Ascend’26 is a swarm of events designed for pioneers shaping the next chapter, activated by Google Cloud, leading VCs and ecosystem partners.
Connect with the founders, operators, investors and developers who are defining, funding and building the future.
EXPLORING:
The future of
health
The future of
work
The future of
creativity
The future of
robotics
The future of
the planet
The flagship gathering featuring global AI pioneers, Google & DeepMind leaders, and Australia's leading VCs.
A high-stakes collision of the startup ecosystem and live stand-up comedy where 10 brave founders and VCs trade pitch decks for punchlines. Hosted by Merrick Watts.
Uniting top female founders and investors to deliver actionable growth insights, drive high-value connections, and elevate talent across the ecosystem
An intimate session for 20 AUNZ founders, CMOs and growth marketers on using Gemini-powered ad solutions to scale customer acquisition.
Join us for a hands-on, fast-paced workshop and hackathon exploring Google Antigravity—Google's agent-first development platform!
A collection of Australia’s top product people who helped build Australian unicorns unpack how they would do it again with today’s AI tools. They’ll explore what they’d keep, what they’d change, and what they’d never do again.
Learn the inside secrets from industry veterans who have raised over $100M of institutional capital at all stages from all sources.
Practical security guidance and infrastructure protection strategies from Google security experts and leading Cyber founders.
Forget scripted demo days. Inside the Mind of the VC is an intensive, roll-up-your-sleeves fundraising lab co-hosted with OneVentures and Folklore. Through live pitch deck teardowns, meeting simulations and direct investor feedback, founders will get an inside look at how VC investment teams screen opportunities, build conviction and make investment decisions.
Cut through the noise, optimise model spending, and build a sustainable AI strategy.
Hosted by Innovation Bay a debate between Capital Providers (Angel, Syndicate, VC, Debt). Also features early stage founder showcases and a closing mixer.
Join us for the biggest Startup street party Sydney has ever seen. Street bars and food stalls, live music and good vibes without the coding.
An intimate collision of the world's best minds under one roof.
Hosted by IRL By Amber · 50 places
A community-led accommodation space for Ascend'26 attendees looking for an intimate environment to connect, learn, and collaborate. The experience includes hands-on workshops, expert mentorship, and curated fireside discussions in a small-group setting.
Note: Launch House is an independent activation hosted and operated solely by IRL by Amber. It is not managed, operated, or under the responsibility of Ascend’26 or Google Cloud.
