3 March 2026 • The Joan, Penrith
Bringing women founders and industry leaders in Western Sydney together to shape Australia’s future in innovation, technology and sustainability.
Western Sydney is entering a new era of innovation, and it’s time to amplify the women founders leading the way.
Western Sydney Innovation Connect: Women x Industry Summit puts women founders at the centre of the conversation, showcasing world-class ideas, elevating emerging talent, and creating a powerful space to learn, connect and grow.
Hosted by Western Sydney Business Women in partnership with Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA), and proudly sponsored by Investment NSW, this landmark event creates pathways and connections for women founders and entrepreneurs to lead industry change.
Ticket sales open soon – join our newsletter to be the first to know.
What to Expect
Designed for women founders and business owners at every stage, this event helps you strengthen your knowledge, refine your direction and build meaningful connections. For industry leaders and policymakers, it’s a chance to support women-led innovation and connect with more women-owned businesses during NSW Women’s Week.
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Understand the Opportunities That Matter
Join dynamic discussions with founders and industry experts to unpack sector challenges, emerging innovation gaps and where collaboration can accelerate your growth.
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Explore Funding & Commercial Pathways
Hear from Investment NSW specialists on how to navigate government grants, pilot programs and commercialisation channels across key sectors.
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Connect With Decision-Makers
Meet founders, investors, corporates and policymakers in a relaxed, high-value networking environment built to spark conversations and collaboration.
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Discover Emerging Innovators
Be inspired by women founders, finalists from an open-call Innovation Pitch Sprint, as they share their bold ideas live.
Details
Date: 3 March 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Networking from 12:30 pm
Location: The Joan, 597 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Ticket sales open soon – join our newsletter to be the first to know.
Be part of the movement shaping the future of Western Sydney’s innovation economy.
Meet the Speakers
Watch this space. Further speakers to be announced.
Call for Women Founders: Apply for the Innovation Pitch Sprint
Bold ideas. Start-ups that deserve to be seen. Women creating change.
Are you a woman founder based in Western Sydney with a bold idea or fast-growing venture?
We’re inviting applications for the Innovation Pitch Sprint, a live showcase of founders at the Western Sydney Innovation Connect Summit.
Selected finalists will receive mentoring and a platform to showcase their venture to industry leaders, investors and policymakers. The pitch winner will receive a curated business mentoring package, connecting them to key people in their industry.
Who can apply: Women-founded (51%+ ownership) and living or working in Western Sydney.
How to apply:
Free to enter. Submit a 90-second video and fill out the application form. Applications close 14th January 2026. Finalists will be announced in early February 2026.
Applications open soon – join our newsletter to be the first to know.
