Published on 15 February 2024
Get inspired at _SOUTHSTART
Australia’s premier startup and innovation festival, _SOUTHSTART, is headed to Adelaide from 5–7 March, including a full day on the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast for the first time.
Tickets are available now for the annual festival, which includes world-renowned speakers and inspiring keynotes, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn and network with other founders and leaders in the startup and innovation space.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the three-day festival will offer the region’s startup founders resources, inspiration and networking opportunities to help them take their businesses to the next level.
“Onkaparinga’s business community punches above its weight when it comes to big ideas, unique products and services, and world-class attractions,” she said.
“We’re a region that’s open for business, we have a diverse economy, a growing population, good supply chains and a history of innovation—all backed by a fantastic range of business support services, including for young entrepreneurs.
“That’s why it makes perfect sense to host part of the _SOUTHSTART Festival here in the City of Onkaparinga.
“After two packed days in Adelaide, the festival’s final day will see participants head to the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast with the Untethered program. This includes a choice between small group experiences at Down the Rabbit Hole Wines, the d’Arenberg Cube, Pearl, Beresford Estate or Star of Greece.
“Afterwards, they’ll be treated to a Sundowner Soiree at Chalk Hill in McLaren Vale, which will put an exclamation mark on three days of inspiring talks, insights and valuable connections.
“If you’re an ambitious startup founder, I encourage you to check out the program and grab a ticket before they sell out.”
Founded in 2013, _SOUTHSTART is Australia’s “longest-running festival of innovation, imagination and impact”.
Its organisers say they “mobilise the ideas, tools, networks and knowledge required to start, grow and scale the ideas needed to propel our planet and people forward”.
“We do this through the delivery of interactive and diverse experiences that recognise, celebrate and unlock the value of human connection.”
This year’s program includes interactive town halls, a national pitch competition, discovery sessions, experts in residence, founder and investor connections, soirees and sundowners, dinners and more, and has events targeted at founders, students and schools.
The City of Onkaparinga has partnered with the festival for the first time in 2024, which is likely to see hundreds of ticket holders visiting the region from interstate, highlighting Onkaparinga as an idea place to do business and to visit.