UNE SRI Hosts Inspiring SPARK Festival Events with Alan Jones
The SRI recently held two highly impactful events as part of the SPARK New England Festival, featuring the renowned startup mentor, Alan Jones.
These events were integral components of the SRI's Masterclass Series and Future Series, drawing a vibrant mix of local entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry professionals eager to gain insights from one of Australia's leading figures in the startup ecosystem.
The day kicked off with a Masterclass: a Pitch Workshop where local entrepreneurs had the invaluable opportunity to present their business ideas directly to Alan Jones. With his vast experience in mentoring startups, Alan provided constructive feedback, helping entrepreneurs refine their pitches and explore new growth avenues. The workshop was charged with energy and creativity, leaving participants with actionable insights to elevate their ventures.
Following the Masterclass, attendees gathered for the much-anticipated Future Series event—a Fireside Chat on AI. Alan, alongside Lou Conway, Director of UNE SRI, led a fascinating discussion on the transformative effects of AI on industries and society. They explored the history of technological advancements, from early innovations like online media and smartphones to the current impact of AI. Alan emphasised that while AI is still in its early stages, its potential to revolutionise industries and improve productivity is immense. The conversation explored the current and expanding use of AI in various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture.
Alan's insights on the future of AI, particularly its ability to anticipate human needs and improve decision-making processes, resonated deeply with the audience. The discussion highlighted AI's opportunities and challenges, making it clear that this technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of business and society.
We want to extend a special thanks to Alan Jones for his inspiring contributions and to David Lillo-Trynes from SPARK for his integral role in making these events a reality. We also extend our gratitude to the funding from SPARK, which has been made possible by the support from Investment NSW, the City of Sydney, Herbert Smith Freehills, the Australian Computer Society, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Stone & Chalk, and the Atlassian Foundation.
Thank you to the NSW Government's Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund for helping make the UNE SRI's Masterclass Series and Future Series events possible.
