Tech Central welcomes SXSW!

On Sunday 15 October 2023, Tech Centrallaunch welcomed inspired thinkers, creators and innovators from across the world to the largest innovation district in Australia. SXSW Sydneylaunch is about discovery, networking and fun – all within a walkable footprint across Sydney's CBD and surrounding neighbourhoods. Across Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and beyond – the city’s best museums, cinemas, parks, bars and restaurants have transformed into a vibrant interconnected hub of future-focused ideas, parties, unique events and networking opportunities seemingly on every street corner.

“Sydney is home to a diverse and thriving creative community. The spirit of innovation, creativity and adventure is in our DNA and we are thrilled to showcase this to the world. SXSW Sydney will be a focal point for innovators, not only from Sydney, but all of Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Our goal – in October 2023 – is that you will feel the same way I do about this inspiring and thought-provoking festival of discovery. And, if that happens, we’ve all done our job.” — Colin Daniels, Managing Director SXSW Sydney

The week-long program has been stacked with more than 1,000 ground-breaking events and networking sessions across pillars of tech and innovation, games, music, screen and culture. Informed by a multicultural landscape and an enduring preservation of past, present and future Indigenous cultural heritage, Sydney’s rich and exciting arts and culture scene was a natural fit for the festival, featuring beautiful galleries, acclaimed theatres and burgeoning performance spaces.

Attendees have been able to go a “mile wide” with a variety of sessions including upgrading the brain through mindfulness training, the changing face of Australian Hip Hop and the future of food, or take a deep-dive across numerous aspects of topics like AI, where sessions have included the legality of generative AI art, the impact of AI on the future of work, and the technology behind modern AI systems from the point-of-view of pure mathematics.

A key feature since the early days of SXSW has been “houses”, space activations by event partners to extend the festival beyond the official conference venues. As part of SXSW Sydney, NSW House has been organised by NSW Government to host a range of talks, meet-ups and performances, offering a dynamic program that were designed to inspire, educate and connect. 

Tech Central hosted a First Nations Innovators Breakfast at NSW House, inviting founders, innovators and the community to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the tech and innovation space. The panel session was followed by networking, allowing invited guests and conference attendees to network and build on the opportunities discussed in the session. 

Tech Central has also worked closely with UTS at UTS House, based in the UTS Business building on the Goods Line. Sessions have included panels on robotics, AI and sustainability, key industries where Sydney’s innovation districts offer the ability for researchers and industry alike can collaborate in order to build a world-leading ecosystem.

Formal conference sessions at SXSW Sydney are supported by an innovation expo at ICC Sydney and free activations at adjoining Tumbalong Park running throughout the week, don’t miss out - there is still time to enjoy this amazing festival!