7 things startup leaders should see at Melbourne Knowledge Week

Giving the Melbourne Knowledge keynote address is US-based Raina Kumra, former Director of the global entrepreneurs group Omidyar Network and co-developer of The Ethical Operating System: A Guide to Anticipating the Future Impact of Today’s Technology.

Looking at the unintended, negative consequences of digital technology, where filter bubbles, election interference and online trolling thrive alongside the benefits that these same technologies have brought to how we live, work and play, Raina will explore a roadmap for the whole ecosystem, from boards and engineers to consumers and brands, to advocate for ethical and thoughtful technology for our future.

Join tech leaders and changemakers for the second annual Tech Inclusion Melbourne conference.

Hear from underrepresented community members and leaders about how to build more inclusive technology and culture. Meet passionate people, be challenged in a safe environment, and learn new solutions from diverse voices in innovation. Good for any team in a state of scaling, hiring or rethinking their approach to people.

Last year more than 1000 people packed the Plaza to witness the MAP18 Accelerator cohort presenting their successful pitches in front of a who’s who of Melbourne’s startup ecosystem.

In 2019, MKW is bringing the magic of this night to their festival Hub.

The MAP Launch is one of the largest startup networking events in Australia, attracting investors, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, all eager to discover the latest emerging entrepreneurial talent - with some of Australia’s most recognised startups including Honee, Carbar, CNSDose and Brosa having all taken the stage in recent years.

Hear how local innovators used a research trip to Boston to turn curiosity and hard work into collaborative projects and business ventures. From Melbourne to Boston and back again, these scholars highlight how these great cities and their smartest people lead the way in inspired knowledge and excellence.

Now in its second year, the Open Innovation Challenge is designed to tap into the creativity and expertise of our community and stimulate new ideas and effective solutions for challenges faced by the city.

After six weeks of exploring ideas on how to use data and technology to improve safety for those travelling in and around the city, hear the top five finalists pitch their best ideas at the Open Innovation Challenge pitch night, for a prize pool of $30,000.

Hosted at YBF Ventures – Melbourne’s top startup hub for tech and innovation, this practical session will dive into digital literacy, technology and a growth mindset with the Melbourne startup scene’s smartest minds.

Emerging entrepreneurs can find out why developing soft skills can help play hardball in the startup scene and how to carve out a unique space in the market.