South Australian innovation festival _Southstart is putting VCs and 20 startups together in a big pitch summit at its festival

_Southstart, the Adelaide-based ideas and innovation festival, will be one of the country’s first major post-lockdown events in 2021, with festival director Craig Swann blocking out February 16-19 for the Emergence* festival.

“In a year that has presented no shortage of challenges, we have continued to bring life to the ecosystem through virtual events. However, we are thrilled to be focused on what we do best – curating human-first experiences that unlock knowledge, networks, and opportunities – while exploring the pressing questions and opportunities for Australia” Swann said.

Founders, executives, industry experts, Investors and other innovation leaders will feature in a program spanning the technology, agriculture, creative, innovation and science sectors via a range of keynotes, workshops, masterclasses, panels and summits.

The Emergence* festival will also include an Investor Summit bringing together more than 30 general partners from Australian venture capital firms, in conjunction with a National Startup Showcase, which will see 20 startup companies selected to pitch to investors.

A startup ecosystem summit is also part of the program with national leaders gathering to discuss Australia’s innovation and startup agenda.

Swann said he wanted the program to breathe much-needed life into South Australia’s events and hospitality industry, with the festival to include a host of venue takeovers places such as the National Wine Centre, The Manor at Basket Range, Africola, Golden Boy, Peel Street Restaurant, La Ramblas Restaurant and other regional locations.

The South Australian Government is backing , _SouthStart and the Emergence* festival through a major funding boost, and Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, said the organisation was playing a crucial role in creating opportunities in the state.

“With many international events out of reach for the time being, _SouthStart Emergence* provides a rare opportunity for Australia’s startup sector to gather safely in person to exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas,” he said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government has invested in _SouthStart from the beginning and the festival forms an important part of our FIXE [Future Industries eXchange for Entrepreneurs] Strategic Action Plan and our vision for entrepreneurship in South Australia.”

Early Bird Tickets for the Emergence* Festival will be available here.

The full program details and the speaker lineup will be announced in January