deep tech powerhouse, driving advancements in AI, robotics, photonics sensing.
The company’s mission is to be a catalyst of the autonomy revolution – redefining uninterrupted navigation in a world where GPS alone is no longer reliable. Advanced Navigation champions a layered, inertial-first architecture powered by intelligent software to deliver truly resilient positioning.
Mike Kerrigan
Mike Kerrigan is the Managing Director for Cambridge Aerospace in Asia-Pacific where he leads efforts to support the Australian Defence Force and their allies. This role encompasses regional strategy, growth and partnership development as well as sitting on the executive leadership team for the company.
Before his commercial career, Mike graduated in the top 5% of his cohort at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He spent 10 years as an officer in the British army including seven years in special forces. Described as one of the most combat experienced officers of his generation, he led operations across Afghanistan, the middle east and Africa. These included discreet protection of the 2012 London Olympics, a hostage rescue and a secondment to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He was recognised by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the 2011 Operational Honours and Awards for leadership under fire.
Lauren Gain
Lauren Gain is the Business Development Manager, Australia, at Saronic Technologies, a US defence technology company that designs and manufactures vertically integrated Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) at scale. Lauren is responsible for driving Saronic’s growth in Australia and is committed to equipping Defence and national security customers with advanced maritime capabilities to redefine maritime superiority.
Prior to joining Saronic, Lauren held senior leadership roles in Government and Defence Industry, including as Chief of Staff to the Head of Patrol Boats and Specialist Ships in the Department of Defence, Director of Communications and Media for the Royal Australian Navy, Advisor to the Minister for Defence Industry and as the Communications Manager at Northrop Grumman Australia.
Lauren has a proven track record in shaping public policy, leading complex transformation initiatives and advancing Australia’s sovereign defence capability through trusted relationships across government, industry and the Australian Defence Force.
Michael Milne
Michael leads Macquarie Capital’s Technology, Media, Entertainment and Telecommunications (TMET) industry group and has overall responsibility for all our advisory and capital raising activities in those industries. Michael is also the Head of our government advisory activities in Australia.
Michael joined Macquarie in 2006 and has worked across both our Sydney and London offices during that time.
Michael has over 20 years of corporate advisory experience and has advised key clients in mergers, acquisitions and capital raisings across a broad range of situations, markets and stakeholders.
Bits, Atoms and Machines
Bits, atoms, and machines are converging faster than most people realise. Founders across LLMs, materials, robotics and BCI on what they’re building and why now is the moment.
Archie Judd
Archie is a senior member of the Salus Ventures Investment Team, where he leads investments across AI, quantum and novel materials. He brings a global perspective to the team, having previously worked at IQ Capital, one of Europe’s leading deep tech funds, where he worked with companies focussed on AI, robotics, cybersecurity and materials.
Prior to IQ Capital, Archie worked in London with Deloitte’s M&A team supporting technology founders selling their businesses to strategic and private equity buyers. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Deloitte’s assurance practice where he specialised in private equity and venture capital and also worked with Deloitte Ventures to build a mobile app to provide financial insights to SMEs. Prior to joining Deloitte, Archie co-founded and developed a fintech solution used at universities.
Archie holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from King’s College London where his research developed data driven approaches to valuing companies. Areas of focus included agents and multi-agent systems, natural language processing and transparency and ethics of AI. He also holds a BSc in Natural Sciences (Mathematics and Chemistry) from Durham University.
Tom McLeod
Tom is the CEO and Co-Founder of i14, an AI research and product company building new classes of ultra-efficient AI architectures underpinned by their team’s pioneering computational memory research. Prior to i14,
Tom spent over a decade as a founder, building software and AI product companies in Australia and the USA.
In addition to being a founder, Tom is an active early-stage investor and mentor, having invested in over 100 companies through his role as a Venture Partner at Black Nova Venture Capital, Partner at Startmate, as well as an angel investor.
Dr Christina Maher
Dr Christina Maher is the co-founder of Rhythm Intelligence, a company building the trust layer for a voice-first world.
A neuroscientist and engineer by training, she is a ONI Fellowship grantee and a recognised Superstar of STEM, with a career spanning academic, industry, clinical, and defence settings.
Her deep expertise in human cognition and AI positions her at the forefront of emerging technology relevant to defence and national security.
Joe Harris
Joe Harris is the founder of Alloy, building the AI-native data infrastructure for the future of robotics.
Backed by leading investors including Blackbird, Airtree and Skip Capital, Alloy ingests and unlocks the terabytes of data modern robots generate every day, turning it into the answers teams need to move faster and build safer, more autonomous systems.
Previously, Joe was Chief Commercial Officer at Eucalyptus, where he was instrumental in scaling the company from an early-stage startup to over $250m ARR by leading its growth and product functions.
Joe’s leadership is built on a deep technical foundation developed during his time as a software engineer at Atlassian and background as an Electrical Engineer.
Alain Richardt
Alain Richardt is the Founder of Atomic Tessellator, a deep-tech company combining custom AI models with first-principles quantum physics to design next-generation materials, reduce dependence on rare earth elements, and study exotic electronic, magnetic, and structural phenomena at the atomic scale.
Closing Remarks — Back Ourselves, Back Each Other
Take away a sense of belief and pridefulness. A call to action – this is not a summary.
Summit After Party
Stick around for drinks, DJs and dialogue.