Innovating for a Net-Zero Future: the Climate Tech Imperative at SXSW Sydney 2023

Overview

We're all well-versed in the importance of doing what we can to protect our planet — you know your recyclable plastics, try to limit your showers to under five minutes (except on hair wash days) and have maybe even ventured into the world of composting and zero-waste living. But how can researchers, investors and corporations collaborate to support sustainable innovators and move towards a net-zero future?

Leading the charge on 'Innovating for a Net-Zero Future' is CommBank's General Manager of Climate Strategy and Commitments, Alex Matthews, who helms the institution's climate and carbon efforts. With a decade of experience spanning the US and Asia Pacific, he'll explore how larger organisations and investment firms can collaborate on furthering climate tech and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Joining him is Kirstin Hunter, whose career includes varied roles as a corporate lawyer, management consultant, Co-Founder of Australia's first fossil fuel-free super and now the managing director of Techstars. Hunter is particularly interested in purpose-driven startups that attempt to solve some of the dire social and environmental issues we're currently facing, so she's sure to have some valuable insights to share.

Paul Hunyor also adds his 20 years of experience as an investor to the panel. As the Co-Founder and Managing Director of a global climate investment firm, he has firsthand knowledge of identifying and endorsing businesses that have a positive impact on our environment.

On the climate fintech front is Katherine McConnell, who founded a platform that makes sustainable home improvements more affordable and accessible. McConnell received B&T's Sustainability Crusader Award for her pioneering work and was listed as one of The Australian's 100 Green Power Players this year.

'Innovating for a Net-Zero Future: the Climate Tech Imperative' will be presented by Commonwealth Bank as part of the SXSW Sydney Conference. The panel will take place from 11.30am–12.30pm on Monday, October 16 at the ICC Sydney.