Dr Josh Brown is Head of Epitaxy at BluGlass Limited, where he leads the development of advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) laser diode wafers, including the RPCVD-enhanced designs underpinning BluGlass’ world-record single-mode laser performance. A recognised expert in III-nitride materials and device engineering, Josh has contributed to pioneering advancements across LEDs, microLEDs, laser diodes, and power electronics.

Since joining BluGlass, Josh has played a central role in developing the Company’s proprietary Remote Plasma Chemical Vapour Deposition (RPCVD) technology. He is a named inventor on multiple patents and has authored numerous publications advancing the state of GaN epitaxy. In 2017, Josh founded and continues to lead EpiBlu, BluGlass’ epitaxy foundry services division, delivering bespoke MOCVD and RPCVD solutions to global photonics and semiconductor clients. His leadership has enabled critical breakthroughs in manufacturability, performance, and supply chain resilience across quantum, defence, sensing, and medical applications. Josh’s unique ability to reengineer materials from the atomic level has driven commercial and R&D success for customers worldwide, reinforcing BluGlass’ position as a leader in next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.

Dr Sara Webb is an astrophysicist, science communicator, and educator dedicated to making the universe accessible to all. As a senior academic at Swinburne University of Technology, she leads cutting-edge research using artificial intelligence to uncover hidden astronomical phenomena and is a pioneer in Australia’s space education initiatives.

Through her leadership of national programs, sending student-led experiments to the International Space Station and bringing real space-returned samples into classrooms, she has inspired thousands of young minds. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2025, Sara is also a sought-after media voice and TEDx speaker, known for turning complex science into captivating stories that connect communities with the cosmos.

Henry Bilinsky is the founder and CEO of MicroTau, an Australian deep-tech company using laser direct-writing technology to produce microscopic surface patterns inspired by nature. Best known for developing riblet surfaces that dramatically reduce drag on aircraft and ships, MicroTau’s technology has far-reaching implications for aerospace, defence, and clean energy.

With a background in law and biochemistry, Henry pivoted from a legal career to science entrepreneurship after winning a CSIRO innovation challenge. Since founding MicroTau in 2015, he has led the company through significant R&D breakthroughs and global partnerships. Henry is a passionate advocate for advanced manufacturing and deep-tech commercialisation in Australia.

Robert is the Co-Founder and Chair of Internet 2.0 and invented the concept Cloaking Firewall. He is an experienced cyber security leader. Robert has held roles as Head of Cyber Operations at BAE Systems, GM of WithYouWithMe Cyber, advisor to the Australian Shadow Cabinet for Cyber Security, and lead SME for North Korean Cyber Security for the United States Department of State (CTR Program).

Angela Shi is the visionary founder and CEO of Empathetic AI, an award-winning Generative AI startup headquartered in Sydney. Under her leadership, Empathetic AI developed Luna, Australia’s first AI-powered tax copilot, leveraging cutting-edge Generative AI technology. Luna is proudly backed by the National AI Centre and supported by CSIRO’s Data61, the premier data and digital innovation arm of Australia’s national science agency. Empathetic AI has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the AI ecosystem, securing 3rd place in Australia’s inaugural AI Sprint in 2024. In January 2025, the company launched Australia’s first AI agents evaluation framework in partnership with CSIRO’s Data61. Additionally, Empathetic AI unveiled Empathetic AI Labs, a rapidly expanding portfolio of AI agents designed specifically to streamline the workflows of finance professionals.

Angela herself is a distinguished finance professional turned AI entrepreneur, bringing over 15 years of deep expertise in financial services and fintech. She has held pivotal leadership roles as CFO at Plus500 and Capital.com, where she led high-performing teams across seven countries and supported customers in more than 40 markets worldwide. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Angela is a dedicated academic and industry partner at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is also the creator of the AI in Finance course at the Institute of Applied Technology, passionately educating and inspiring the next generation of finance professionals about AI’s transformative potential.A sought-after public speaker and advocate for the integration of AI in finance, Angela’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized, earning her the prestigious 2023 Australian Ambassador Award for Women in Leadership.

Byron Kennedy is the Co-Founder and CEO of SPEE3D, a pioneering company in high-speed metal 3D printing. With over 20 years of experience in innovation and commercialisation, he has led the development of supersonic 3D deposition (SP3D) technology, transforming manufacturing using metals like copper and aluminium.Before SPEE3D, Byron co-founded In Motion Technologies, the first spin-off from Charles Darwin University, which was later acquired by Regal Beloit (Fasco). As R&D Director there, he oversaw the development of successful products like axial flux motors for pool pumps and HVAC systems.
Byron holds a Master of Engineering from Charles Darwin University and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from UNSW. Known for turning innovation into commercial success, he continues to lead SPEE3D in redefining the future of metal manufacturing.

Steve Camilleri is the Co-Founder and CTO of SPEE3D, an Australian company that developed the world’s first metal 3D printer using supersonic deposition technology, enabling manufacturing-grade printing at production speeds. With a master’s in engineering and multiple patents, Steve has a strong track record in innovation. Before SPEE3D, he co-founded In Motion Technologies, a Charles Darwin University spin-off focused on axial flux electric motors, later acquired by Fasco Motors (Regal Beloit, NYSE). His successful products include world-record solar cars, electric motors, e-bikes, and energy-efficient pool pumps. Steve has broad interests across manufacturing, science, and engineering, and speaks several languages

Brett Hill is the founder and CEO of Praetorian Aeronautics, a cutting-edge Australian defence tech startup based in Adelaide. With over 20 years of international experience across Europe, the U.S., and Australia, Brett brings a unique blend of aerospace engineering expertise and strategic leadership. His career includes key roles at major defence companies, including Boeing, where he contributed to major programs such as the 787 Dreamliner.

Since founding Praetorian in 2022, Brett has led the company in developing advanced, AI-driven unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed to address modern threats like drone swarms. These scalable and resilient systems are built with a focus on sovereignty and innovation. Under his leadership, Praetorian has grown rapidly and was recognised as a finalist in the 2025 South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards.
Driven by a lifelong mission to strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities, Brett continues to lead the development of next-generation aerospace technologies, aiming to position Australia and its allies at the forefront of autonomous aerial defence.

Peter Vranes is a chemical engineer and serial entrepreneur. The CEO and Co-Founder of Nutromics, he is passionate about creatin a better healthcare system to save lives.

Henry Bilinsky is the founder and CEO of MicroTau, an Australian deep-tech company using laser direct-writing technology to produce microscopic surface patterns inspired by nature. Best known for developing riblet surfaces that dramatically reduce drag on aircraft and ships, MicroTau’s technology has far-reaching implications for aerospace, defence, and clean energy.

With a background in law and biochemistry, Henry pivoted from a legal career to science entrepreneurship after winning a CSIRO innovation challenge. Since founding MicroTau in 2015, he has led the company through significant R&D breakthroughs and global partnerships. Henry is a passionate advocate for advanced manufacturing and deep-tech commercialisation in Australia.

Lloyd Damp is CEO of Southern Launch and is at the forefront of the space industry in Australia. He founded Southern Launch in 2017 and the company conducted the first commercial space launch from Australian soil in 2020 and Australia’s first commercial space return in 2025.

Today, Southern Launch employs 30 people and operates two space launch and return facilities in Koonibba and Whalers Way on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. These multi-user space launch facilities have been used by domestic and international customers with the Koonibba Test Range hosting the launch of the first high-powered rocket and the world’s first commercial spacecraft return to a commercial facility. Lloyd leads a team dedicated to developing world-class space launch and return facilities in South Australia and providing bespoke solutions for customers. Lloyd’s vision is to build a connected space industry centred around domestic launch and return capabilities to establish Australia as the next global space hub.

Prior to starting Southern Launch, Lloyd spent over 12 years working for the Australian Government specialising in complex program design and delivery. While there Lloyd also played a small part in helping Australia undertake regular rocket launches into space from Woomera.