Top Australian technology and innovation experts will share their wisdom with WA high school students this week as part of an annual event designed to develop the next generation of tech and IT talent.
Around 550 students will converge on The University of Western Australia on Thursday for the 2026 BiG Day In conference and expo.
Run by the ACS Foundation, BiG Day In is a national STEM careers conference series designed to connect students with industry professionals who can provide insights into technology-focused career paths and opportunities.
Held in every state in Australia, the event is hosted by different universities and school venues each year. UWA last hosted the event in 2021.
Students from public and private schools from across Perth, Mandurah and Northam will attend talks, panels and presentations in Winthrop Hall featuring speakers from government agencies including ADF Careers, the Australian Signals Directorate and Public Transport Authority of Western Australia; and high-profile companies including Microsoft, Google and WiseTech Global.
The students will also be able to visit exhibitor stands to see hands-on tech demonstrations and speak directly with government, university and industry representatives about the latest technology developments, courses, degrees, work experience and internships.
The day will also see first-year UWA Bachelor of Biological Sciences student Scarlett Gilmartin awarded the ACS Foundation’s inaugural Indigenous Women of STEM Scholarship.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Colmer said UWA was pleased to partner with ACS Foundation to deliver the 2026 event in WA.
“The goal is to help students understand the many diverse opportunities that exist in tech and how they can take advantage of those to carve out a career they love,” Professor Colmer said.
“This kind of event gives them a golden opportunity to not only hear about current and future developments, but network with the people who can show them the way.
“We are also delighted to see the ACS Foundation investing in the development of Indigenous women in STEM via its scholarship program.”
Executive Director of the ACS Foundation, John Ridge, said that unlike many career events for students, BiG Day In specifically targeted STEM careers – with an emphasis on technology – and sought to connect students directly with qualified people within industry.
“One of the problems we were seeking to address is historically there hasn’t been this kind of forum available to enable students to make informed decisions about the careers and industries they want to work in,” Mr Ridge said.
“Our research showed us this was especially important for female students, who typically like to make very well-informed decisions.”