The Future of Digital Technologies: Powering manufacturing, transport and infrastructure

Event

Melbourne Connect, University of Melbourne, Carlton

17 Mar 2026

5:00PM - 8:00PM

ICN Event

Industry Event

The Future of Digital Technologies is a networking event in the manufacturing, infrastructure and transport sectors that brings together project owners, Tier 1s, SMEs, researchers and technology providers to explore how digital technologies can safely lift productivity, improve asset performance in the manufacturing, infrastructure and transport sectors, and keep Victorian industry globally competitive.

Hosted by ICN Victoria in partnership with the University of Melbourne, this in‑person event will be held at Melbourne Connect in Carlton and is expected to attract attendees from across Australia.

Event overview

The convergence of AI, sensing and IoT, robotics, automation and digital fabrication is changing how major projects are designed, delivered and operated.

At Future of Digital Technologies attendees will hear from sector leaders and researchers on practical use cases already improving safety, reducing downtime and extending asset life in in the manufacturing, infrastructure and transport sectors.

Digital Technologies is now a horizontal enabler across energy, resources, transport, construction, manufacturing and government, rather than a standalone IT function. This event focuses on getting technology ‘right the first time’ so that Victorian projects, suppliers and communities capture the benefits of AI, data and automation instead of being disrupted by them.

Why attend

Key reasons to attend include:

Meet upstream and downstream partners – from suppliers and integrators to OEMs, solution buyers and end users – who are looking for collaborators, customers and technology providers.
See cutting-edge research, prototypes and pilot projects from the University of Melbourne and innovation partners that are ready for real-world deployment.
Hear sector-specific use cases for AI, automation, sensing and digital fabrication that are already delivering gains in safety, productivity, forecasting and asset management.
Identify joint venture, co-development and pilot opportunities that combine data, sensing, automation, manufacturing and testing capabilities.
Recruit talent and build R&D partnerships with academics, spinouts and specialised engineering teams working at the frontier of digital transformation.

Who should attend

This event is designed for:

Decision-makers: project directors, executives, board members and strategy leaders responsible for capital investment and project performance.
Tech-facing leaders: CIOs, CTOs, heads of operations, engineering managers and transformation leads accountable for integrating digital solutions into live projects and assets.
Ecosystem partners: universities, CSIRO, major consultancies, OEMs, software providers and specialist SMEs working across AI, automation, sensing, data and advanced fabrication.
Government and agencies: policy, program and procurement leaders focused on Local Jobs First, Building Equality Policy and digital uplift in major projects.

Focus areas

The Future of Digital Technologies will showcase digital technologies across four key themes:

AI and Data: applied AI and machine learning for design optimisation, quality control, safety and risk monitoring, demand forecasting and route optimisation for logistics and transport.
Advanced Imaging, Sensing and IoT: drone imaging, site and factory condition monitoring, sensors and IoT for predictive maintenance and automated inspections.
Digital Fabrication and Sustainability Technologies: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, lifecycle asset management, energy-efficient manufacturing and smart grids.
Intelligent Automation and Robotics: robotic assembly, autonomous construction vehicles, schedule optimisation, cost and risk forecasting, human–robot collaboration and smart factory analytics.

ICN Victoria’s role

ICN Victoria connects global technology trends with on-the-ground project needs and local supplier capability, helping translate digital innovation into practical pathways for Victorian industry. As a neutral broker, ICN Victoria supports government and major project owners to understand where Digital Technologies can de-risk delivery, improve supply chain performance and strengthen Local Jobs First outcomes.

By partnering with the University of Melbourne and other research organisations, ICN Victoria is surfacing emerging technologies and turning them into investable, scalable solutions for key sectors. This event extends ICN Victoria’s established program of sector showcases and networking events into Digital Technologies as a horizontal capability.

ICN Victoria events frequently book out, so early registration is recommended for organisations seeking to position themselves at the forefront of Digital Technologies adoption.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 17 March 2026
Time: 5:00PM – 8:00PM (formalities from 5:30PM)
Format: In-person networking event with short formal program and showcase
Venue: Melbourne Connect, University of Melbourne, Carlton

Our speakers

Janak Gorana, Industry 4.0 Consultant, Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solution

Janak Gorana is a PMP certified professional with a decade of experience leading digital transformation within the Australian manufacturing industry and experience of working with a variety of clients from F&B, intralogistics, mining, manufacturing and IT. Armed with an honours degree in Robotics and Mechatronics engineering, PMP qualification and a passion for digital transformation, Janak excels at navigating businesses through their digital journey, with a keen focus on strategy, automation, and change management. Enthusiastic about IoT and AI technologies, Janak leverages these tools to enable data-driven decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. His strength lies in simplifying complex technological concepts, empowering clients to make informed decisions. Keeping pace with industry trends, Janak helps clients with bespoke digital planning and solutions. He is committed to fostering a digital-ready culture among employees, ensuring smooth technology adoption.

Stefan Korn, Group Executive for Transformation & Strategy, Engineers Australia

Stefan Korn is the Group Executive for Transformation & Strategy at Engineers Australia, where he leads national strategy development and implementation. An entrepreneur, strategist and investor, Stefan has deep expertise in executive leadership, innovation, venture investment and AI. He previously served as CEO of Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s national innovation agency, and has founded, built and sold multiple technology startups. Stefan’s career spans experience in startups, corporates and government. He has authored several books on parenting and startups, and holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, an MBA in international business and a BEng (Hons) in Computer Science.

Michael Luddeni, Group Executive, Operations & Assessments & Acting Group Executive Finance & Risk, Engineers Australia

Michael is the Group Executive for Operations & Assessments, for Engineers Australia, where he leads member servicing & assessment operations nationally. He has more than 30 years’ of domestic and international experience working across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, finance, and professional services. He has a deep expertise in Strategy & Operations, Governance, Customer Servicing, Risk, Compliance, Business & Digital Transformation. Michael is a qualified company director (GAICD) and is a current Chairperson of a National Children’s charity, and an ICN Board Director.

Professor Majid Sarvi, Founder and Director AIMES (Australian Integrated Multimodal EcoSystem), University of Melbourne

Professor Majid Sarvi is the founding professor in Transport for Smart Cities and the program director of “Transport Technologies” at the University of Melbourne. He is Founder and Director of AIMES (Australian Integrated Multimodal EcoSystem), the world’s first and largest connected urban testing ecosystem. AIMES implements and tests emerging connected transport technologies involving over 40 partners from government and leading Australian and global industry partners. His research covers Artificial Intelligence in transport, connected and automated transport, and Intelligent Transport Systems. He has served on several international research committees, the Network Modelling Committee (ADB30), Traffic Flow Theory and Characteristics Committee (AHB45), and the Emergency Evacuation Committee (ABR30) of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the U.S. National Research Council. He is also co-founder and co-chair of the Crowd Dynamic Modelling Subcommittee AHB45(2) of the TRB.

Stan Skafidas, Deputy Dean, Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne

Professor Stan Skafidas is Deputy Dean, Engagement in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Melbourne. He co-invented Adaptive Frequency Hopping now used in billions of Bluetooth devices, and co-founded Niterio to commercialise 60GHz technology. He currently develops low cost and high-performance printable optics and electronics devices and systems for medical diagnostics and electro pharmaceutical delivery systems.

Places are limited due to venue capacity, and attendance is by registration only. To secure your place and receive event updates, register via Humanitix using the link below.