In an age where everyone is busy building, scaling, and moving fast, finding time to connect with people who truly get it is becoming rare, and more important than ever.

The Southside Startup Exchange is your monthly chance to connect with founders, researchers, investors, and innovators who can help you navigate the journey. It’s about asking for help, sharing what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and meeting others who are on the same path, whether you’re just starting out or scaling something ambitious.

We’re lucky to be part of the Monash City Council innovation ecosystem, home to world-class research, advanced manufacturing, and a thriving network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners. The precinct around CoLabs is one of the most connected, resource-rich places in Australia to grow a science or tech-led business, with talent pipelines, infrastructure, and support services all within arm’s reach.

There’s no panel to sit through, no rigid format, no pitches unless you want to. On the first Wednesday of every month, you’ll find a room full of fellow enablers, innovators, and more swapping stories, ideas, and introductions over light catering and drinks.

We’re also using this first event to help shape the event series you want to see. Your feedback will guide future sessions from panel discussions and workshops to founder dinners and precinct tours.

Think of it as a community shortcut, the kind where you might meet your next collaborator, customer, or sounding board.