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What is it
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.​
When
17/03/2026 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Where

Melbourne Connect, Forum 1+2 (Level M)

From $89
Register here

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

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.