Australia’s chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley and global tech experts will come together next month to share their knowledge and expertise on the latest biotech and quantum technologies that are transforming our world. Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM will speak at the launch event of the City of Sydney’s visiting entrepreneur program on the opportunities offered by science-led technologies.
The program is an annual series of free events where experts discuss and share the latest technological breakthroughs and innovations in a specific field. Under the theme of ‘transformative technology’, the program will run from 1 to 10 June focusing on the leadership role Sydney plays in supporting growing deep technology sectors.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the program has helped increase the global standing of Sydney’s flourishing tech startup sector. “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown just how susceptible our world is to complex global emergencies and has truly cast science-led solutions into the global spotlight,” the Lord Mayor said.“The 2021 visiting entrepreneur program will focus on the transformative technologies tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time, from addressing diseases to feeding a growing population and managing environmental impacts.Sydney has a high concentration of world-class universities, research labs and startups in emerging tech sectors and can play an important role in the advancement and commercialisation of research to make Sydney globally competitive into the future.
“This year’s program will give tech innovators the opportunity to participate in a range of events and learn firsthand from experienced global business leaders on launching and growing businesses in these areas.”
The program features 13 free events – some hosted online and some at tech venues across Sydney, including Cicada Innovations, Tank Stream Labs and UTS.
Dr Foley’s virtual conversation on 1 June will outline the impact of digital technologies in transforming our world. Joining Dr Foley live from San Francisco is Po Bronson, managing director and partner of the world’s leading science accelerator, IndieBio.
“Rapid technological change is underway and science and technology is a metric of its power. Quantum technologies will offer us the ability to develop and exploit our science and research outcomes and make advances faster than when using classical computers,” Dr Foley said.“They are expected to bring advances in medical imaging, and in measuring electric, magnetic and gravitational fields, as well as in clean technologies to assist in tackling climate change.
