Western Sydney, get ready! From 5-21 November 2026, WSTI Festi is bringing the region's first grassroots AI festival to life, with five exciting events taking place right here at the Western Sydney Startup Hub.
Led by Western Sydney Tech Innovators, the festival is all about making artificial intelligence more accessible, practical and exciting for everyone.
Founded by Lailei Huang in 2024, WSTI has grown into a thriving community of innovators, entrepreneurs and AI enthusiasts, with a mission to help Western Sydney learn, experiment and build with emerging technologies.
Since launching at WSSH, WSTI has become an active part of the Hub's innovation community, regularly bringing people together through AI workshops, hackathons and collaborative learning opportunities. WSTI Festi marks another exciting chapter in that journey, showcasing what's possible when local talent, technology and community come together.
Across two and a half weeks, the festival will connect founders, small business owners, not-for-profits, students, educators, families and anyone curious about AI through hands-on activities, discussions and innovation challenges.
Whether you're already using AI in your business or you're simply curious about where to begin, there's something for you.
Running a small business often means juggling a hundred different responsibilities. But what if AI could help lighten the load?
The SME AI Forum brings together local business owners to share how they're using AI to save time, improve operations and support business growth. You'll also see live demonstrations of AI agents performing real business tasks.
It's an opportunity to discover practical applications of AI, exchange ideas with fellow business owners and leave with inspiration to put into action.
Western Sydney's not-for-profits and community organisations make an enormous difference, often while working with limited time and resources.
This event explores how AI can help community organisations work smarter and extend their impact. Hear from a local not-for-profit showcasing an AI solution developed with WSTI, and discover how similar tools could support your own organisation.
Whether you're involved in a charity, community group or social enterprise, this is a chance to explore new possibilities and connect with others making a difference.
Got an idea? Bring it to life with AI!
Join WSTI for a hands-on day of creativity, collaboration and innovation at the Western Sydney Startup Hub. Work alongside fellow innovators and mentors to turn your ideas into real AI-powered solutions.
No coding experience needed! Whether you're a beginner or experienced builder, everyone is welcome.
🎟️ $15 per person, including lunch.
Get ready to see Western Sydney's next wave of AI innovators in action!
Following the Build with AI Innovation Challenge, selected teams will take the stage at WSSH to pitch their ideas and showcase what they've created. Expect fresh thinking, creative solutions and plenty of entrepreneurial energy as local innovators demonstrate how AI can tackle real-world challenges.
Come along to support emerging talent, discover exciting ideas and connect with Western Sydney's growing startup ecosystem.
The festival wraps up with a full day of innovation, discovery and celebration at the Western Sydney Startup Hub!
Grand Festival Day brings the community together for an Innovation Showcase, where challenge finalists will demonstrate their AI creations, alongside approachable activities introducing AI to people of all experience levels.
With the Build with AI Innovation Challenge winners announced, it's a chance to celebrate the ideas, people and collaborations that have made the festival possible.
Everyone is welcome, and no technical background is needed!
We're excited to welcome both familiar faces and new visitors through our doors this November, and to see the ideas and connections that emerge from WSTI Festi 2026.
WSTI Festi 2026 is supported by organisations including Investment NSW, City of Parramatta, Google, the offices of Andrew Charlton MP and Donna Davis MP, Parramatta Leagues Club, and Western Sydney Startup Hub, powered by Spacecubed.
Click here to view the full WSTI Festi 2026 lineup and reserve your tickets.