Over the next 12 months not only Australia, but also the rest of the world will emerge from the pandemic. As economies come back to life, and international trade re-ignites, startups with ambitions in APAC and China will have huge opportunities.

Don't be left behind.

This event is for anyone keen to develop a strategy for working in this exciting region. Whether you have plans for expanding into new markets, or co-operating in other ways, now is the time to learn and make the connections that will help you get there.

Startup founders, ambitious SMEs, corporates, startup ecosystem builders and cross-border business owners are invited to join G5 AU and Spark Festival and

find out more about government support for ventures heading into the region
better understand Asian development trends
gain tips and tricks for how to maximise your opportunities for success.

Government Support for Startups in China and APAC

Our panel includes representatives from State and Federal Government. They'll be sharing their knowledge around globalisation trends, letting us know about the support available for your APAC expansion, and sharing some success stories.

Lasya Rao - Community engagement management, Landing Pads

Lasya is a Senior Advisor for scaleup programs at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Since 2019, she has helped deliver trade services to hundreds of tech startups and scaleups expanding into international markets through the Landing Pad program. More recently, she has provided 1:1 support to companies expanding amid the global pandemic. Prior to joining Austrade, Lasya has worked in the automotive, non-profit and tertiary education sectors.

Damian Meduri - Associate, Greater China at Investment NSW

Damian works as an Associate for the Greater China onshore market desk at Investment NSW, a new central agency that acts as a ‘one-stop shop’ for the private sector. Damian brings an understanding of the China market to NSW businesses looking to enter or expand in China and is currently coordinating the NSW Going Global Health & MedTech to China Program.

Dr. Xiangyi Kong - Economic Strategy Advisor, City of Sydney

Dr. Xiangyi Kong works in the Economic Strategy team in the City of Sydney. He manages the City’s Tech Startup Action Plan portfolio, which aims to support the local technology startups ecosystem and strengthen Sydney’s leading position as Australia’s startup capital

Host: Maxine Sherrin - Festival Director at Spark Festival

As Festival Director of Australia's Festival of Innovation, she is responsible for developing the strategic direction and delivery of the event, as well as creating and maintaining the partnerships which make it possible.

Other support as you grow into China+APAC

MC: Chris Tian - Managing Director at G5 AU

Chris is a serial entrepreneur with a technical background, and currently managing director of G5 AU, a venture capital firm. He helps startups and entrepreneurs to connect with resources in the APAC startup ecosystem and loves to meet with minded people.

Event Schedule

5:30-5:50 Check-in and networking

5:50-6:00 Opening comments

6:00-7:15 Panel and short presentations

7:15-8:00 Networking