If you thought the Australian edition of South by Southwest was a tech-tacular event last year, wait until you see what’s in store for SXSW Sydney 2025. With a stellar new lineup, bold ideas and a renewed focus on the future of innovation, this year’s festival is shaping up to be the most electrifying yet. And, we’re just as excited as you are.
Last year, Women Love Tech proudly partnered with SXSW Sydney to spotlight the power of women in tech. And, we’re thrilled to be back in the mix again for 2025 (watch this space!) For now, the countdown is officially on. And, if the first keynote announcement is anything to go by, this year is going to make serious waves.
Keynotes speakers to kick things off
SXSW Sydney 2025 has just revealed its first official keynote speaker. And, it’s a big one. Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal and a global authority on privacy, ethics, and tech accountability, is bringing her powerhouse voice to the stage. She’s the kind of speaker who doesn’t just predict the future – she shapes it. Expect bold truths, fiery insights, and maybe even a few mic drops.
A global lineup of game changers
Of course, Meredith isn’t coming solo. A seriously impressive crew of tech titans and forward thinkers will join her. These will include Notion’s Co-Founder and CEO Ivan Zhao, Figma’s VP of Product Paige Costello, AI and blockchain pioneer Sandy Carter, Peak XV’s Managing Director Rohit Agarwal, and Australia’s very own National Cyber Security Coordinator LTGEN Michelle McGuinness. These innovators will tackle everything from design and productivity to digital security and the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
More than just tech talks
This year’s Tech & Innovation stream is expanding in all the right ways. In addition to the usual suspects – the buzzworthy Conference sessions, the high-octane Hackathon, and the hotly contested SXSW Sydney Pitch – 2025 is introducing two brilliant new initiatives that we’ll be keeping a close eye on.
First up is the Student Pitch, a chance for the next-gen talent from Australia’s universities and TAFEs to present their big ideas to some of the most influential minds in the industry. Think Shark Tank, but cooler (and probably more wearable tech).
Then there’s the Tech & Innovation Showcase, where local and global trailblazers come together to exhibit, connect, and demonstrate the cutting-edge work that’s reimagining how we live, work, and play. Whether you’re obsessed with wearables, crypto, green tech or quantum computing (or all of the above), you’ll find something to geek out over here.
Who run the SXSW Sydney 2025 World? Girls
At Women Love Tech, we’re especially excited to see so many female leaders taking centre stage and helping shape the conversations that will define the next decade of innovation. It’s not just about having a seat at the table anymore. It’s about building the table from scratch, out of sustainable materials, with a built-in AI assistant and wireless charging. You get the idea.
Let the countdown begin…
Mark your calendars! SXSW Sydney 2025 returns in October this year. And, it’s going to be one big, beautiful collision of creativity, technology and future-focused thinking. Whether you’re a startup founder, s ide-hustler, STEM student or just someone who loves to be in the know, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.
Stay tuned. We’ll be sharing more insider updates, speaker highlights and ways to get involved as the event approaches. In the meantime, get your schedule-clearing fingers ready. This October, Sydney’s going to be the hottest tech city on the planet. And, we’ll be right there to cover it all.