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Melbourne AI Startup Showcase & Networking — September Edition

Melbourne AI Startup Showcase & Networking — September Edition

Wed, Sep 30, 7:30 AM
From JR Academy - Launch your first Australian IT Job
4.3

**Please note: This event will be conducted in Mandarin Chinese.** 💡 Ideas · Products · Stories · Feedback · Connections What promising AI products and startup projects are being built in Melbourne? This in-person showcase and networking event brings together AI founders, product builders, investors, developers, and technology professionals. This September edition will feature **five confirmed early-stage AI startup projects**. Each team will have 20 minutes to share its founder journey, the problem it is solving, its product approach, how AI is being applied, and its current progress—followed by a live product demo and interactive Q&A. This is not a formal fundraising pitch event or another conference focused only on trends and concepts. We aim to create a relaxed and open environment where real AI products can be discovered, builders can receive useful feedback, and attendees can connect with people actively building within Melbourne’s AI community. ## ✨ Event Highlights * 🎤 Five AI startup project showcases * 💻 Live demos of real products, prototypes, and use cases * 🧠 Founder stories, product insights, and practical experiences * 💬 Interactive Q&A and audience feedback * 🤝 Meet AI founders, developers, product professionals, and industry partners * 🔗 Explore potential collaborations, advisory support, and industry connections * 🍕🥤 Food, drinks, and networking ## 🚀 What Will Each Project Share? Each project will cover: * The real-world problem it is solving * Its product or proposed solution * How AI is used within the product * Target users and use cases * Current product progress * A live product demo or prototype * Next-stage development plans * The feedback, resources, or industry connections it is looking for Each showcase will be followed by an interactive Q&A and feedback session. Project and guest introductions will be announced progressively. ## 🙋 Who Should Attend? * AI startup founders and co-founders * Aspiring founders exploring startup opportunities * AI engineers, developers, and product teams * Angel investors and early-stage investment professionals * Product managers, designers, and technology professionals * Startup mentors, advisors, and ecosystem partners * Anyone interested in AI products and entrepreneurship You do not need to have your own startup to attend. Join us as an audience member to discover real products being developed within Melbourne’s AI community and connect with founders and industry professionals. ## ⏰ Agenda * **5:30 PM–6:00 PM:** Check-in, food, and networking * **6:00 PM–6:10 PM:** Opening and event introduction * **6:10 PM–7:50 PM:** Five AI startup showcases, product demos, and Q&A sessions (20 minutes per team) * **7:50 PM–8:10 PM:** Open discussion and audience feedback * **8:10 PM–8:30 PM:** Networking and industry connections ## 📍 Event Details **Date:** Wednesday, 30 September 2026 **Time:** 5:30 PM–8:30 PM **Venue:** ANNG Gallery **Address:** Level 17, 60 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205 **Event Language:** Mandarin Chinese **Admission:** Free registration required **Food and Drinks:** Food and refreshments will be provided 🍕🥤 ⚠️ Places are limited. Please register in advance. ## 🤝 Host and Venue **Host:** JR Academy **Venue:** ANNG Gallery **Venue Support:** CloudTech Group

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4 attendees
Founders Running Club :: Melbourne

Founders Running Club :: Melbourne

Fri, Sep 4, 10:00 PM
From Founders Running Club :: Melbourne

📢 Founders Running Club :: Melbourne — the first Australian chapter of a global community bringing together founders, investors, operators, and creators. Whether startups are your whole career or just a curiosity, that’s our common ground. Come run, grab a coffee, make some friends. When? 8am every Saturday. We start gathering around 7:50am (some of us are there from 7:45). Where? Parkville parkrun: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WcaekGkh6S1DVK9Q7 🏃 First time? We run alongside parkrun, a larger event with 500+ participants, so there’s a first timer’s briefing. No sign-up needed, but you can grab a free barcode at parkrun.com.au to track your time and stats. It’s a 5K, but run your own lap of 3K or whatever you like. We don’t all run as a group (some do), and we meet after. We hang in the park until \~8:45, then grab ☕🥐 at a nearby café. 🤝 How do I find you? We gather in the park after the run. Join our WhatsApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KJRG8JnP1OF5Fw6Psfa72m](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KJRG8JnP1OF5Fw6Psfa72m) 👯 Bring a friend? Always. +1s very welcome! 📸 instagram.com/frcmelbourne

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2 attendees
Girl Founders Council - Focus Group - Founders and Builders Session 6

Girl Founders Council - Focus Group - Founders and Builders Session 6

Fri, Sep 4, 11:00 PM
From Girl Founders Council - Get Further Together

**Location:** East Melbourne Library - Room **Session**: 6!!! **Spots:** 6 maximum *We are at the early stages! Come help us figure out what it becomes.* The Founders Council is a weekly gathering for women in Melbourne's south-east who are building something — a business, a side project, a creative practice, an idea that keeps coming back. It is not just a networking event. It is not a workshop. It is a council — a small room of women who show up weekly (or help out the one-off joiners to the group) to give and receive honest input from people who are in the same season of building but might be doing it alone. You will meet other girls who are building something too, let's help each other out with whatever each of us is working on. Share your inputs and ideas. Because I believe we have so many skills and pieces of knowledge that can help the person next to you. This can be your accountability group come when you can, touch base and keep yourself accountable with what you planned to build. **Session 4 will run like this:** We will start with a quick round of names and what everyone is working on — thirty seconds each. Then the council opens. Anyone who wants to bring something gets fifteen minutes — a problem, a decision, a pitch to test, something they need honest eyes on. (You can also treat this as your accountability group where in your 15 minutes you can share what your plan is for this week. Then come again next week to check in and plan the next week) The group responds. Not with prescriptive advice. With real honest reactions from people who get it. We close with each person naming one thing they are doing before next week. That is it. That is the accountability. Then the last thirty minutes are open — coffee, conversation, the kind of talk that only happens when the room is right. **You do not have to share anything.** Come and contribute to the group. Listen. Give your perspective on someone else's problem. That seat is just as valuable as any other. **Others you could find here:** Women aged 20+ in Melbourne who are actively building something. Early stage, side hustle, just an idea — all welcome. The only thing that connects everyone in the room is that you are building and you want to be around others who are doing the same. **What to bring:** Yourself. Coffee. Optionally — one thing you are working on or stuck on that you would like the group's eyes on. **Spots are limited to 6.** Small by design. The council only works when the room is small enough for everyone to have the time to share and get the response. *This is a weekly event. Come once or come every week — no commitment required. The door is always open.* Started by Veronika — Building an app for couples, and someone who started this group because she needed it and could not find it.

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1 attendee
AI Tech & Startup Night — Melbourne

AI Tech & Startup Night — Melbourne

Tue, Sep 22, 2:00 PM
From NOMAD — FOUNDERS & INVESTORS ASIA PACIFIC

**Nomad Global Hub** brings together builders, founders, and tech professionals for a night of curated networking and high-impact startup pitches. **RSVP: [Reserve your spot](https://luma.com/hduj7o98)** With a track record of **235+ events** across **23 global cities** worldwide, we have welcomed over **5,000 attendees** and featured **1,200+ startup pitches** on our stages. We intentionally keep our meetups intimate because the best partnerships happen in focused, high-quality conversations, not in loud, overcrowded halls. **What to Expect** * **Live Tech Startup Pitches**: Watch selected early-stage founders present AI & Tech projects followed by sharp audience Q&A. * **High-Quality Networking:** Connect with a hand-picked audience of founders, investors, engineers, and tech leaders who value substance over small talk. * **Global Exposure:** Join a community that bridges **23 tech hubs worldwide**, providing you with a network that extends far beyond a single city. **Who Should Join** * Founders & Co-Founders looking for peers, feedback, investors and collaborators. * Tech Professionals & Builders seeking a high-quality community. * Ambitious Individuals ready to dive into the AI & Startup ecosystem. **For Investors** Active investors and VC partners are welcome to join the event and scout for early-stage talent, meet other investors, and see what teams are building. To access the startup database, please fill out the **[Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUkSdbmDb_tchKrZNf2A4c6HjrPLd87Ub3W-5WPfOgsszI9Q/viewform)** and ensure you have purchased a ticket. **For Pitching Startups** Selected startups gain live stage time and visibility within our global network among our database of investors. Purchase a Speaker Ticket to pitch, submit your **[Pitch Deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ1fGVQ-br2hQQnSsq7zz5XCAEvN5FfaYfJ7VSppMkujV8YQ/viewform)** and ensure it is accessible for viewers. **Nomad Global Hub \| 235\+ Events \| 23 Cities** *Note: To support our venue partner, we kindly encourage every guest to purchase at least one drink at the bar during the event.*

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1 attendee
Tech & Business Networking in Melbourne

Tech & Business Networking in Melbourne

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 AM
From Startups & Tech Events in Melbourne
4.3

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/uv8sdilc 🚀 **Join our event in Melbourne!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/uv8sdilc) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 18:00–18:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 18:30–19:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 19:00–19:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 19:50–21:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 1 day before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club

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13 attendees
Startup Pitch & Networking in Melbourne

Startup Pitch & Networking in Melbourne

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 AM
From Startups & Tech Events in Melbourne
4.3

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/uv8sdilc 🚀 **Join our event in Melbourne!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/uv8sdilc) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 18:00–18:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 18:30–19:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 19:00–19:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 19:50–21:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 1 day before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club

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6 attendees
430kMonthly events
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60mMembers
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4.5App store rating
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup helps founders connect with others in their city through local events and groups. It's a platform where entrepreneurs can find networking opportunities, share knowledge, and collaborate on ideas.

Search for 'Founder Groups' or relevant terms on Meetup tailored for the Melbourne area. You'll find events and meetings that align with entrepreneurial interests.

Yes, you're welcome to join multiple founder groups on Meetup. This can broaden your network, offering diverse insights and opportunities from different sectors.

Certainly! Many Meetup groups in Melbourne focus on startups, providing events that cover everything from funding advice to scaling businesses.

Entrepreneurs benefit by accessing a dynamic support network, learning from peers, and finding partners or mentors through various events.

Joining and attending Meetup events usually involves no cost, though some events may charge a small attendance fee. Always check event details for specific information.

Yes, you can start your own Meetup group if there's a niche or need you believe isn’t being met within the existing Melbourne founder scene.

Once you've found an event, RSVP by clicking 'Attend' on the Meetup page, helping organizers estimate attendance to plan better.

Some groups target specific sectors like tech, finance, or creative industries, offering specialized knowledge and networking tailored to those fields.

While many events are well-organized, quality may vary depending on the group and host. It's advisable to read reviews from other attendees when available.

Meetup fosters connections and learning, but doesn’t guarantee business success. Outcomes depend heavily on how actively you engage and leverage these connections.

Yes, some founder events also occur online, allowing entrepreneurs to participate remotely, expanding your options for learning and networking.

Weekly events may include networking sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions, allowing continuous learning and connection opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Melbourne features several tech-focused founder groups, providing a platform to discuss trends, share experiences, and network with similarly minded tech entrepreneurs.

Not every niche may have an active group in Melbourne. Availability depends on existing groups and general interest in that specific area.