Take a step into Sydney’s hi-tech future

You’re invited to be part of Sydney’s future, where robotics, cleantech, artificial intelligence and augmented reality will all play a role in everyday life.

Supported by the City of Sydney, Spark Festival’s 2050 Emergent will take place at Sydney Town Hall on Saturday 19 October from 10am-4pm. 2050 Emergent is an expo of emerging technologies, initiatives and ideas shaping the future of Sydney.

Showcasing more than 30 startups, the one-off event will feature 50 displays and 20 presentations on topics that will include green cities, alternative housing models and the sharing economy.

The event is open to the public and will encourage attendees to imagine the future of Sydney. Applications for new exhibitors are open until Tuesday 24 September.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the free, hands-on event will focus on making the work of local innovators more available to the public.

“By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in cities. That’s why we’re working closely with the community to create a 2050 vision for Sydney – a clean, smart and efficient city for all.

“This event is a unique opportunity to learn more about emerging ideas and technologies, connect with their creators and give everyone a say in the Sydney they’d like to see in 2050.

“This is another important step in positioning Sydney as an innovative city, with startups, founders and visionaries working with us to make Sydney a truly global city.”

Ben Lee is founder and CEO of InvertiGro, a Sydney-based vertical garden startup that converts unused indoor spaces into rural-scale farms. Mr Lee will be exhibiting his leading-edge technology and presenting a talk at the event.

“Agritech allows food to be grown closer to home, rather than having to be transported hundreds of thousands of kilometres around the world as it is currently,” Mr Lee said.

“That relieves a lot of pressure on the transport, water supply and waste streams generated in traditional agriculture.

“Right now indoor vertical farming is seen as futuristic technology, but it will soon become common place because it can produce a wide variety of crops with superior yields, consistent quality and greater efficiency.

Australia has traditionally been the food bowl for Asia. Bringing together knowledge and new technologies will allow the local startup network to thrive and grow. I really see Australia becoming the leading centre for agritech.”

2050 Emergent is a collaboration between the City and Spark Festival Limited and is a headline event of the 2019 Spark Festival.

The event will take place in Lower Town Hall House from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 19 October.

Applications for exhibitors are open until Tuesday 24 September: sparkfestival.co/2050-emergent-eoi

Read more about Sydney 2050, our consultation and planning for Sydney's future.

For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis. Phone 0467 810 160 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Julia Lenton. Phone 0410 748 039 or email [email protected]