Discovery Day

The Discovery Day offers delegates an exclusive opportunity to step inside some of Australia’s leading innovation precincts, experiencing firsthand how collaboration between research, healthcare, education, industry and government is accelerating the translation of ideas into real-world impact.

Following the outstanding success of last year’s program, the 2026 Discovery Day will feature exclusive visits to Victoria University, La Trobe University and additional precinct destinations to be announced. Delegates will gain behind-the-scenes access to world-class research facilities, innovation hubs and emerging technologies, while hearing directly from the leaders and organisations shaping the future of Australia’s innovation ecosystem.

More than just a series of site visits, the Discovery Day provides invaluable networking opportunities and unique insights into how precincts foster collaboration, commercialisation and breakthrough discoveries. It is the perfect way to kick off the Summit, offering delegates an inspiring and immersive experience before the conference begins.

“The Discovery Day really set the tone, showcasing the amazing things that can happen within a precinct ecosystem and demonstrating the power of collaboration across Melbourne.”
– 2025 Discovery Day Delegate

Melbourne Discovery Day - Dec 1 2026

Delegation Pick Up

Pick up from Rydges Melbourne Hotel at approximately 8:00am, Tuesday, December 1, 2026.

Section 1

Site Tour 1 – Victoria University

Time	Item	Speakers / Notes
8:15am	Delegation departs Melbourne Connect
8:45am	Arrival at Whitten Oval Reception
9:00am	VU HPC Theatrette	Vice Chancellor Adam Shoemaker
	Partnership Showcase Panel – Western Bulldogs & Western Bulldogs Community Foundation	Representative, Western Bulldogs Hannah Singleton GM, Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Professor Andy Hill, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Impact Wade Noonan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Relations and Partnerships
9:30am	Guided tour of VU High Performance Centre	Alice Sweeting, Research Fellow, HIS Rees Thomas, Senior Lecturer, Physiotherapy VU PhD Students & VU Placement Students
10:00am	Delegation departs, heads to Footscray Hospital
10:15am	Walk across footbridge from VU Footscray Park to VURB/Footscray Hospital
10:30am	Western Health Welcome and Presentation	Dr. Abi Arul, Chief Medical Officer
10:40am	Group 1Tour VU Research Building (VURB)	Professor Alex Parker, Executive Director, Institute for Health and Sport James Broach, Vice Chancellor's Senior Research and Impact Fellow
10:40am	Group 2Footscray Hospital Tour	Craig Frost - Director Academy & Growth, Western Health
11:05am	Group 1Footscray Hospital Tour	Craig Frost, Director, Academy & Growth, Western Health
12:00pm	Group 2Tour VU Research Building (VURB)	Professor Alex Parker, Executive Director, Institute for Health and Sport James Broach, Vice Chancellor's Senior Research and Impact Fellow
11:30am	Delegation departs
12:00pm	Arrival at RMIT Cisco Sandbox

Section 2

Leisurely Lunch

Time	Item	Notes
1:00pm–2:00pm	Lunch – CBD	Free Time / Lunch (own arrangements)

Section 3

Site Tour 2 – RMIT University

02:00pm – 05:00pm

Time	Location	Speakers / Notes
2:00	RMIT Cisco Sandbox
TBC	RMIT RAIsE Hub (RMIT Artificial Intelligence Advanced Innovation Experience)
TBC	RMIT VX Lab

Section 3

Evening

Time	Item	Location
5:30pm	Welcome Reception – ACU(transport to ACU is being provided)	The Greg Craven Centre, Level 7, St Teresa of Kolkata Building, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Stay tuned for more updates

Interested in getting involved in the Discovery Day? Contact Danielle.Newman@informa.com

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