Wade at 10: A Decade of Innovation Impact

You’re warmly invited to join us for the Wade Institute 10 Year Anniversary.

Over the past ten years, Australia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has evolved from emerging to accelerating, shaped by founders testing new ideas, investors backing bold bets and builders helping turn concepts into real-world impact.  

Wade Institute has been part of that journey from the beginning, developing the venture capability that fuels both sides of the ecosystem.

Our ten-year milestone is a moment to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead at what the next decade could hold for entrepreneurship in Australia. We’ll celebrate the people and programs that have helped shape our remarkable community, share Wade Institute’s plans for expanding entrepreneurial practice across the economy and invite you to imagine what Australia’s future might look like in 2036.

Join us in building the next chapter of Australia’s entrepreneurial story.

What to expect on the night:

• A celebration of the remarkable evolution of Australia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past decade and the people who helped shape it.

• Stories, milestones and reflections on how far the sector has come and the collective progress we’ve made together.

• A first look at Wade’s next chapter: new initiatives, expanded ambitions and our commitment to strengthening entrepreneurial practice across the economy.

• A forward-looking conversation inviting you to imagine what the next 10 years of entrepreneurship in Australia could hold.

Fireside chat with: Didier Elzinga

Founder & Executive Chairman, Culture Amp

Looking Back panelists:

Kate Cornick, CEO, LaunchVic and Incoming CEO, Tech Council of Australia

Judy Anderson-Firth, Group CEO, Euphemia

Rachel Yang, Partner, Giant Leap

Colin McLeod, Professor in Residence, University of Melbourne

Looking Forward panelists:

Jess Christiansen-Franks, Managing Director, Wade Institute

Professor Rufus Black, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Tasmania

Rob Philpott, CEO, Gravel Road Ventures

Jeanette Cheah, CEO & Co-Founder, HEX

Moderated by: Madeleine Hanger (Grummet), ABC Journalist

Agenda

5:00 pm – Doors Open
5:30 pm – Drinks and Networking
6:15 pm – Welcome by Jess Christiansen-Franks
6:20 pm – Origin Story with Peter Wade
6:30 pm – 7:45 pm | Conversations and Panels

• Fireside Chat: Didier Elzinga and Madeleine Hanger
• Looking Back Panel: Colin McLeod, Rachel Yang, Kate Cornick, Judy Anderson-Firth
• Looking Forward Panel: Jess Christiansen-Franks, Rufus Black, Jeanette Cheah, Rob Philpott
• Final Words: Jess Christiansen-Franks

7:45 pm – Drinks and Networking
9:30 pm – Event Concludes

📅 Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30–7:30pm
📍 Venue: Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, Ormond College
49 College Crescent, Parkville VIC 3052

🎟️ Tickets: Complimentary

👉 RSVP by Midday Friday 1 May 

About Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship

Wade Institute is Australia's leading centre for entrepreneurial and investor training. Our programs accelerate learning, creation, and connection, including the University of Melbourne’s Master of Entrepreneurship, our investor education program VC Catalyst, and entrepreneurship training for schools through UpSchool.

Please note: Photography will be captured during the event. If you would prefer not to be included in any photos, please notify one of our team members on the evening.