On Monday, 1 September 2025, AIBUILD and ASPIRE co-hosted the panel event AI to Impact: Innovation through Entrepreneurship at Melbourne Connect. The discussion brought together founders and entrepreneurs who are transforming cutting-edge artificial intelligence research into real-world impact, with a focus on Australia’s future competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Exploring Australia’s AI-to-Impact Journey
As AI technologies evolve at remarkable speed, the event addressed a central question:
How can Australia convert world-class research into practical applications and maintain a competitive edge on the global stage?
The panel featured four leaders whose work exemplifies the transition from research to impact:
- Yifei Wang – advancing AI from research labs into practical, scalable solutions.
- Gabriel Gichuhi – developing Auslan recognition technology to connect Deaf and hearing communities.
- Ray Ni – creating AI-powered sustainability solutions that transform wastewater into clean resources.
- Jason Chi Ho Lee – driving innovation and high-growth financing across the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Themes and Insights
The discussion highlighted several important themes:
- Startups as Catalysts
Startups are crucial in bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and market-ready products, demonstrating agility and speed in turning research into real services. - Investment and Government Priorities
For new ventures to succeed, scalability and practical application are vital. Governments and investors are increasingly focused on supporting projects that align with national priorities and deliver measurable impact. - Cross-Sector Collaboration
Sustainable innovation depends on collaboration between universities, startups, industry, and government. The panellists underscored the importance of creating an ecosystem where ideas can grow and scale.
Lessons from Founders
Each founder shared experiences of navigating the challenges of bringing AI innovations to market, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and mission-driven leadership.
Networking and Collaboration
Following the panel, a networking session provided opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and explore collaborations. The energy in the room reflected a shared belief that AI impact extends beyond technology; it requires people, ecosystems, and purpose.
Looking Ahead
The AI to Impact panel reinforced the need for Australia to not only invest in research excellence but also to ensure pathways exist for ideas to progress beyond the lab and deliver outcomes for society, industry, and the environment.
AIBUILD will continue to foster dialogue and partnerships that accelerate the journey from AI innovation to impact, ensuring that Australia plays a leading role in shaping the global digital future.
