The Great Debate: Does Government help or hinder innovation?

This year we have measured the mood for change of Government and asked our debaters to discuss Government involvement in innovation – and more specifically whether Government support helps or hinders innovation?!

As per past years, we have assembled two expert teams of combatants for this entertaining and informative event, including some highly credentialed new faces.

The “Help” team
Ms Daniela Mattheys – innovation dynamo, champion of Western Australian industry development and current Director, Industry and Innovation from the WA Department of Commerce
Mr Rohan McDougall – prominent and distinguished Director of IP Commercialisation at Curtin University
Mr Mick Beilby - mining services entrepreneur and current Commercial Director of Minnovare

The “Hinder” team
Mr Larry Lopez – renowned ex-Silicon Valley banker and venture adviser extraordinaire and current Principal of Australian Venture Consultants
Dr Rob Coltrona – passionate renewable energy enthusiast and Managing Director and Founder of Carbon Reduction Ventures
Mr Brodie McCulloch – serial social entrepreneur and Founder of SpaceCubed

Our Moderator
Mr Thomas Murrell - an award winning broadcaster, international business speaker, author and professional MC who has been working behind a microphone for 25 years.