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Tech in Paradise in May – a month of tech events

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Tech in Paradise in May – a month of tech events

Published 30 April 2000

For the past 10 years, the Sunshine Coast has built a reputation as one of Australia's most exciting innovation hubs where industry, research and entrepreneurship intersect to drive real-world outcomes.

This May, that reputation is on show, with four standout tech industry events.

From cybersecurity and entrepreneurship to health and construction technology, the Sunshine Coast’s innovation scene isn’t confined to one sector.

Whether you’re a tech innovator, a founder that’s always learning, a health professional with a problem to solve or a cybersecurity practitioner looking for your people, there’s a seat at the table on the Sunshine Coast in May 2026.

May 2026 tech events on the Sunshine Coast

Sun Con 2026: Sunshine Coast cybersecurity conference

Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most critical sectors globally – and the Sunshine Coast is leaning into that momentum.

Now in its second year, Sun Con brings together cyber security leaders, practitioners and emerging talent for a full day of insights, collaboration and connection.

The event is designed to spark meaningful conversations around the latest trends, challenges, and solutions shaping the cybersecurity landscape.

Program streams

1. Cyber leaders – relating to risk, governance, compliance and leadership.
2. Cyber technologists – for threat detection, incident response and the tools shaping modern operations.

Speaker line-up

- Scott Wilkie, global sovereign security lead, will open the cyber leaders stream.
- Jana Dekanovska, strategic threat adviser at CrowdStrike and former intelligence analyst, will headline the cyber technologists stream.

The day is framed by optional community activities including a pre-event surf session at Alexandra Headland, group breakfast at the Alex Surf Club and a dinner at the Bower Tree, Sippy Downs.

FWD>>>FEST 26

Entrepreneurship takes centre stage at FWD>>>FEST, a multi-day business festival designed for founders, innovators and the people who support them.

Now in its fourth year, FWD>>>FEST is the flagship event of the Silicon Coast industry group and has become a space where ideas are challenged, connections are formed and momentum is built.

What started as a local gathering has grown into a nationally recognised event drawing entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and corporates from across Australia.

Confirmed keynote speakers

Two of Australia’s most prominent technology entrepreneurs will speak at this year’s event, both with deep Sunshine Coast connections.

1. Craig Scroggie, founder and managing director of NEXTDC
2. Luke Anear, founder and CEO of SafetyCulture

Event program

The 2026 program runs across three days and multiple venues, with each day designed to meet attendees where they are on their business journey.

Tuesday 19 May kicks off with FWD>WELCOME at The Mooloolaba Surf Club, a relaxed evening event designed to ease you into the festival.

Wednesday 20 May is the main event with a keynote breakfast followed by a full day of programming across four streams.

1. FWD>INCUBATE for early-stage founders
2. FWD>ACCELERATE for businesses in growth
3. FWD>SCALE for those in exponential mode
4. FWD>LEADERSHIP for anyone looking to sharpen their thought leadership.

A lunchtime session hosted by Rob Neely of Securely Group and an after-hours networking event at Savvy Squire round out the day.

Thursday 21 May moves to Altitude Nine in Maroochydore, where the programming continues before wrapping with the FWD>CELEBRATE dinner.

Tickets are available via Humanitix, with passes ranging from single-day access through to full festival packages.

SPARK 2026: Health x Industry

A newer addition to the Sunshine Coast’s events calendar, SPARK: Health x Industry is part of the Innovation @ Altitude series, a monthly program delivered by Sunshine Coast Council to connect industry with the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The May 2026 instalment is co-hosted with Sunshine Coast Health and takes a refreshingly practical approach: putting real problems from the healthcare workforce directly in front of people who might be able to solve them.

On the day, Sunshine Coast Health CEO Dr Peter Gillies will deliver the keynote address.

Health leaders and clinicians will then be presented with targeted problem statements for four challenge areas:

1. Designing workspaces that support flexibility and confidentiality
2. Preventing occupational violence
3. Managing small equipment efficiently and
4. Reducing waste.

Attendees from industry, startups and the innovation sector will work together to explore solutions and potential pathways to pilots and partnerships.

It’s a format that’s designed to cut through the noise. Instead of networking for networking’s sake, attendees will leave knowing exactly who to speak to key health industry challenges.

It’s free to attend, with a light breakfast provided.

Registration closes COB Monday 11 May.

Hard Hats & High Tech: Construction Tech Ideation Session

Innovation on the Sunshine Coast isn’t limited to digital industries. The “Hard Hats & High Tech” Construction Tech Ideation Session highlights how traditional sectors are being reimagined through technology and collaboration.

This ideation session will discuss ways to position the region as a leader in intelligent construction where industry and technology work hand-in-hand to deliver better outcomes.

The objective is clear: reduce costs, improve productivity and create a more sustainable and efficient built environment.

Sunshine Coast Council wants to bring construction thinkers together to talk ideas.

- Builders and developers
- Technology innovators
- Government and regulators
- Investors and industry bodies
- Educators shaping the future workforce.

Tech in Paradise

A connected innovation ecosystem

What ties these events together isn’t just the timing, it’s the intent.

Each event brings different parts of the technology ecosystem together, reinforcing the Sunshine Coast’s position as a place where ideas are tested, partnerships are formed and industries evolve.

May 2026 is a good month to experience Tech in Paradise – on the Sunshine Coast!

Events correct at time of publication. Please check individual event websites for the latest details on tickets, speakers and program updates.

Tech in Paradise in May – a month of tech events

For the past 10 years, the Sunshine Coast has built a reputation as one of Australia's most exciting innovation hubs where industry, research and entrepreneurship intersect to drive real-world outcomes.

May 2026 tech events on the Sunshine Coast