Program

Take your seat for a shared experience in the State Library's Conversation Quarter and let the insights flow.

Join Ian Gray as he unpacks the critical role innovation networks play to address humanitarian challenges at scale. Drawing on his work with over 200 organisations, to talk about real-world examples and ideas that challenge traditional approaches.

Picking up on the Summit theme that no innovation scales alone, this panel features forward thinking minds on how to supercharge the roles we play in the quest for scale.

With the provocation that there is potential for real transformation, but for innovations to scale we need to scale our thinking, this panel will explore how to build and sustain ecosystems and value networks that enable innovation at scale.

This will be an interactive discussion on building ecosystems that sustain and scale humanitarian impact. How can different sectors – from tech to government to NGOs – collaborate more effectively?

You’ll take away actionable insights on how to navigate complexity, as individuals and entities - and gain an understanding on what really needs to change.

In conversation with Humanitech Technology Scale Partners, Julia Goodall will tease out insights on what we have learned so far when it comes to collaboration and scaling in practice.

A deep dive into successful collaborations with Humanitech – lessons learned and insights on scaling tech-driven humanitarian solutions.

30 mins

Hear Brendan Moon’s insights on how governments, corporations, and communities can foster innovation with impact and maximise collective resources

Join panellists to discover how we can tap into a range of innovative models and funding opportunities to sustain and scale impact through humanitarian tech in the face of increasing need.

See cutting edge innovation in action with the work of Humanitech scale partner Kara Technology.

Kicking off connections, collaboration and networking around the day’s themes

45 mins

Hear from leading thinkers and doers as they wield passion, reason and rhetoric on whether: The biggest risk for the humanitarian sector is the risk of being left behind.

As we are forced to do more with less - are we capable of the paradigm shift and systems change needed to adopt and accelerate technology or is irrelevance more likely than disruption?

And where should we really be focussing our energy?

Immerse in an engaging showcase of a multi-partner collaboration in progress led by Humanitech, featuring QBE Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, ARC Centre of Excellence in Automated Decision Making and Society (ADM+S), Australian Red Cross programs and the pilot community of Dargo in Victoria.

We invite you to take an insider look on how we are collaborating in new ways to help communities harness and shape technology to adapt and prepare for the humanitarian impacts of climate change.

Launched in 2024 through an exciting new innovation partnership between QBE Insurance, Leading Cities and Australian Red Cross Humanitech, and with over 120 global start ups seeking to address a community climate resilience problem as part of the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge - Humanitarian Track - the project is now preparing to pilot with a community.

This session highlights the combined value of the diverse stakeholders involved, who will share their insights and learning about the journey so far.

Which technology solution will join the Australian Red Cross project to equip communities with the tools they need to thrive in the face of a changing climate?

Settle back to enjoy the exciting finalist video showcase featuring the 3 finalists of the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge Humanitarian Track, before the winners are announced.

20 mins

Join Angie Abdilla for a yarn on the future role of community leadership in innovation.

What will the future of humanitarian innovation look like? Cap off the day with an interactive futurespective!

Angie Abdilla returns for a very special session to close the day.

Take stock of the day’s learnings and step forward with a strong call to action!

To Mr Tulk for drinks. Continue the conversation with a refreshment in hand.

Privacy Law Reform in the Age of AI: Panel and Book Launch

Register here.

Meet fellow participants over coffee or explore the interactive tech playground.

Get ready to dive into transformative masterclasses and discussions in humanitarian innovation.

Join Secretary General of the IFRC Jagan Chapagain for this opening welcome to the Humanitech Summit’s second day.

As we navigate intersecting global crises, the message is clear: we need new approaches, tools, and partnerships.

In this virtual session, Heather Leson and Ben Holt will take you on a journey to humanitarian innovation frontiers.

This session will set the stage for the day’s workshops, to explore tangible strategies for addressing today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s. Get ready to be inspired and think beyond boundaries as we reimagine humanitarian action.

Over coffee and morning tea, you’ll get time to mingle and meet some of the diverse, talented minds in the room. Whether sparking new ideas or just sharing stories, this is your chance to connect with new like-minded collaborators across sectors.

Discover how to build and leverage value networks effectively in this masterclass. With a mix of conceptual frameworks and practical tools, this session will delve into the conceptual and practical framework, nomenclature, and tools for Value Networks, giving participants hands-on experience in using the concepts.

Ian is founder of Gray Dot Catalyst, a strategy, innovation, and partnering consultancy that has advised, trained, and mentored close to 200 organisations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors on every continent. Gray Dot Catalyst runs commissioned Scale Accelerator programs for UN agencies, foundations, and innovation investors, with over 60 innovation teams being supported across five cohorts in 2024.

45 mins

A fast-paced 101 on the opportunities in partnering with the public sector. Hear key takeaways to unlock successful collaborations from the expert panel who you can book a speed mentoring session with throughout the day.

A fast-paced 101 on the opportunities in partnering with the private sector. Hear key takeaways to unlock successful collaborations from the expert panel who you can book a speed mentoring session with throughout the day.

A fast-paced 101 on the opportunities in partnering with the public sector. Hear key takeaways to unlock successful collaborations from the expert panel who you can book a speed mentoring session with throughout the day.

In this interactive session, explore strategic business models and collective funding pathways designed to scale impact through cross-sector collaboration. This workshop focuses on how to build sustainable growth for all involved (NFPs, corporates, academia, and public sector organisations) to create shared value and collective impact.

Join industry experts to uncover practical strategies, trends, and opportunities, and drive conversations that unlock scalable solutions and lasting partnerships.

30 mins

Join expert community innovators and practitioners to explore the challenges of engaging communities and people with lived experience, and how their insights can strengthen innovation processes.

So you want to use community data to support local resilience? Local knowledge and information are key to improving decision-making for preparedness and resilience in small communities. Join this session to explore the challenges and potential of community data.

Reflect on two days of learning, collaboration, and plan forward.