Foundational Models & AI Innovation Showcase: Building the Future in Western Australia
Australia’s AI ecosystem is evolving rapidly, but some of the most exciting developments are happening closer to home, in startups, research labs, universities and innovation communities across Western Australia.
Join ECU and SMEC AI for an evening exploring how foundational models, generative AI, and emerging technologies are enabling the next generation of innovation, entrepreneurship and research.
Hosted at ECU’s new CreatorsLAB in the heart of Perth, this event will bring together founders, students, researchers, industry leaders and AI practitioners for an interactive showcase of practical AI capability being built locally.
The evening will feature a combination of keynote insights, live demonstrations, startup showcases and networking, highlighting real-world applications of AI and the people building them.
Rather than focusing purely on theory, the event is designed to showcase practical experimentation, emerging ideas, and the growing AI ecosystem developing across Western Australia.
What you’ll learn
How foundational models are influencing the future of AI innovation
Practical examples of AI being applied across startups, research and industry
How students, researchers and founders are building capability in emerging technologies
Opportunities for collaboration between universities, entrepreneurs and industry
The challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s AI ecosystem
Featured segments
Keynote presentation from an AI industry leader
Live demonstrations and technology showcases
Startup and innovation spotlights
Audience Q&A
Networking with members of the WA innovation ecosystem
Who should attend
Students and researchers
Founders and startup teams
AI engineers and technical practitioners
Innovation and entrepreneurship professionals
Business leaders exploring AI opportunities
Anyone curious about the future of AI in Western Australia
Whether you’re building with AI, researching its future, launching a startup, or simply curious about where the technology is heading, this event is an opportunity to connect with the people shaping the next generation of AI innovation.
SMEC AI's recent meetup at UniMelb with Simon Kriss, CEO of Sovereign Australia AI
The Venue
We can't wait to see you at the new CreatorsLAB at ECU City.
About SMEC AI
SMEC AI is an initiative of Boab AI in partnership with Artesian, Cremorne Digital Hub, University of Melbourne, RMIT, La Trobe University, Victorian Medtech Skills and Devices Hub, TNG and Rockwell.
SMEC AI focuses on the agriculture, clean energy, medical and enabling capabilities industries as defined by the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
The SMEC AI project and activities has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry Science and Resources AI Adopt program and is aimed at enhancing the adoption of artificial intelligence by small to medium enterprises in Australia.
About ECU
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is one of Australia’s and the world’s best young universities. We have more than 30,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. We also welcome over 6,000 international students annually, originating from more than 100 countries.