There's been an explosion of South Asians at this year's SXSW Sydney festival.
The festival festures culture, music, film, innovation, tech, startups and brand activations, and takes over Sydney for a full week.
Our amazing writer Dhwani managed to find all the South Asians humanly possible to find at SXSW Sydney. Check out the full list with session times below.
Aadeel Akhtar
US-based
CEO & Founder, Psyonic
Dr Aadeel is the founder and CEO of Psyonic, a US-based company revolutionizing prosthetics with advanced, accessible bionics. Inspired by meeting a young girl with a limb difference in Pakistan, he developed the Ability Hand—fastest on the market, impact-resistant, and the first to provide a sense of touch. He’s been recognized by MIT Technology Review and Newsweek and secured a 3-shark deal on Shark Tank.
Session: The AI-Powered Bionic Revolution Has Already Begun
Date & Time: Oct 14, 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 2
Adeep Mitra
linkedin.com/in/adeep-mitra-b71030277
Australia-based
Co-Founder, Polinate
Adeep is the Co-Founder of Polinate, a SaaS platform that streamlines supplier ordering for restaurants by automating back-office tasks and lowering fulfillment costs. Launched in 2025, Polinate helps food suppliers and restaurateurs save time and manage operations more efficiently. Adeep was named UQ Startup of the Year and won First Place at the UQ Ventures 2025 Pitch Night, recognizing his work in technology and agribusiness.
Session: Startups, Stress & Scaling Young: The Gen Z Founder Playbook
Date & Time: Oct 16, 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.1 & E3.2
Akhila Shankar
India-based
Head, TuneCore South Asia
Akhila is a music executive with over a decade of experience in India’s media and entertainment industry. She leads TuneCore South Asia, focusing on music distribution and artist development. Previously, she was Head of Marketing at JioSaavn, where she helped build its independent music arm and co-led its rebranding after Jio’s acquisition. Akhila has also worked with Luminary, expanding its podcast network globally, and has represented India’s music industry at SXSW and Øya Festival.
Session: The Evolution of South Asian Music Market – LIVE
Date & Time: Oct 17, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.9 (Podcast Stage)
Amit Bansal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-bansal-5249011/
AI Execution and Data-led Transformation Lead, (APJ), Accenture
Amit has over 29 years of experience in analytics and data, with the past decade focused on AI and data transformation. He leads Accenture’s AI Execution and Data-led Transformation across the Asia-Pacific region, helping organizations move from experimentation to scalable, outcome-driven AI solutions. Amit specializes in integrating AI into operations and delivering measurable business value.
Session: Accenture Insight Circle: How to Turn AI Hype into Real Business Value
Date & Time: Oct 13, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C3.2
Anil Thapliyal
linkedin.com/in/anil-thapliyal-17926a5
Executive Director, eMental Health International Collaborative
Prof Thapliyal is a global leader in digital mental health, known for initiatives such as New Zealand’s National Depression Initiative (The Lowdown and The Journal). His work spans strategy, policy, and implementation of scalable eMental Health solutions across New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and Australia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology and recipient of a Commemorative Award for contributions to eMental Health.
Session: Signs of Change: Co-Creating Inclusive Digital Mental Health Solutions for Deaf Communities
Date & Time: Oct 14, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.6
Anisha Khopkar
Consultant / Media Executive, McAuliffe & Khopkar
Australia-based
Anisha is a media strategist and consultant with 17 years of experience in digital transformation, content innovation, and audience engagement. She has led strategies for brands such as triple j and BuzzFeed, focusing on how younger audiences connect with media. As Co-Founder and Director of McAuliffe & Khopkar, she focuses on content strategy, storytelling, and media projects.
Session 1: Media Careers of the Future
Date & Time: October 16, 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 2
Session 2: The Best Ideas Should Never Have Worked
Date & Time: October 16, 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.5 & C2.6 (Short Talks)
Anita Sood
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitasood/
Asia Elevate Commercial Operating Unit Lead, Microsoft Asia Elevate
Australia-based
Anita is a technology leader with two decades of experience at Microsoft, AWS, and Cisco. She focuses on digital and AI strategies that support inclusive and sustainable transformation. She leads initiatives such as the AI for Accessibility Toolkit and Women in AI Asia, promoting access and opportunities in digital technology.
Session: Networking Breakfast – AI For Good: From Vision to Impact
Date & Time: Oct 16, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.5
Anju Dhanushkodi
linkedin.com/in/anju-dhanushkodi-2ba5802b8
National Youth Collective, Project Rockit
Anju is part of the National Youth Collective at Project Rockit. She is currently studying Commerce at the University of New South Wales and is interested in supporting representation of marginalised communities in media.
Session: You Can't Always Ban What You Want
Date & Time: Oct 14, 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.7
Anmol Kukreja
linkedin.com/in/anmol-kukreja-3b907a73
Founder & CEO, SkillBox
India-based
Anmol is the co-founder and CEO of SkillBox, focusing on technology solutions for the arts and entertainment sector. He has over 11 years of experience in leadership roles across consumer entertainment, telecom, medical, and service industries.
Session: The Evolution of South Asian Music Market - LIVE
Date & Time: Oct 17, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.9 - Podcast Stage
Aruna Sathanapally
linkedin.com/in/arunasathanapally
Australia-based
Director, The Grattan Institute
Dr Aruna leads The Grattan Institute, Australia’s public policy think tank. She leads a team of independent researchers generating policy ideas across areas such as health, energy and climate, tax, intergenerational justice, economic growth, and inequality. She is trained as a lawyer and economist and has 20 years’ experience in public policy and institutional design.
Session: If I Ran Australia: The Big, Bold Ideas That No One Is Talking About And Everyone Should Be
Date & Time: Oct 14, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 1
Ashani Dante
linkedin.com/in/ashani-dante-57453197
Australia-based
Founder, Flourish Journey
Ashani runs a charity supporting the mental health of teenage girls and gender-diverse teens across Australia. Since launching in 2018, the organisation has reached over 27,000 young people. Ashani is also a speaker, facilitator, content creator, and co-host of Mamamia’s podcast But Are You Happy?
Session: A Pandemic of Loneliness
Date & Time: Oct 16, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.5
Ashwin Rajan
Global Accounts Lead (EMEA & APAC), Palantir
UK-based
Ashwin leads Palantir’s Global Accounts, managing commercial operations across Europe and Asia. He has a legal and commercial background, previously working at Linklaters, UBS, and Deloitte. He will discuss how to convert platform potential into enterprise value: scaling deployment, shaping use case prioritisation, and balancing flexibility, governance and ROI in real deployments.
Session: Accenture Insight Circle: How to Turn AI Hype into Real Business Value
Date & Time: Oct 13, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C3.2
Avani Prabhakar
linkedin.com/in/avani-solanki-prabhakar-235b334
Australia-based
Chief People Officer – Atlassian
Avani Prabhakar leads Atlassian’s People organisation, covering HR, Talent, Total Rewards, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and more across the company’s global operations. She has over 20 years of experience in technology, aviation, engineering, and professional services across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the US.
Session: In (Un)Loving Memory: How To Kill Meeting Culture
Date & Time: Oct 14, 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 2
Dhanji Prasanna
Chief Technology Officer – Block Inc
Australia-based
Dhanji is the CTO of Block Inc, based in Sydney. Previously a tech lead at Google, he has contributed to modern software architecture and is now focused on developing next-generation AI tools through ‘Project Goose’.
Session: Building with Transparency: In Conversation with Dhanji Prasanna
Date & Time: Oct 13, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.6
Dr Jagdev Singh
linkedin.com/in/jagdev-singh-330902183
Australia-based
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Staff Specialist, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Dr Singh is a specialist in respiratory and sleep medicine at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, focusing on paediatric care.
Session: Next-Gen Healthcare: The Intelligence Revolution in Paediatric Health
Date & Time: Oct 16, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Discovery Stage - Halls 6 & 7
Faria Anzum
Product Design Lead, Canva
Australia-based
Faria is a Product Design Lead at Canva, where she focuses on developer experience and responsible technology design. Her work centres on AI ethics, human-centred design, and making app development more accessible to all.
Session: How AI Agents Are Changing The Creator Game
Date & Time: Oct 13, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.6
Farouk Ismail
Co-Founder, Slice & Paylater Travel
Australia-based
Farouk is co-founder and CEO of Slice Group, which includes the B2B payment platform Slice Pay and consumer brand Paylater Travel. Since 2018, the company has enabled travel for over 200,000 passengers by letting travellers lock in fares with a deposit and pay over up to 26 weeks. Farouk focuses on building payment products for more responsible, accessible travel.
Session: Founders & Investors Bridging Australia to the World
Date & Time: Oct 15, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.3
Gautam Pingali
CEO & Founder – Go2 Market
Australia-based
Gautam is an innovation strategist, entrepreneur, and patent-holder. He has founded multiple businesses and focuses on creating simple solutions for complex problems.
Session: How Can Australia Harness Innovation for Economic Growth?
Date & Time: Oct 14, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.3
Harshita Prakash
linkedin.com/in/harshita-prakash-l90
User Experience Designer, RMIT University
Australia-based
Harshita is a UI/UX and service designer with over six years of experience across automotive, healthcare, and government sectors. She has worked with clients such as Yamaha and Honda, creating user-centered solutions and inclusive digital products. Her work also explores generative AI, data visualization, and innovative design frameworks to improve experiences in complex systems like healthcare.
Session: GestureSync: Bridging Emotions and Motion in Virtual Reality Through Interactive Non-Verbal Communication
Date & Time: Oct 16, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.5 & C2.6 (Short Talks)
Hashbass
https://www.instagram.com/hashbass
Music Producer & Bassist
India-based
Delhi-born Hashbass blends Indian roots with global sounds, creating emotion-driven electronic music. A graduate of the Musicians Institute, LA, and the first Indian to win its Outstanding Student Award, he’s performed at Lollapalooza India and produced for Coke Studio Bharat.
He has collaborated with artists like Prateek Kuhad, Rashmeet Kaur, Shilpa Rao, and Sachin-Jigar, earning 150K+ Spotify listeners and 1M+ Apple Music plays.
Sessions:
Oct 16, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM | The Eveleigh Hotel – Upstairs
Oct 17, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Kyiv Social
Ishita Gupta
Founding Engineer, Kinso.ai, UN Delegate
Australia-based
Ishita is a founding engineer at Kinso.ai and serves as a UN Delegate. She works at the intersection of technology and global initiatives, focusing on innovation in STEM.
Session: Stellar Minds: Reimagining the Future in STEM
Date & Time: Oct 15, 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Discovery Stage, Halls 6 & 7
Jashima Wadehra
Founder, Ode
US-based
Jashima is a New York-based storyteller and the founder of Ode, a creative agency connecting brands and culture through strategy, partnerships, and experiential storytelling. She has worked with clients including Amazon Music, Universal Music Canada, VEVO, Netflix, YouTube, and the Cricket IPL, and was part of the inaugural US Keychange cohort as an innovator.
Session: International Managers Roundtable
Date & Time: Oct 17, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.6
Jehan Ratnatunga
linkedin.com/in/jehan-ratnatunga-90b7394
Co-founder & VP of Strategy and Growth, Who Gives a Crap
Australia-based
Jehan is a co-founder of Who Gives a Crap, an eco-friendly toilet paper company donating profits to global sanitation projects. He has previously worked at YouTube as Global Head of Programming Strategy for Originals and as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. He holds a mechatronics engineering degree from the University of Melbourne and also creates digital content on Sri Lankan culture.
Session: Creating Climate Consultants: A Youth Pipeline for the Green Economy
Date & Time: Oct 14, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.7
Dr Khimji Vaghjiani
Professor, Torrens University
Australia-based
Prof Vaghjiani was named Australian Innovator of the Year 2010. He has extensive experience in research, commercialisation, and supporting deep-tech startups. He previously led Harbour City Labs, served as Director of Smart Internet and Smart Services CRC, and worked with NSW government, NICTA, and CSIRO on technology and data commercialisation projects.
Session: How Can Australia Harness Innovation for Economic Growth?
Date & Time: Oct 14, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.3
Kiriti Rambhatla
linkedin.com/in/kiriti-rambhatla
CEO, Metakosmos
Australia-based
Kiriti is the CEO of Metakosmos and a specialist in emerging technologies. He is developing the Kosmosuit, a next-generation spacesuit with applications across land, sea, and air. He has spoken at TEDx, Avalon International Airshow, and SXSW and holds a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and an MBA with post-master specializations from London Business School and MIT.
Session: Next Generation Human Space Exploration
Date & Time: Oct 15, 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.5 & C2.6 (Short Talks)
Kriti Gupta
Freelance Social Media & Content Strategist
Kriti is a social media and content strategist with over a decade of experience across media, publishing, global brands, and not-for-profits. She has worked with PepsiCo, News Corp, ARE Media, and Spotify, and in 2025 launched In My Head, a media and advocacy platform amplifying marginalised voices and youth culture.
Session: The “Myth” of New Media
Date & Time: Oct 16, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.6
Kunjan Ganatra
linkedin.com/in/kunjan-ganatra-9b461079
CEO, McNab
Australia-based
Kunjan is the CEO of McNab, one of Australia’s largest privately-owned construction and property groups. He has over a decade of experience in commercial strategy and leadership, previously at Flight Centre Travel Group, and now leads McNab’s diverse operations across Australia and Southeast Asia.
Session: Tackling The Housing Shortage One Module At A Time
Date & Time: Oct 16, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.3
Dr M Tasdik Hasan
PhD, Monash Faculty of Information Technology
Dr Hasan is a physician and global mental health researcher focused on digital mental health solutions for underserved communities, including refugees and deaf populations. His work on AI-powered, culturally adaptive interventions has been recognized internationally, including by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and with the 2024 Digital Mental Health Leadership Excellence Award.
Session: Signs of Change: Co-Creating Inclusive Digital Mental Health Solutions for Deaf Communities
Date & Time: Oct 14, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.6
Manon Dave
Creative Technologist, Product Designer, Musician & Founder
Manon is a creative technologist and founder working at the intersection of AI, music, art, and education. He is the Head of Propositions, R&D at the BBC and has served as principal AI engineer for will.i.am and Idris Elba. He also leads ventures focused on AI equity and innovation.
Sessions:
- Instant Impact: Democratising Payments for Creatives Worldwide
Oct 15, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | ICC Sydney – Room E3.8
- Creativity, AI, and the Future of Work with Ndidi Oteh
Oct 13, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | ICC Sydney – Pyrmont Theatre
- Ctrl, Alt, Create
Oct 14, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | ICC Sydney – Room C3.3
- Manon Dave Speaker Connect
Oct 15, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | UTS Building 8 – Chau Chak Auditorium
Meher Bahl
Senior Heritage Officer, NSW Public Works | Founder, Restore Conservation Services & Defectech
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meher-bahl-51453313a
Australia-based
Heritage and conservation specialist Meher merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital technology to preserve and reimagine built environments. As the Founder of Restore Conservation Services and Defectech, she focuses on sustainable and adaptive design, using innovation to advance heritage conservation practices.
Meher will be pitching Defectech at the SXSW Pitch Finals on Oct 15, sharing her vision for the future of technology-driven restoration.
Michael Rodrigues
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodrigues-154a3811/
Michael Rodrigues is NSW's first ever 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, having been appointed in April 2021.
In December 2023, the Commissioner's role was made statutory, and the Office's remit was expanded from Greater Sydney to all of NSW. In the role, Michael leads the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner in NSW Government and is responsible for delivering the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy.
Molina Asthana
National Chair, Sport, Art & Culture, Australia India Business Council
https://www.linkedin.com/in/molina-asthana-gaicd-0922b1104
Australia-based
Molina is the National Chair for Sport, Art & Culture at the AIBC, Chair of Handball Australia, and Founder of Multicultural Women in Sport. She is a leading advocate for diversity, inclusion, and representation in sport. A lawyer by profession, Molina has worked with top-tier firms MinterEllison and Clayton Utz and held key roles in both Australia and India.
Session: Game On: Unlocking India’s $130B Sports Opportunity
Time & Date: Oct 15, 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
Venue: Flex By ISPT Collider - Main Room
Mukund Rajan
linkedin.com/in/mukund-rajan-64480
Advisory Leader, CTO Labs
Australia-based
Mukund is an Advisory Leader at CTO Labs with 20 years of experience helping companies turn technology into practical solutions. He has held leadership roles in global strategy consultancy and focuses on making AI and digital platforms work for people.
Session: Mentor | Mukund Rajan (CTO Labs)
Date & Time: October 17, 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Exhibition, Level 3 Foyer
Munasib
https://www.instagram.com/munasib____/
DJ
Australia-based
Munasib has shared stages with icons like Skrillex, Jyoty, and Yung Singh, lighting up dancefloors from Splendour in the Grass to the Sydney Opera House. As part of tastemaker crew Astral People and South Asian collective Kerfew, she spotlights diasporic talent through music.
Sessions at SXSW Sydney 2025:
Munasib — Oct 16, 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM | The Abercrombie
Munasib presents Bass Boost — Oct 16, 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM | The Abercrombie
Neema Iyer
Founder, STEMtoto Studio
Australia-based
Neema is a technologist, researcher, and creative working at the intersection of digital rights, feminist tech, and interactive media. She is the founder of STEMtoto Studio, where she leads the development of Kamata, a narrative-driven game on environmental conservation on the Swahili coast.
Session: Game Changers: Breaking into Games from Unexpected Paths
Date & Time: Oct 15, 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.10
Neil Patel
Marketer, Neil Patel Digital
US-based
Neil is a New York Times best-selling author and one of the world’s most influential digital marketers, recognised by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine. As co-founder of NP Digital, he has helped global brands like Amazon, Microsoft, and Airbnb achieve measurable growth through data-driven marketing. His blog and podcast reach millions monthly, sharing insights that simplify digital success.
Sessions:
Featured | The Marketing Reset: What to Unlearn From 2025 with Neil Patel
Oct 14, 01:15 PM – 02:15 PM | ICC Sydney – Darling Harbour Theatre
Speaker Connect: Neil Patel
Oct 14, 03:30 PM – 04:30 PM | UTS Building 8 – Oval Classroom Level 3
Osman Faruqi
https://www.instagram.com/oz_faruqi/?hl=en
Journalist and Co-Founder - Lamestream
Osman Faruqi is an award-winning journalist and editor. He was most recently the Culture Editor at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, where he hosted The Drop podcast. He executive produced the 7am podcast and has also worked as a journalist and editor at the ABC. He is the co-founder of Lamestream, an independent media company covering how the media shapes news, culture, politics and current affairs.
Padmashree Palavalli
https://www.instagram.com/rangmudra_bengaluru/
Founder, RangMudra
India-based
Padmashree is the founder of RangMudra, a creative studio dedicated to preserving India’s textile heritage through eco-printing and block printing.
Session: Impressions by RangMudra
Time & Date: Oct 15, 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Venue: Flex By ISPT Collider - Main Room
Prabha Nandagopal
linkedin.com/in/prabha-nandagopal-9959b4196
Founder, SafeSpace@elevate
Australia-based
Prabha is an award-winning human rights lawyer and workplace culture expert. She is the founder of SafeSpace@elevate, Australia’s first trauma-informed and anonymous reporting platform helping organisations create safer, more inclusive workplaces. With over 18 years’ experience across human rights, business, and law, Prabha has led major cultural reviews including those for Parliament, the music industry, and EY Oceania.
Session: Lead, Include, Succeed: The Unfiltered Playbook for Thriving Workplaces
Date & Time: Oct 13, 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room C2.3
Preethi Mohan
Founder, NiceTo
Australia-based
Preethi is an entrepreneur, investor, and startup coach passionate about empowering founders. A former leader at Google, Samsung, and InterContinental, she has since founded and invested in ventures across MarTech, MediaTech, and HealthTech. Through NiceTo and her work with Press Play Ventures and F2F, she’s guided over 250 founders in scaling through innovation and strategy.
Session: The Art of Reframing: How to Get the Upper Hand on Investor Conversations
Date & Time: Oct 16, 12:30 PM – 01:30 PM
Venue: UTS Building 8 – Oval Classroom Level 2
Prithi Dey
Head of Podcasts – Spotify AUNZ
Australia-based
Prithi leads Spotify’s podcast business across Australia and New Zealand, driving growth through creator partnerships and innovative content strategies. With experience at Universal Music, The Guardian, and Junkee Media, she has shaped the region’s podcasting landscape. At Spotify, Prithi has led major initiatives like exclusive deals with Toni and Ryan and Casefile, and the launch of video podcasts in Australia.
Session: Sound Check: Podcast Insights From The Inside
Date & Time: Oct 14, 01:15 PM – 02:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Room E3.3
Priya Dewan
linkedin.com/in/priya-dewan-giglifeasia
Founder & CEO, Gig Life Pro
Singapore-based
Priya is the founder and CEO of Gig Life Pro, a platform connecting Asia-Pacific’s live entertainment ecosystem through collaboration, insights, and innovation.
Session: Building a Brand That Lasts: Festivals With Vision
Date & Time: Oct 15, 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Cockle Bay 2
Priya Ramakrishnan
Design Lead, Nasdaq
Australia-based
Priya is Design Lead at Nasdaq, focusing on product, design, and AI for Market and Trade Surveillance tools used by exchanges and regulators worldwide. She co-leads Women in Nasdaq (Australia), running mentorship and community initiatives for women in tech and finance.
Session: Mentor | Priya Ramakrishnan (Nasdaq)
Date & Time: Oct 15, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney – Exhibition, Level 3 Foyer
Raaj Rayat
Investor, Airtree
Australia-based
Raaj is an early-stage venture investor with experience across emerging markets in Africa and Asia. Raaj has experience investing, studying, and travelling across 40+ countries, focusing on emerging markets in Africa and Asia. AirTree’s portfolio includes Canva, Go1, A Cloud Guru, Pet Circle, Immutable, Employment Hero, and Linktree.
Session: Live IC: What VC's Really Say In The Investment Committee
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.6
Date & Time: Oct 15, 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Rajat Kulshrestha
CEO and Founder of Space Machines Company
Australia-based
Rajat is developing “Roadside Assist in Space” solutions to service and protect critical space infrastructure. In March 2024, his company launched Optimus, the largest single Australian-designed and built satellite, on the SpaceX Transporter-10 Mission.
Session: Featured | Space: Australia’s New Sporting Arena
Date & Time: Oct 13, 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Pyrmont Theatre
Rajeev Gupta
linkedin.com/in/rajeev-gupta-9193596
Founder / Investment Specialist
Australia-based
Rajeev is an investment specialist with 20+ years in public and private technology investing across North America, Asia, and Australia. Founder of Alium Capital (2017), with 70+ investments to date. He presides over multiple portfolio company boards as well as Garvan and Sydney University Business School.
Session: Mentor | Rajeev Gupta (Alium Capital)
Date & Time: Oct 16, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Exhibition - Level 3 Foyer
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
https://www.instagram.com/ramesh__mario
Artist, Director, Artspace Sydney & Lecturer at UNSW Art & Design
Contemporary artist of Tamil heritage, known for hybrid ceramic sculptures blending South Asian traditions, queer perspectives, and popular culture. Exhibited internationally, with works in major public collections including the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Session: Second Life: Remixing Migrant Culture
Date & Time: Oct 14, 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.1 & E3.2
Rashmeet Kaur
https://www.instagram.com/rashmeetkaur
Singer-Songwriter | Global & Pop
India-based
Raised between Punjab and Delhi, Rashmeet is a powerhouse blending Indian classical and folk roots with contemporary global sounds. Now based in Mumbai, she’s captivated worldwide audiences with hits like “Ishq Naachawe”, “Bajre Da Sitta”, and “Nadiyon Paar” amassing millions of streams.
A Grammy-nominated collaborator with Major Lazer, Rashmeet showcases her versatility singing in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and English. She’s also been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone India and reached the final rounds of India’s Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi.
SXSW Sydney 2025 Sessions:
Rashmeet Kaur — Oct 15, 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM | The Underground Sydney – Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House
Kensington St. Street Party — Oct 16, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Kensington Street
Rashmeet Kaur — Oct 17, 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Kensington Street
Kensington St. Street Party — Oct 17, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Kensington Street
Reg Raghavan
Cultural Pulse, Founder & CEO
Australia-based
Reg designs multicultural and cross-cultural engagement strategies for clients in Australia, NZ, Canada, and the USA. His work spans marketing, insights, and engagement for major organisations including AFL, Cricket Australia, Commonwealth Bank, FIFA events, and more. Reg is a recognized thought leader in multicultural marketing and social impact.
Session: Australia's Not White, so Why is Your Marketing?
Date & Time: Oct 15, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Venue: Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium - Clear Hayes House
Rohit Agarwal
linkedin.com/in/rohit-agarwal-5951b014
Managing Director, Peak XV
Singapore-based
Rohit focuses on early and growth-stage investments across Southeast Asia and Australia, advising on fintech, SaaS, and e-commerce. He serves on the boards of companies including Insider, Kopi Kenangan, Tonik, Bibit, Multiplier, and Shift, and is a Board Member of TiE Singapore. Rohit holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
Sessions:
- Founders & Investors Bridging Australia to the World
Oct 15, 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM | ICC Sydney - Room C2.3
- SXSW Sydney Pitch: Innovation in Retail and Commerce
Oct 15, 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM | ICC Sydney - Room C3.3
Roochay Shukla
Head of Creative Marketing India & South Asia, Believe
India-based
Roochay drives innovative campaigns that elevate artists and music across the region. He played a key role in taking the OST single Ishq Hai from Netflix’s Mismatched S03 to #1 on Spotify India Top 50 and #1 on Spotify Viral Top 50, amassing over 136M streams in six months. A Berklee Valencia Music Business graduate, Roochay has previously worked with Outdustry and Sony Music, helping international acts like Dua Lipa, Flume, and Charli XCX break into the Indian market.
Session: The Evolution of South Asian Music Market – LIVE
Date & Time: Oct 17, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.9 - Podcast Stage
Rupal Ismin
COO, Deteqt
Rupal brings a global perspective to scaling innovation and quantum technologies. She has led early-stage startups, founded Andable, and held senior roles across Sydney, San Francisco, Chicago, and Auckland. Rupal was also founding Director of the Sydney Knowledge Hub and interim launch head of Quantum Australia.
Session: Diamond-on-Chip: A Clear Signal in Quantum
Date & Time: Oct 15, 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.3
Saanvi Yerawar
Chief of Staff, Build Club AI
Australia-based
Saanvi brings industry and academic experience in AI and data science, having worked at Atlassian, PwC, and UNSW. She focuses on real-world AI applications in education and beyond.
Session: AI in Education: How Institutions and Students Are Adapting to the AI Revolution
Date & Time: Oct 17, 04:15 PM - 04:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.5 & C2.6 - Short Talks
Sana Qadar
Host and producer, All in the Mind, ABC Radio National - ABC Radio National
Australia-based
Sana is an award-winning journalist with experience at ABC News, BBC, Al Jazeera, and NPR. She holds an MA in International Studies and Diplomacy (SOAS, University of London) and a BA in Radio and Television (Ryerson University, Toronto).
Session: Media Careers Of The Future
Date & Time: Oct 16, 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Cockle Bay 2
Saroop Philip
linkedin.com/in/saroop-philip-138278124
Actuarial Consultant, Finity
Saroop develops advanced models to quantify insurance gaps in climate-vulnerable regions, linking affordability, mortgage stress, and property market stability. His work informs Australia’s climate adaptation strategies.
Session: Down Payment on Tomorrow: Insuring Earth's Future
Date & Time: Oct 13, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.3
Sarv Girn
Non-Executive Director and CIO - Doctorate in Board Cybersecurity Governance
Sarv is a technology and transformation leader with 30 years in financial services and healthcare. Currently CIO at I-MED Radiology Network, he focuses on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Sarv is a respected leader in navigating complex, large-scale IT change programs with strong business outcomes.
Session: AI vs AI: The Cybercrime State of Origin
Date & Time: Oct 14, 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.3
Simran Kaur
linkedin.com/in/simran-kaur-7a1494139
Founder, Friends That Invest
New-Zealand based
Simran is the Founder of Friends That Invest, the world’s largest investing education company for women. A Forbes 30 Under 30 and Young New Zealander of the Year, she has delivered keynotes globally and works to make investing accessible for all. Simran's work has led her to being part of the Prime Ministers Delegation to India, she's hosted keynotes in the House of Parliament in the UK, a Forbes Keynote in Singapore and a Google Talk at Google NY.
Session 1: How We Fund More Female Founders: Angel Investing 101
Time & Date: Oct 13, 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C3.5
Session 2: Book Signing
Time & Date: Oct 13, 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - The Gallery - Book Store
Sneha Rathod
Head of AI Capabilities & Solutions, Special Broadcasting Services (SBS)
Australia-based
Sneha leads AI strategy and enterprise adoption at SBS, focusing on ethical and responsible AI. With 15+ years in digital transformation and AI innovation, she drives impactful solutions across platforms and audience engagement.
Session: Safeguarding Brand Integrity and Trust in an AI-Driven World
Time & Date: Oct 15, 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C3.5
Sohail Arora
Founder/Managing Partner, Krunk
https://www.instagram.com/krunklive
Sohail is the founder and managing partner of Krunk, a leading event and artist management agency in India. He curates major music festivals including BASS CAMP, Grasslands Festival, while also performing internationally as Rafiki & EZ Riser. He is also the official curator of Echoes of Earth Festival, India's greenest music festival, now in its 8th year, attracting 25,000+ attendees in Bengaluru while using music as a platform to spread the message of sustainability.
Various performances at SXSW:
Oct 16 | SXSW Sydney Official Afterparty | Abercrombie Hotel
Oct 17 | Knox Street Bar
Oct 18 | The Commons Chippendale
Sonny Sethi
Senior Director, Marketing Research, Zip
Sonny is a global leader in customer research and behavioural insights, with over 20 years of experience driving decisions for high-growth brands including Uber and Zip. He specialises in applying behavioural economics, experimentation, and GenAI to uncover what truly drives customer action across multiple markets.
Session: The Cost of Customer Lies: How the Say-Do Gap Wastes Billions in Bad Decisions
Time & Date: Oct 13, 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.7
Sharath Sriram
linkedin.com/in/sharath-sriram
Chief Scientist of Western Australia
Prof Sriram is a distinguished science and research leader, specialising in nanoelectronics, sensors, and medical technologies. As chief scientist of Western Australia and president of Science & Technology Australia, he focuses on translating advanced technologies for healthcare, fostering innovation, and shaping science policy and commercialisation strategies.
Session: How Can Australia Harness Innovation for Economic Growth?
Time & Date: Oct 14, 03:15 PM - 04:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.3
Sharmishtha Sen
linkedin.com/in/sharmishthasen99
Game Designer, RMIT University
Sharmishtha (Sammy) is a Melbourne-based game designer and developer, blending technical expertise with creativity. She has worked as a game tester at Ubisoft, a designer at IDZ Digital, and as an indie developer on projects like Arcane Escape and Reflection of Atheria. Sammy holds a Master’s in Animation, Games, and Interactivity from RMIT University and is skilled in Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and Adobe XD. Her work focuses on immersive gameplay, interactive storytelling, and user experience design.
Session: GestureSync: Bridging Emotions and Motion in Virtual Reality Through Interactive Non-Verbal Communication
Time & Date: Oct 16, 01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.5 & C2.6 - Short Talks
Shilpa Mohan
Head of Operations, ProcurePro
Shilpa is Head of Operations at ProcurePro, helping scale the AFR Fast Starter company globally. A National award-winning interior designer turned tech leader, she also mentors women and founders in startups, focusing on operations, fundraising, and storytelling. Shilpa has spoken at TEDxSydney and won Startmate’s Women Leader of the Year in 2024.
Session: Likes, Lies, and Loneliness: Life Online
Time & Date: Oct 17, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.6
Shivani Sharma
linkedin.com/in/shivani-sharma-47890714b
Community Engagement Manager, EMC | Head of Partnerships & Events, Mixmag ANZ
Shiv has eight years of experience across music, media, and advertising, blending artist management, label marketing, and event curation. She currently leads community engagement at EMC and partnerships at Mixmag ANZ, building meaningful connections with artists, venues, and audiences to create impactful music experiences.
Session: Beyond The Decks: Innovation and Tension in Electronic Live Music
Time & Date: Oct 16, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Venue: The Abercrombie - The Abercrombie
Shivani Maharaj
linkedin.com/in/shivani-maharaj-08628b50
Chief Creator Officer, WPP Media
Shivani is Australia’s first Chief Creator Officer, leading WPP Media’s approach to social and influencer marketing by integrating creators, communities, and culture at the core of brand strategy. She is a Cannes Lions juror, AiMCO council member, and multiple B&T Women in Media award winner, shaping ethical and innovative practices in the industry.
Session: Why the New Longevity Should Matter to Your Brand
Time & Date: Oct 15, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Cockle Bay 1
Shivani Patel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-patel-387b85ab/
VP Dentsu B2B, ANZ
Shivani leads Dentsu B2B’s marketing strategy in ANZ, helping global technology brands stand out in competitive markets. With over a decade of experience across B2B and B2C, she combines creativity and precision to capture attention and drive long-term impact for brands like Adobe, HP, Slack, and Air New Zealand.
Session: Redefining Media Planning: Attention, Creativity and Local Heroes
Time & Date: Oct 16, 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C3.5
Dr Suji Sanjeevan
linkedin.com/in/suji-sanjeevan-lightandglo
Founder, BrandScent
Australia-based
Dr Suji is a Melbourne-based doctor turned fragrance innovator and founder of BrandScent, a scent marketing agency crafting bespoke olfactory experiences for brands. A King’s College London graduate, Suji began her career in health policy before co-founding LIGHT + GLO and BrandScent with her husband, Dr. Jeeva Sanjeevan, an allergy specialist. She now explores how scent, AI, and healthtech can enhance wellbeing and immersive experiences. Suji also chairs the Victorian Small Business Ministerial Council.
Session: From First Whiff to Fierce Loyalty: Holding Aussie Attention in 2030
Time & Date: Oct 13, 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Cockle Bay 2
Suneeta Mall
linkedin.com/in/suneeta-mall-a6a0507
Head of AI Engineering, Harrison.ai
Australia-based
Suneeta leads AI engineering at Harrison.ai, developing healthcare AI solutions that serve millions of patients globally. She spearheaded Harrison.rad.1, radiology’s first foundation model, and focuses on building diverse, high-performing teams to deliver impactful, responsible AI. Author of Deep Learning at Scale, she is passionate about transforming complex visions into practical innovations.
Session: The Frontiers of Intelligence: Emerging Research Shaping Tomorrow's AI
Time & Date: Oct 15, 09:50 AM - 10:25 AM
Venue: Google Sydney - Main Room
Sunita Gloster AM
Chair, Diversity Council Australia
Sunita is a senior advisor at Accenture, and serves on multiple boards including RAA and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. With 30+ years in professional services, she is a recognized leader in diversity, gender equality, and corporate strategy, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
Session: Creativity, AI, and the Future of Work with Ndidi Oteh
Time & Date: Oct 13, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Pyrmont Theatre
Supriya Singh
linkedin.com/in/supriya-singh-aa2a227
Managing Director, Blackmores, Australia & New Zealand
Supriya leads Blackmores ANZ, combining her international experience in FMCG with a passion for natural health. She is known for fostering inclusive, high-performing teams and driving business growth across Asia-Pacific.
Session: Accenture Insight Circle: The Future of Customer
Time & Date: Oct 14, 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C3.2
Tarang Chawla
Gender Equality & Mental Health Advocate
Tarang is a Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission and co-founder of Not One More Niki, a nonprofit addressing men’s violence against women. He is a sessional academic at Monash University, a media commentator, and serves on multiple boards advocating for social justice, gender equality, and mental health.
Session 1: Corporate Courage: How the private sector can make a difference
Time & Date: Oct 17, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room E3.5
Session 2: Lead, Include, Succeed: The Unfiltered Playbook for Thriving Workplaces
Time & Date: Oct 13, 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.3
Uma Thana Balasingam
Founder, The Elevate Group
Singapore-based
Uma is a reinvention architect and leadership catalyst with over two decades of experience in technology sales across Asia Pacific and Japan. As the founder of The Elevate Group and co-founder of LeanIn Singapore, she champions gender equity and systemic change by empowering women from entry-level to executive leadership. Known for her RAW Leadership framework – Reinvent, Amplify, Win, Uma inspires leaders to embrace authenticity, lead with courage, and challenge conventional thinking.
Session 1: Courage to Disappoint and the Power of Smart Dissent
Time & Date: Oct 13, 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Room C2.5 & C2.6 - Short Talks
Session 2: Mentor | Uma Thana Balasingam (The Elevate Group)
Time & Date: Oct 15, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Exhibition - Level 3 Foyer
Vibhi Singh
linkedin.com/in/vibhi-singh-2017952a5
Bachelor of Computer Science Undergraduate, La Trobe University
Australia-based
Vibhi is an AI enthusiast and Computer Science student at La Trobe University, majoring in Artificial Intelligence. At La Trobe, she serves as a Senior Leader and Career Ready Ambassador, having led 200+ volunteers, hosted workshops, and represented the university at major innovation events.
Session: Gen Z vs. Gen AI: Ready or Not? Presented by ServiceNow
Time & Date: Oct 15, 02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Discovery Stage - Halls 6 & 7
Vinny Panchal
Managing Partner - Artists & Intelligence
Vinny is the Managing Partner at Artists & Intelligence, where he advises founders at the intersection of culture, technology, and commerce. With over 15 years of experience leading agencies and consulting for global brands such as Google, Meta, Canva, Spotify, and Samsung, he helps organisations navigate the complex moments of growth—when scaling fast risks losing what made them distinct.
Session: Mentor | Vinny Panchal (Artists & Intelligence)
Time & Date: Oct 16, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Exhibition - Level 3 Foyer
Yeshal Mansoor
linkedin.com/in/yeshal-mansoor
Founder, Yes Help Network
Australia-based
Yeshal Mansoor is a youth advocate, community worker, and speaker from Western Sydney with a background in medical science. Her work focuses on youth empowerment and family violence prevention, creating inclusive spaces for young people and culturally diverse communities. She has worked with organisations including Headspace, YMCA, and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, and currently leads Yes Help Network, a project dedicated to empowering young people and underrepresented women through self-advocacy and peer-led initiatives.
Session: Mentor | Yeshal Mansoor (Yes Help Network)
Time & Date: Oct 14, 01:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Venue: ICC Sydney - Exhibition - Level 3 Foyer
New India House at SXSW
https://sxswindiahouse.com.au/#schedule
India House is a 3 day separate event festival connected to SXSW Sydney. It highlights tech startups and innovation, culture, creativity and community, and policy, partnerships and planning. it highlights the diaspora in Australia, and the many bridges being built between India and Australia.
Sessions 13-15 October
Venue: Flex by ISPT The Collider, Haymarket
Dhwani Pathak is a media professional with extensive experience in storytelling, content strategy, and communications. Based in Canberra, with a keen eye for human interest stories, she aims to contribute meaningfully to the evolving media landscape. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
