Nicci Rossouw is the CEO of Exaptec, a start-up company she founded in 2015 to provide service robotics solutions to the Australian market. She has provided numerous robotic telepresence solutions to educational facilities and businesses to augment communication and movement for disabled and incapacitated people.
Nicci believes that well designed application of robotics will lead to the emergence of new business models that will change the way people work and play for the better. Noted as one of six women who “rock” robotics in Australia, Nicci is a passionate educator of how robots can augment your life for the better.  Exaptec was one of Westpac’s 2018 top 200 Businesses of Tomorrow winners,  Nicci was noted as “30 women you need to know about in robotics” in 2020.  This is a global recognition and Nicci was one of two women in Australia to be awarded this accolade in 2020.
Nicci is the Co-host of Women in Robotics Group|Melbourne Chapter.  She also hosts the podcast, “Let’s talk robotics” which focuses on the talented and inspirational robotics and AI community in Australia. She organised the Generate22 – a robotics & AI conference held in Melbourne on 30 & 31 March 2022.

Nathan has a proven and demonstrable track record of uncovering and imagining emerging real world, opportunities for cutting edge robotics research intentions and forging viable R&D to Deployment (R&D2D) pathways to their realisation. Over 15+ years in industry, and 10+ years in academia, initiating, shaping, establishing, driving and leading cutting-edge research driven enabling, transformative, and disruptive innovation.

Tamanna’s experience spans out from driving major initiatives including innovation programs, regional competitiveness, governance and operative models for critical industries. Tamanna developed strategic networks with key stakeholders including national and international governments, industry and academia, and corporate sectors nationally and internationally.
She has led the development and implementation of large-scale commercial, industrial and investment attraction strategies in multiple sectors including health and medtech, AI and technology, manufacturing, defence, marine, agriculture, energy and infrastructure.   Tamanna is the founder of SME Growth Centre with an aim to help connect SMEs with knowledge and networks to access global supply chains. Tamanna also founded the Women in Export, Innovation and Investment to help professional migrant women with mentoring and connections to get into workforce. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), studied MBA and Hons in Public Administration.

Christian has a background in Engineering and Research Management, as an Automation specialist with over 30 years experience. As the R&D Program Manager (Processing Automation of Meat & Livestock Australia, Christian has demonstrated multiple project management abilities, ability to communicate technical detail to all levels of an organisation, and strong interpersonal skills which fosters collaboration and innovation between colleagues, suppliers, and customers.

John Vial is a seasoned expert in robotics and machine learning, dedicated to the practical application of these transformative technologies. As the Project Execution Lead at Nexxis, John is at the forefront of developing advanced legged, magnetic inspection robots. His technical leadership spans across roles, including major AI initiatives at Fortescue Metals Group, where he was integral to the conception of an autonomous light vehicle project among other innovative solutions. John leverages this deep understanding of industrial applications of robotics and AI to help guide RAG to achieve its mission.

Kathie is driven by a passion for deep tech and is committed to advocating for Australia’s technological capabilities to amplify our nation’s competitive advantage.
As a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Senior Executive MBA, Kathie has significant experience as a governance and risk professional, including as a Founder, Executive, Non-Executive Director and Company Secretary. She also brings 20 years’ senior leadership and commercial experience across a range of industries including space, tech startups, coworking, health regulation and tourism.