Forwarding on behalf of ICT Geelong - this may be of benefit to those involved in technology startups, R&D etc. Regards, Kathy --- *Tech experts and global entrepreneurs assemble for Forum * ICT Geelong (the Geelong Region ICT Cluster) has again successfully secured the services of a number of international experts to address the business community on technology and entrepreneurship. Industry leaders from the University of California (Berkeley), RedBalloon.com.au, Melbourne Angels and the CSIRO-Australian Institute of Sport will present at the Technology Entrepreneurship Forum in Geelong on 28th October. The day will be capped-off with the finalists of The $50,000 I.T. Invention Test presenting their I.T. pitches to an expert judging panel and the audience. The Invention Test is a competition aimed at helping innovators and entrepreneurs across Australia commercialise ideas, concepts or early stage projects that have a focus on I.T. "Developing an entrepreneurial culture is one of the keys to advancing the region?s technology sector." said Robert Reed, ICT Geelong Chairman (and Managing Director of FE Technologies)."A key element of ICT Geelong?s Charter is to educate the community on the importance of technology innovation and entrepreneurship. So we have assembled the best-of-the-best." ICT Geelong are welcoming people from all industry sectors, including researchers and students to the event. "Anyone with a passion for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and start-ups should come. There will be something for everyone, and we have a fantastic venue at The Pier on the Geelong waterfront." continues Mr Reed. Speakers will include; * Jerry Engel -- Founder of the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of California (Berkeley) * Naomi Simson-- Founder of RedBalloon.com.au * Jordan Green -- Founder of the Melbourne Angels, angel investor group * Dr Ian Blachonette -- Research Leader for the CSIRO- Australian Institute of Sport Partnership * Hon Gordon Rich-Phillips -- Minister for Technology (Victorian State Government) In Mr. Engel?s last visit to Geelong he acknowledged that the region could become a "cluster of innovation' akin to Silicon Valley, if it focused on developing a few key ingredients, like culture of entrepreneurship, access to venture capital, entrepreneurial professionals and strong local universities. "We have a long way to go" acknowledged Mr Reed, "However, when get buy-in and sponsorship from the likes of Deakin University, Berkeley, Melbourne Angels, Pitcher Partners, CSIRO-AIS, Commercialisation Australia, the City of Greater Geelong and the Victoria State Government we know that we are definitely heading in the right direction." In closing Mr Reed reinforce that "things are happening in Geelong right now in the area of technology entrepreneurship and commercialisation, and we (as the representative body of the IT industry) are excited to be leading it." Tickets are $50 per person which includes food and drinks for the entire day. RSVP to Craig Hill (craigh@sedconsulting.com.au) by 21st October. Free entry for all Deakin University staff and student. For more information on TheTechnology Entrepreneurship Forum go to www.ictgeelong.com.au <http://www.ictgeelong.com.au> For more information on The $50,000 I.T. Invention Test go to www.itinventiontest.com.au <http://www.itinventiontest.com.au> Media inquiries: Craig Hill SED Consulting (and Manager of ICT Geelong) Mob: 0408 390 930 Email: craigh@sedconsulting.com.au <mailto:craigh@sedconsulting.com.au?subject=Tech%20Forum%202011>