DIF2019 OVERVIEW

Digital Innovation Festival (DIF) is a unique initiative created to develop, demonstrate and promote the capability and connectedness of Victoria’s technology ecosystem while encouraging technology driven innovative across the economy and society.

In its fourth year, DIF2019 was bigger, broader and more compelling than ever. Powered by a new website, online events portal and marketed through social media platforms, the Festival achieved exponential growth in participation and in the number of hosted and DIF branded events. DIF2019 comprised more than 500 events over the period 23 August to 6 September, reaching new audiences and engaging an estimated 22,000 people at more than 140 locations across Victoria.

This Report outlines the key initiatives and achievements which characterised DIF2019 including the new Back to School program and DIF Hub at the Goods Shed. [1] The Report highlights the efforts made to reach new audiences across multiple sectors and across regional Victoria. It also highlights the Festival’s focus on international engagement and the opportunity DIF presents to build Victoria’s brand as the home of Australian technology and innovation.

DIF2019 was a successful initiative for the State, making a practical and positive impact on economic development, community building and jobs growth. DIF2019 promoted an inclusive digital economy for all Victorians. Focusing on its strategic goals of Celebration, Inclusion and Growth, Advanced Capability and International Engagement, the Festival positions Victoria as a leading location for technology investment, supports development of a technology skilled talent pool and fosters vibrancy across the State’s communities of innovators.

[1] Social Innovation Summit Digital Wellbeing Session at the Victorian Innovation Hub Goods Shed North 30.08.19

Celebration

DIF encourages Victoria to recognize the opportunities to innovate with technology. DIF2019 showcased the creativity of grassroots innovators, encouraged collaboration, celebrated achievement and stimulated positive and productive engagement with technology. Excellence was highlighted as Victorians recognised how technology and innovation is critical to our future. This was highlighted through the National iAwards which were secured by the Victorian Government for a further four years as the centerpiece of the annual Festival. Other celebrations were the inaugural Women in Security Awards and the Australian SportsTech Awards supported by DPC and LaunchVic respectively.

Advanced Capability

DIF encourages interaction between research, business, education, entrepreneurs, local communities and government. It values and promotes thought leadership and looks to the future as it supports the local development of advanced technology capability.

DIF2019 brought a sharp focus to the importance of innovation to drive Victoria’s priority industries. The Festival provided opportunities for engagement with technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), cybersecurity and blockchain. The application of these technologies in agriculture, transport and sports were a highlight.

Students were also encouraged to build competencies through attending events with free or discount ticket offers or remote access to digital innovation content via the DIFvic YouTube channel.

Inclusion and Growth

DIF encourages all Victorians to engage with, and benefit from, technology. DIF2019 promoted awareness of how technology can stimulate competitiveness and create new jobs. The Festival delivered a substantial program across regional Victoria supporting the transition of traditional industries into the digital economy.

DIF2019 facilitated communities to engage with technology in areas such as physical and mental wellbeing, cross-generational experiences and aged care. Specific focus was given to how innovation benefits from gender and cultural diversity and how technology can promote social inclusion.

[2] Emerging Innovation Summit at RMIT Capitol

International Engagement

DIF seeks to engage international tech communities and promote Victoria as a centre for technology innovation. DIF2019 attracted event speakers and visitors from 15 countries. A new partnership with the UK Consul General brought international experts to participate in several key events.

Our international Victorian Government Business Offices (VGBO) continued to promote DIF, positioning the Festival and the iAwards on the annual international events calendar. In collaboration with Global Victoria, DIF attracted delegations from Malaysia and Thailand, an international sports tech mission and international agricultural technology visitors as part of Global Table.

The joint Victorian Government and Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) Global Tech Leaders Dialogue, now in its fifth year, provided a forum for global relationship building and important policy discussions on AI and innovation. Participating countries presented and shared perspectives and experiences.

The Emerging Innovation Summit (EIS'19) featured 15 international speakers alongside local presenters at the intersection of academia and industry on topics from quantum innovation to technology innovation as a business enabler. [2] As part of EIS'19, the International Innovative Research Network (iiRNet), in partnership with the Australian-Chinese Association of Scientists and Entrepreneurs (ACASE) and ChineseVC, embarked on a new initiative “The Emerging Innovation Cup 2019”, a tech-startup competition.