Q: How do you turn an idea into a business?

Where do great ideas come from? How do entrepreneurs know when to take the leap? And what happens when things don’t go to plan?

Join a panel of innovators as they share the realities of building a business, from the first spark of an idea through to navigating challenges, taking risks, and creating impact. Gain practical insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the wide range of career pathways that can grow from curiosity and creative thinking.

Our Panel:

Damia Ettakadoumi - Straight Up

"While studying a Bachelor of Science, I recognised a missing link scientists and technologists lacked access to professionals who could translate complex ideas into compelling narratives, not just for the public, but for fellow researchers, funding bodies, and policy-makers. At the time, science communicators were focused on public engagement, and marketers rarely had a background in science. Even today, that combination remains rare."

Angelina Russo - Fleurieu Made

Angelina Russo (PhD, MBAHEM) is a textile designer, maker and researcher based on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Angelina draws on her Italian textile heritage and more than 30 years of design and teaching experience to create knitwear that is both deeply practical and quietly expressive. Her work focuses on circular fashion, local manufacturing and the role of regional studios in global textile transitions.

Alexander Wright - AFT Dynamics

Alexander Wright is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is the founder and CEO of AFT Dynamics, a company that designs and manufactures rocket engines.

Hosted by comedian Jason Chong

Join us for a quick-fire quiz, quite a good demo, and Q&A with our panel of speakers. Drinks will be available for purchase on the night.