Tech Council of Australia

The Tech Council of Australia encourages high school students to register for the 2025 Australian Schools Cyber Challenge before the February 7th deadline. This exciting competition offers students hands-on experience with cybersecurity challenges and real-world scenarios. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it's clear that skills in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainability technologies will be crucial for Australia's economic growth and competitiveness. This challenge presents a valuable opportunity for young Australians to explore potential career paths in this growing field. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ga3-Y2XB #AustralianSchoolsCyberChallenge #CybersecurityEducation #TechCouncilAustralia CyberPathways

As a proud Board Director of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), I’m thrilled to support the Consumer Energy Tech Alliance (CETA) — an exciting initiative within the TCA dedicated to shaping the future of consumer energy technology in Australia, launching this February. Distributed and consumer energy resources such as rooftop solar, batteries, and EVs are key to Australia’s renewables future — and innovative tech is the spark that will ensure they will drive a flexible and reliable decentralised energy system. By joining CETA as a Founding Member, your company will help shape critical policies, participate in exclusive discussions with Government leaders, and position Australia as the best place to scale consumer energy technology. Let’s make Consumer and Distributed Energy Resources the next great tech-driven transformation for Australians. Interested? Reach out to Jacqui Murkins at the TCA to learn more.

Yesterday, the TCA hosted the initial Consumer Energy Tech Alliance (CETA) Workshop, bringing together industry leaders to define strategic directions for Australia’s Consumer Energy Resources sector. We explored challenges like regulatory barriers and market inefficiencies while identifying opportunities in technologies such as battery-integrated EV chargers and advanced load control systems. The workshop focused on driving consumer adoption, advocating for regulatory clarity, and fostering innovation to position Australia as a global leader in CER. With a vision for a scalable, consumer-centric energy future, CETA aims to strengthen collaboration and advance policies that lower costs and drive sustainability. Thank you to our partners Gilbert + Tobin for hosting and all of our attendees for contributing your valuable insights! MyPlace by Advantage Air, Brighte, eLumina, EnergyFlex, Evie Networks, Greenergenic Inc., Gridcog, NRN - National Renewable Network, Reposit Power, Smartizer, SNAPI, SwitchDin, UPowr

We’re excited to share the latest episode of HOT5 (5 Minutes with Humans of Tech), where we uncover the personal journeys and insights of Australia’s tech leaders. In this episode, Philip Goldie, Vice President and Managing Director of Okta ANZ, reflects on: - How a passion for coding and computers shaped his early career - His transition from technical roles to leadership and the importance of understanding people - The pivotal role of digital identity in Australia’s tech landscape and Okta’s mission to enable secure access to technology for everyone Phil also shares powerful advice on career growth, embracing your authentic self, and the importance of curiosity and purpose in the fast-paced world of tech. To read more about Phil's journey, head to: https://lnkd.in/gphKa8pB Missed our previous HOT5 episode with Roisin O'Neill from _nology? Catch it here: https://lnkd.in/ghHTpYXx #HOT5 #HumansOfTech #TechLeaders #DigitalID

What are the top tech trends of 2025? For the second annual Australian Tech Leaders Survey 2025, a joint report from the Tech Council and Datacom, we asked tech leaders for their views on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Looking at the year ahead, tech leaders say these will be the defining tech trends: 🤖 AI 🔒 Cybersecurity  🌱 Sustainability and circular economy technologies The report also highlighted the top opportunities for businesses and the main threats to tech companies. Read the full report online: https://lnkd.in/gCWv8GCT Thank you to our members who shared their insights in this year’s survey. 

The TCA welcomes the Federal Government’s investment in the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP), which assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions. TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi said facilitating innovation and tech adoption in a critical industry such as agriculture will drive efficiencies that will benefit the wider economy. “There are exciting advancements and solutions in agtech that can save farmers time and money so they can produce more with less while maintaining the high quality that Australia’s agricultural industry is well-known for,” he said. “Great ideas come from everywhere and we want businesses across the nation - whether you’re in Surry Hills or Smithton - to have the infrastructure that allows you to uplift your R&D and tech adoption investment. “By boosting connectivity, we can lift tech adoption across rural and regional Australia, which will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.” Australia has 2.5% of the world’s ag and food tech startups, almost double the country’s share of global GDP. Listed Australian tech companies in agtech and food tech grew by 134 between 2016 and 2021 - 3.8 times faster than the average growth rate across all other tech segments.  “We punch above our weight in ag and food tech and they are fast-growing segments in Australia,” Mr Kassabgi said. “We have the potential to leverage our strengths in tech and agriculture to be globally competitive in agtech, but increasing investment in R&D and tech adoption is essential to making that happen. Setting a tech investment target would help drive coordinated action between government and industry on these kinds of initiatives.”

According to Tech Council research, women are most likely to enter the tech sector aged between 25 and 30 as a mid-career transition. However, women account for only 28% of tech workers across the economy. Creating an inclusive tech workforce not only opens opportunities for more people to benefit from the tech sector; it also brings a variety of perspectives and experiences that strengthen organisations and tech products and services. Women, culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, First Nations peoples, and individuals from rural and regional areas must all have a seat at the table. 2025 will likely be a turbulent year, but there is an opportunity for Australian leadership to create an inclusive technology workforce. Read the full article from TCA CEO, Damian Kassabgi here in The Australian Financial Review. https://lnkd.in/ghbDtJHs #DEI #diversityintech #CALDintech #womenintech

Congratulations to TCA Board Director, Kate Jones, on her recent appointment as Chairperson for Women In Digital!

Ahead of the holiday period, our Special Adviser on National Security, Adam R., shares a few of his top tips for staying cyber-safe! Thanks to Cyber Wardens for pulling this together. #cybersecurity #cyber #australiantech

In 2024, the Tech Council of Australia brought the tech community together through a dynamic lineup of events that fostered innovation, shaped policy, and built connections. From flagship gatherings like the National Tech Summit to intimate ministerial roundtables, each event strengthened Australia's position as a global tech leader and amplified the industry's voice where it matters most.   By bridging local expertise with international leaders, hosting member forums across the country, and facilitating critical policy discussions, we empowered our members to drive meaningful change. Thank you to everyone who participated in making 2024 a landmark year for Australian tech! #australiantechsector #techleadership #techinnovation