Kate Cornick
CEO at Tech Council of Australia · Former at LaunchVic
Kate Cornick is the CEO of LaunchVic, a $60 million initiative by the Victorian Government aimed at accelerating startups, driving new ideas, and creating jobs in Victoria. She has been leading LaunchVic since November 2016, working in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, business, the community, and educational institutions to strengthen Victoria’s entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem. Kate is also a Council Member at Charles Sturt University since February 2018. Her previous roles include Managing Director at Rision, Director of Industry Engagement and Innovation at the University of Melbourne, and General Manager Enterprise and Strategy at NBN Co Limited. She holds a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Melbourne. Based in the Greater Melbourne Area, Kate is recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between academia and the business world, making significant contributions to research initiatives that influence business strategies and government policies.
In their own words
From Kate Cornick on ways to support Australians to begin their startup journey · The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview SeriesIf we don't disrupt, we will get mowed over by other economies who are innovating, and we will simply become purchasers of other technology.
Career
- Now CEO · Tech Council of Australia
- 2016–2026 CEO · LaunchVic
Sources: smartcompany.com.au
Key moments
Jump straight to the part of Kate Cornick on ways to support Australians to begin their startup journey you want.
- 0:29 Meet Kate Cornick
- 0:35 Kate's Involvement in the Startup Scene
- 1:51 Understanding the Ecosystem
- 2:27 Articulating Support for Entrepreneurs
- 3:24 The Role of LaunchVic
- 4:47 Engaging with the Startup Community
- 6:02 Gaps in the Startup Ecosystem
- 7:38 Producing Great Companies in Australia
- 9:19 Challenges in Early Stage Funding
- 10:54 The Importance of Role Models
Heard on
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▶ Tech Council of Australia on Day One
The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) is the peak industry body representing Australia's technology sector. 2 people · 6 episodes → Connections
Adam SpencerHost, Documentary: The History Of The Australian Startup Ecosystem
Mark PesceFuturist & Host, The Next Billion Seconds, The Next Billion Seconds
Hayden WilliamsGroup Product Manager, MYOB
Evan ThornleyCo-Founder & CEO, LongView, Longview
Tim FungFounder & CEO, Airtasker, Airtasker
Trevor FolsomCo-Founder and Chairman, Investible
Peter DavisonFormer Co-Founder, Fishburners, Fishburners
Pete LeadCoach, Scalable Leaders, Scalable Leaders Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction Updated 25 September 2026
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