Congratulations to the ACS Labs team on another successful Something Tech. event showcasing innovation and industry growth
Australia’s premier tech festival, Something Tech. 2025, lit up Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves on 28–29 August, drawing more than 560 technologists, investors, and industry leaders across fintech, agtech, proptech, and beyond. Now in its fourth year, Something Tech. has cemented itself as the meeting point for Australia’s innovation ecosystem – where founders connect with venture capital, mentors, and collaborators while gaining the visibility and networks needed to scale.
This year’s program, themed “Reimagining Human Intelligence”, spanned four streams (Industries, Planet, Ourselves, and Community) and featured:
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 such as AgriFood Tech Feeding and Clothing the World and Building Products Without a Tech Team.
Founder Journeys spotlighting entrepreneurs including Greg Miller, co-founder of Area Mars and exited co-founder of Faethm (acquired for $100 million in 2021), and Curtis Thomson, co-founder of simPro, one of Australia’s thriving unicorns.
Tech Tradeshow showcasing cutting-edge products and solutions from across the nation.
The festival culminated in River Rival, where nine founders pitched to a panel of top investors and industry leaders. This year’s judging panel included Steve Allen (Founding Partner, Blue Corridor Ventures), Elli Hanson (Principal, Side Stage Ventures), Shahirah Gardner (Investment Director, Skalata Ventures), and Dr Prash Puspanathan (Serial Entrepreneur and Investor, Enosis Therapeutics). Winners were recognised across three categories: Best in Product, People’s Choice, and Best of the Best.
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, ACS Labs Director.
“Something Tech. gives founders the chance to put their ideas in front of the people who can actually help them grow. We’ve seen startups secure investment and strategic opportunities as a direct result.”
Beyond networking and showcases, Something Tech. continues to play a tangible role in building Australia’s digital economy, connecting startups with capital, corporates with solutions, and talent with opportunity.