SMEC AI Launch 2024 Roadshow

Event overview

The recent Perth launch of the Small to Medium Centre of Artificial Intelligence (SMEC AI): Australia’s newest hub of trailblazing AI adoption was powered by ECU School of Business & Law.

SMEC AI’s bold initiatives, namely the AI Adoption Centre and AI Studio, is designed to empower businesses to implement established and emerging responsible AI solutions.

The panel discussion at the recent launch included ECU’s own Assoc Prof Suku Sukunesan on his own journey in successfully commercialising an AI startup company from validating an idea that solves a business problem.

This opportunity was to meet early adopter SMEs, technologists and executives, as we build a community to drive the next wave of AI innovation

Our Speakers were

Andrew Lai – Managing Director, Boab

Andrew is the Managing Director of Boab, leading the team to select, invest and support early-stage AI companies. Prior to Boab, Andrew was the Ventures Director at Deakin University and also the former Managing Director at SproutX, Australia’s first agricultural technology accelerator and VC fund. With a Software Engineering background from the University of Melbourne, Andrew started his career in financial services as an Analytics Manager, conducting marketing and credit campaigns as well as product management.

Associate Professor Suku Sukunesan – Associate Dean, ECU

Associate Professor Sukunesan, with 20+ years in academia and industry, specializes in innovation, AI and systems thinking. His experience spans government projects, SME collaboration, and Southeast Asia policy work. He has 60+ publications (H-index 22), two patents, and engages in startups, supporting entrepreneurs as a judge, mentor, and coach.