28 August 2025 – for immediate release

 

Something Tech. returns to Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves on 28–29 August 2025, bringing together over 560 technologists, investors, and industry leaders across sectors including fintech, agtech, proptech, and more.

 

More than just an event, Something Tech. has become the meeting point for Australia’s innovation ecosystem, a place where founders connect directly with venture capital, mentors, and collaborators, while gaining the visibility and networks needed to scale.

 

This year’s program, themed “Reimagining Human Intelligence”, spans four streams (Industries, Planet, Ourselves, and Community) and features:

 

• Tech Talks exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping markets and society, from the future of secure payments to agentic AI in construction.
• Panel Discussions tackling global and local challenges, including topics like AgriFood Tech Feeding and Clothing the World, and Building Products Without a Tech Team.
• Founder Journeys spotlighting entrepreneurs who’ve scaled successfully, such as Greg Miller, co-founder of Area Mars and exited co-founder of Faethm, acquired for over $100 million in 2021. Curtis Thomson, Co-founder of simPro a thriving Unicorn in Australia will take the stage to share his journey to Unicorn status.
• Tech Tradeshow showcasing products and solutions from across Australia.

 

The festival culminates in River Rival, where nine founders pitch to a panel of top investors and industry leaders.

 

This year’s judges include Blue Corridor Ventures founding partner Steve Allen, Side Stage Ventures principal Elli Hanson, Skalata Ventures investment director Shahirah Gardner, and Dr Prash. Puspanathan, Serial Entrepreneur and Investor from Enosis Therapeutics. Winners will be recognised with the Best in Product, People’s Choice, and Best of the Best awards.

 

Something Tech. has already proven to be a launchpad for Australian startups. Past River Rival participants have secured significant investment and partnerships, including Heatseeker AI ($2.3 million pre-seed), The Laundry Lady ($1 million seed), and Coach Welly ($4.25 million pre-seed).

 

“River City Labs is proud to bring together founders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and mentors to build Australia’s next wave of tech companies,” said Pauline Fetaui, River City Labs director.

 

“Something Tech. provides founders the chance to put their ideas in front of the people who can actually help them grow. And we’ve seen startups secure investment and strategic opportunities as a direct result.”

 

Beyond networking and showcases, Something Tech. plays a tangible role in building Australia’s digital economy, connecting startups with capital, corporates with solutions, and talent with opportunity.

 

Something Tech. tickets and the program are available at Something Tech.’s website at https://www.somethingtech.com/home.html

 

-ENDS-

 

Further information

 

Troy Steer

Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy

M – 0417 173 740

E – [email protected]

 

About River City Labs

 

River City Labs fosters the growth of startup companies wanting to solve big problems. We provide resources to empower, support and connect entrepreneurs. Central to everything we do is a focus on collaboration and connection.

 

Since 2012 over 700 entrepreneurs have called RCL home. Through our events program we have welcomed more than 29,000 guests into our community by hosting over 1000 events aimed at supporting founders on their entrepreneurship journey.

 

River City Labs powers a range of programs, events and engagement opportunities, enabling our corporate partners to innovate differently and embed their teams within the start-up community.

 

About ACS 

 

ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 40,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.

 

ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.