Tech start-up investor Steve Baxter is a proud Queenslander, born in the remote town of Cloncurry and raised in Emerald in the State’s central highlands. He left school at 15 and joined the Army, enlisting in its apprenticeship program. There, he became a technician working in the field of electronics, telecoms and guided weapon systems.

Prior to starting YCL Jewels, Fabienne was working as a nurse in an aged care facility while she completed her nursing degree. Two units shy of graduating she left to focus on building YCL full time. She began making jewellery as a hobby at her desk at home during high school and is completely self-taught. Her creations have now been worn by household names such as Jennifer Hawkins, Lorde and Delta Goodrem. The label is driven by Fab’s own values and as a result is 100% cruelty free. Fab is a passionate animal lover, owning a rescue greyhound and two cats. Her insight into living a wholehearted life, animal advocacy and ethical business is definitely inspiring!

Holly is currently working on establishing a social enterprise that supports emerging African communities through the development of small businesses.

Manon has worked as the Background Coordinator for Bud Hopes Film & TV Casting for the past 4 years primarily in QLD, Australia. Most recently on Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales, Thor: Ragnarok & Aquaman. Before working for Bud Hopes Film & TV Casting she graduated from the New York Film Academy (Australia & Los Angeles).

Taj is a seventeen-year-old inventor, educational pioneer and a social entrepreneur who is passionate about inspiring children to discover and embrace the world through technology and innovation.

Navdeep Pasricha is the 20-year-old Gold Coast entrepreneur who takes it upon himself to make an impact. In particular, he is committed to the mental health of Australia’s young people.

Zachary Rook is a 28-year-old entrepreneur that was a professional break dancer. He was running and promoting breakdancing and hip hop events from 19. Zach needed to earn more money so he started working for a moving company, and realized he could run things much better on his own.

Mark Sowerby is the Founder of Blue Sky Alternative Investments Limited, an ASX listed (ASX: BLA) alternative asset manager investing across private equity, venture capital, private real estate, water, infrastructure, hedge funds and agriculture.

Baden is a passionate educator, an engaging speaker, and is a champion of innovation in both startups and existing firms. He has a keen insight into the enablers of innovation and how they can be deployed in organisations.

With a heart after the wild places, Simon Goodburn is the General Manager of 5th Element Expeditions. He is also an adventurer in his own right.

Alisha Geary — a Bond University student — is taking her Indigenous art inspiration into the world of business with a new line of active wear.

Long Roos is a 2015 Somerset graduate. During his senior year, he postulated a concept for creating the world’s first Augmented Reality mobile card game -- Genesis. He entered this concept into the 2015 Global Startup Battle and brought home first place for the entire Asia Pacific region, winning out against over 60 other countries.

Ben Southall is a presenter, digital journalist and adventurer. His achievements include beating 35,000 to win the Best Job in the World in 2009 and became the ‘Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef’ in Australia.

In October 2014, two best mates had a crazy idea to put two washing machines and two dryers in the back of a van, and wash and dry clothes for free. Nicholas Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, the 2016 Young Australians of the Year, founded Orange Sky Laundry – a world - first, free mobile laundry service for the homeless.