Western Sydney Innovation Connect: Women x Industry
Western Sydney is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse of innovation, technology and sustainability, and at the forefront of this change are the women founders who are shaping the future of our region. The Western Sydney Innovation Connect: Women x Industry Summit puts these women at the centre of the conversation, showcasing world-class ideas, elevating emerging talent, and creating a powerful space to learn, connect and grow.
An Event with Purpose
Hosted by Western Sydney Business Women in partnership with Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA) and proudly supported by Investment NSW, this event is tailored for women founders and business owners across all stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
The event will be held on 3 March 2026 at The Joan in Penrith, as part of International Women’s Day and NSW Women’s Week.
What to Expect
Innovation Connect delivers both inspiration and practical insight with sessions that support founders, leaders and policymakers alike:
Understand the Opportunities That Matter: Join dynamic discussions with founders and industry experts to unpack sector challenges, emerging innovation gaps and where collaboration can accelerate your growth.
Explore Funding & Commercial Pathways: Hear from Investment NSW specialists on how to navigate government grants, pilot programs and commercialisation channels across key sectors.
Connect With Decision-Makers: Meet founders, investors, corporates and policymakers in a relaxed, high-value networking environment built to spark conversations and collaboration.
Discover Emerging Innovators: Be inspired by women founders, finalists from an open-call Innovation Pitch Sprint, as they share their bold ideas live.
Sessions are designed to be accessible and practical, with a focus on learning and connection rather than jargon or theory.
Innovation Pitch Sprint
A key part of the Summit is the Innovation Pitch Sprint, which gives women founders the opportunity to pitch their ideas live to the audience.
Finalists are supported through a mentoring program ahead of the event, helping them refine their pitch and build confidence before taking the stage. The Pitch Sprint is open to women founders based in Western Sydney and welcomes ideas at different stages of development.
Why It Matters
Western Sydney is home to a growing number of women-led businesses and innovative ideas, but access to visibility and support can still be a barrier.
Innovation Connect aims to help bridge that gap by creating a space where founders can be seen, heard and connected to people who can support their next steps — whether that’s through partnerships, programs or continued learning.
Event Details
Western Sydney Innovation Connect: Women x Industry Summit
Date: 3 March 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Networking from 12:30 pm
Location: The Joan, 597 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Tickets: $60 pp + booking fees (includes light refreshments)
If you’re a woman founder, industry partner or supporter of women-led innovation in Western Sydney, Innovation Connect offers a practical opportunity to connect, learn and engage.