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It’s true that it’s never too late to learn something new, but in the startup world, it’s never too early either. University years are the best time to experiment – so if you've got something in mind, why not try being your own boss and seeing where it leads you?

While it’s exciting to see your idea brought to life, starting something from scratch is still a challenging path that all aspiring entrepreneurs will have to navigate. The good news is all businesses start from somewhere, and every successful businessman and woman would have once been in your shoes.

This year’s Sydney Innovation Festival spans three days, from 12 to 14 October. We've brought together some of the best of the start-up world in Australia, from Canva, Afterpay, to Google’s Wing and Zip. Think about it as the research phase, it’s time to gather some intel for your future businesses and get inspired.

Here, we have selected the top 3 sessions that you do not want to miss, the full program is available on our Sydney Innovation Festival event page.

Featuring Afterpay, Canva, Sydney Ideas and investors, this session is perfect if you want an introduction into Australia’s startup ecosystem. The culture, the incubators, the funding opportunities, are all part of the panel’s agenda. Jump onto the session and ask the panel your questions.

• Fenella Kernebone, Head of programming, Sydney Ideas (Moderator)
• Lachlan Andrews, Global Communications Lead, Canva
• Livia Wang, Co-Founder and CMO of Access Corporate Group
• Lee Harnett, Executive Vice President, Afterpay

The past year has severely impacted youth’s mental health, connection to community and overall wellbeing. But did you know that there are startups and people addressing these issues right now? Find out how innovation and wellbeing connect with CEOs, Directors and MCs all tackling the issue.

• Natasha Munasinghe, Director of Franked.io 
• Nicolas Brown, Batyr CEO
• Danielle Owen Whitford, CEO of Pioneer & Genesis Winner 2021
• Adam Spencer, MC, mathematician and comedian

What is it like to work in a startup? Ask a student. How can I be involved in a startup society? Ask a student. What stories can we learn from Australia’s best innovators? Ask a student! This panel consists of recent graduates and students involved in innovation across the University.

• Matilda Langford, ±¬ÁÏÍõ Student Ambassador
• Audrey Thehamilhardja, Canva graduate
• Muskan Jain, Enactus President
• Rishabh Jain, SUSMI President
• Adam Miller, The Sachin and Adam Show

The full program is available here, join hundreds of other students and , 12-14 October. 

Keen to mak a career in the startup space? Register now for the Startup Careers Fair on 14 October, straight after the Innovation Festival.