The Australian Technology and Information Industry Association (ATIIA) proudly hosted its “Tech for Good” Special Session this July, bringing together leaders, innovators, and practitioners to explore how emerging technologies can drive sustainable impact across industries and communities.
Held at ATIIA’s Sydney headquarters, the event attracted over 200 participants, including representatives from green energy startups, technology companies, academic researchers, and government partners. The session was designed to showcase practical examples of technology addressing environmental and social challenges while aligning with ATIIA’s ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) technology initiative.
The event opened with a keynote by Dr. Priya Malhotra, Head of Sustainable Technology Programs at ATIIA, who emphasized the critical role of the tech sector in building a zero-carbon future. “Technology is the catalyst for the transformations we need to address climate change and promote social equity,” Dr. Malhotra noted. “This session is not just about showcasing innovations; it’s about fostering partnerships and actions that can create measurable, positive outcomes.”
Highlights from the session included:
AI for Environmental Protection: A presentation by EcoSense Analytics, demonstrating how AI-powered drones are being used to monitor biodiversity in remote regions and prevent illegal logging. Their solution has reduced monitoring costs by 60% while increasing data collection accuracy for conservation agencies.
Zero-Carbon Data Centers: GreenGrid Solutions shared their journey in developing modular data centers powered entirely by renewable energy, with integrated AI systems optimizing energy use based on real-time workloads.
Smart Mobility for Cities: UrbanMove showcased their smart traffic management system leveraging IoT sensors and AI to reduce congestion and emissions in urban environments, currently piloted in Melbourne with a 15% reduction in average vehicle idle time.
Blockchain for Circular Economy: A research team from the University of Sydney presented a blockchain-enabled traceability system for e-waste recycling, ensuring transparency across collection, sorting, and reuse, thereby promoting circularity in electronic supply chains.
In addition to case presentations, the session featured a panel discussion on “Scaling Tech for Good: Challenges and Opportunities,” with insights on policy frameworks, investment strategies, and cross-sector collaborations necessary for scaling sustainable technologies. Panelists emphasized that beyond technological readiness, regulatory support and industry partnerships are key to transforming pilot projects into large-scale impact.
Eleanor Shaw, ATIIA’s Director of HR and Internal Programs, highlighted the importance of member and employee participation in these initiatives. “We encourage our staff and members to contribute their ideas and expertise to the ESG Tech Initiative, reinforcing ATIIA’s role as a platform where technology meets purpose,” she shared.
Networking and collaborative breakout discussions concluded the session, allowing participants to connect, identify potential partnership opportunities, and discuss concrete actions for sustainable technology deployment.
The “Tech for Good” Special Session exemplifies ATIIA’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal and environmental betterment, aligned with its long-term vision of building a technology ecosystem that drives Australia’s sustainable development and global competitiveness.
Staff and members interested in participating in upcoming ESG Tech working groups or sharing project ideas can contact the Internal Programs Team or visit the ATIIA Member Portal for more details.