It’s been an exciting year of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Western Sydney Startup Hub, powered by Spacecubed! One highlight has been the emergence of AI meetup group, Western Sydney Tech Innovators, founded by Spacecubed member Lailei Huang.
Lailei explained that the idea for founding Western Sydney Tech Innovators came from his struggle to find a local AI community in his hometown of Parramatta. His inspiration was reinforced by a quote he saw at Parramatta Station: “Sometimes you’ve got to create what you want to be part of.”
What began as a grassroots vision has grown into Western Sydney’s most vibrant community for AI, emerging tech and innovation, now with over 1,400 members joining on Meetup. From AI lab sessions with hands-on learning to casual hangouts discussing what’s happening in the tech scene, WSTI is creating an accessible and inclusive environment where anyone can get involved.
Western Sydney Tech Innovators marked its first anniversary on Thursday 25th September with a memorable event at the Western Sydney Startup Hub. The atmosphere was buzzing with a mix of startup founders, tech enthusiasts and professionals, as the evening kicked off with networking over pizza and drinks.
We continued with a fireside chat where community members from diverse backgrounds and cultures shared their hopes and concerns about how AI might affect their lives and businesses.
In response, community leaders including MP Andrew Charlton, Cr Hayley French, and university researchers offered their perspectives and insights. This dialogue marks the beginning of a collaboration focused on a vital question: How can we harness the power of AI to empower the community while ensuring no one is left behind?
A major highlight of the night was the official launch of the AI Shed, WSTI’s new flagship initiative housed within the Western Sydney Startup Hub. The AI Shed aims to provide hands-on learning, skills training and access to resources that will help people in Western Sydney prepare for the jobs and industries of the future.
From AI-driven sustainability tools to youth-led education platforms, the presentations underscored the community’s capacity for innovation when given the right support and encouragement.
The event wrapped up with a lucky draw, where one attendee walked away with a $100 Westfield Gift Card and a free seat in the 4-week AI Bootcamp. A second draw followed, awarding a $50 Westfield Gift Card along with a 50% discount on the 4-week AI Bootcamp.
Over the next year, WSTI plans to expand its offerings through the AI Shed, including new bootcamps, workshops and mentorship opportunities. It also aims to strengthen its partnerships with local institutions, businesses and policymakers to create more pathways for skills development and employment in the tech sector.
“Knowing that the arrival of Artificial General Intelligence is highly likely within five years, I realise I have to do more than simply experiment with AI and write small programs here and there,” shared Lailei.
As Western Sydney continues to grow as a hub of diversity, creativity and ambition, organisations like WSTI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the region’s future. Their first year has proven what is possible when innovation is rooted in community, and the anniversary event was a clear reminder that the best is still to come.
With many more events to come, join the Western Sydney Tech Innovators community on Meetup and join the AI Shed bootcamps waitlist here!