Melbourne Foundational Models Meetup: Showcasing Australia’s AI Builders
Australia’s AI ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and while much of the global conversation focuses on models developed overseas, there is a growing community of founders, researchers, students and industry leaders building AI capability right here in Australia.
Join SMEC AI, RMIT RAIsE Hub and RMIT Activator for an evening showcasing practical AI innovation being developed across startups, industry, education and research, with foundational models acting as the enabling technology behind many of these advances.
This event brings together builders from across Melbourne’s AI ecosystem to share what they are creating, experimenting with and learning. Through talks, demonstrations and showcases, attendees will gain insight into how AI is being applied in real-world settings and where Australia can play a meaningful role in the next wave of innovation.
Rather than focusing purely on theory, the evening is designed to highlight practical capability, interdisciplinary collaboration and tangible examples of AI in action.
What you’ll learn:
• How foundational models are enabling innovation across startups, research and industry
• The difference between simply adopting AI tools and building AI capability
• Practical examples of generative AI being deployed in real-world environments
• How universities, founders and industry can collaborate to accelerate innovation
• Lessons from teams actively building AI products, services and research projects
• Opportunities for students, researchers and founders to participate in Australia’s growing AI ecosystem
Featured segments include:
• Short talks from industry leaders and AI practitioners
• Showcases from startups, student teams and research projects
• Networking and ecosystem connections
Who should attend:
• Founders and startup teams
• Students and researchers
• AI engineers and technical practitioners
• Industry professionals exploring AI adoption
• Innovation and ecosystem leaders
• Anyone interested in the future of AI capability in Australia
Whether you’re building with AI, researching it, investing in it, or simply curious about where the technology is heading, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people helping shape Australia’s AI future.
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 RMIT RAIsE Hub
RMIT Artificial Intelligence Advanced Innovation Experience (RAIsE) is RMIT University’s AI Education–Research–Industry Nexus.
RAIsE connects interdisciplinary AI education, applied research, and industry collaboration to advance responsible, industry-connected artificial intelligence. The Hub equips students across disciplines with industry-informed AI capability, enables research with real-world impact, and supports dialogue on enterprise AI adoption and governance.
About RMIT Activator
Activator is RMIT's home of entrepreneurship. We build entrepreneurial capabilities because we believe that these capabilities are valuable regardless of the business or industry one enters, or career journey one embarks on. We do this by educating our community of staff, students, and alumni for an entrepreneurial mindset and support venture creation and growth. Through our face-to-face workshops, online learning and accelerator program, we help our community prepare for the future of life and work - no matter what that looks like!