Federal Minister for Defence Materiels, Dr Mike Kelly is expected to comment on Australia’s cultural willingness to back start up ventures in his keynote address from 6.00pm on Friday.

Dr Kelly has long been a proponent of technological innovation as an economic driver for regional Australia and has worked passionately to promote a number of renewable technology initiatives in his Eden Monaro electorate. Other themes Dr Kelly will address in his keynote speech include government incentives to encourage start ups, the need to develop the venture capital market in Australia, and the vital role the NBN will play in driving start up culture and development.

Dr Kelly said “The Sapphire Coast holds many attractions for skilled seachangers seeking to enjoy the lifestyle dividend that the area offers, while maintaining their passion for a high-energy Start Up or technology-based career”.

In what promises to be a highly entertaining exchange live streamed from 6.00pm on Saturday night a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style event with see around 25 local hopefuls pitch their ideas for new IT businesses to a panel of investors and business professionals. There will also be around 15 entrepreneurs bused in from Sydney, Canberra and Cooma to pitch their ideas to the panel,which will comprise Mary-Anne Waldren (Master Entrepreneurs Program), Christine Kaine (Business Angels), Mark Englaro (Sydney Angels), Natalie Godward (Bega Valley Business Forum).

For more information on the Seachange Startup Camp Merimbula 2013 visit www.intoitsapphirecoast.com.