BIGSOUND will introduce a dedicated Ideas & Innovation Hub when the Australian music industry event returns to Fortitude Valley from September 1–4.
The new conference space will bring together music industry workers, educators, technology companies and government representatives to discuss the tools and ideas shaping the future of Australian music.
The hub will include separate technology and education streams, along with a showcase for emerging music technology startups.
First dedicated education stream
The Education Stream will be programmed in partnership with Amplify Music Education and will be the first dedicated education stream presented as part of the BIGSOUND conference.
The program is designed to give music educators a greater role in conversations about industry development, workforce pathways and the future of the sector.
Amplify Music Education co-founder Natalie Kradolfer said music educators played an important role in building the next generation of Australian artists and industry workers.
“True innovation requires a strong pipeline from the classroom to the sector, and this partnership ensures our educators are seated at the table,” she said.
The announcement comes as BIGSOUND prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026.
Technology stream and international guest
Australian non-profit organisation CAST, the Centre for Arts, Sports and Technology, will program the Technology Stream.
The stream will explore how emerging technology is affecting music creation, live events, audience engagement and the wider entertainment sector.
Emmy Award-winning composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Lucas Cantor Santiago has been announced as the first guest for the program.
Cantor Santiago is the founder and general partner of Mindset Music Tech, a venture firm investing in music technology. His credits include work across Olympic broadcasts, Super Bowl campaigns and Fox Sports.
He said the industry needed honest conversations about where technology could support creativity and where caution was still needed.
Music technology applications open
Applications are also open for the 2026 Music Start Up Tech Showcase.
The showcase is seeking startups working across creator tools, live events, fan engagement and the infrastructure used by artists and venues.
Shortlisted applicants will pitch live at BIGSOUND, while an additional group will be featured in a digital industry publication.
Applications close at noon AEST on July 24.
BIGSOUND 2026 will run across Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, from September 1–4, with its full conference and showcase program due to be announced in July.
Early-bird delegate passes are available until June 30, while festival passes are also on sale.
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