2026 Speakers
2026 Distinguished Speakers
Dr. Chris Vas
General Manager
Food Innovation Precinct WA
With over 20 years of experience across Australasia and NZ spanning business, government and academia, Dr Christopher Vas currently leads the activation of the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA) as its General Manager and also serves as Executive Officer for the South East Corridor Council Alliance (SECCA), an alliance of four local government authorities in Western Australia dedicated to establishing WA’s most sustainable corridor. Alongside these roles, Dr. Vas conducts research at SDA Bocconi in Milan, where he is studying the acceleration and adoption of clean technologies.
Equipped with a PhD, MBA and B Engineering he has completed the Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from MIT Sloan. To continue building his capabilities in the areas of strategy, financial management, risk management and governance, Dr Vas has qualified as a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) in Australia.
Speaking at
-
1:30–2:45pmWed 25 MarSide EventUniClub - Workshop Room 1Open
Others
[Side Event by WAWEB3] Innovating in Western Australia - Hubs, Grants, & Go-to-Market Pathways
Side EventUniClub - Workshop Room 1Open
-
Alex JenkinsDirectorWA Data Science Innovation Hub
-
Britney Jean VictorPrograms & Community CoordinatorSpacecubed & Meshpoints
-
Cecily RawlinsonDirectorCyberWest Hub
-
Charlie GunninghamChairStartupWA
-
Dr. Chris VasGeneral ManagerFood Innovation Precinct WA
-
Jai MacphailLead DeveloperRed Dog Studios
-
Jason McFarlaneDirectorWestern Australian GreenTech Innovation Hub
-
Prof. Kevin PflegerDirector Biomedical and Health InnovationThe University of Western Australia and WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub
-
Krzysztof KiezunCEOLibelit
-
Mat LewisDirectorCreative Tech Village
-
Hon. Michael MischinDirectorInnovate Australia Ltd
About this session
Western Australia is building a practical, connected innovation ecosystem designed to turn ideas into investable ventures, new industries, and real jobs. This workshop is an “insider’s map” for anyone who wants to build, partner, invest, pilot, or expand in Western Australia.
Anchored around Western Australia’s state-funded innovation hubs - collaborative platforms that connect startups, SMEs, corporates, universities, and government - participants will learn where to go for support, how to plug into the right networks, and how to access pathways that accelerate commercialisation and growth. -

