Sam is committed to connecting academia and industry to create a sustainable innovation ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience as an inventor and entrepreneur, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in human-machine interface, artificial intelligence, and industry/business development. Her mission is to develop exemplary researchers, next-gen innovators, and startup founders contributing to regional economic growth and job creation. Her portfolio consists of 60 granted patents, 15 prototypes, 47 publications, and 25 global awards. She is also a board member QLD AI Hub and Director of the Cairns AI Chapter enhancing the capability of AI across Queensland.

Janelle Marr is an experienced Company Director and a leading strategic advisor with over 30 years in strategy, sustainability and transformation programs in Australia and overseas. She is Managing Director of StepBeyond Strategy, an impact-driven corporate advisory supporting Boards and C-Suites to drive long term value creation and a fairer, more equitable and sustainable world. Janelle is both a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Governance Institute of Australia; and currently serves on the Boards of Tourism WA, WA Arts and Culture Trust and Foundation Housing Ltd. She has also served a decade on University Boards including Charles Darwin University and Edith Cowan University.

Dr Tanzil Rahman grew up in Darwin and returned home in 2023, to assume the newly created role of Executive Director Human Capital, in the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, Northern Territory Government. Dr Rahman was previously attached to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, and the School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford, examining how states maintain competitiveness in the global market for skilled migrants, new models for economic migration policy, and use of technology in immigration settings. His ideas have been presented at assemblies including the Global Forum for Migration and Development, Metropolis International, UN Global Refugee Forum, and to policymakers and private-sector stakeholders widely. He has worked as a research fellow, management consultant, government executive, project manager, and political advisor, and holds qualifications in law, economics, and music, from the University of Sydney.