MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – March 19, 2025 – The future isn’t just coming—it’s being built. THINK 3000, a groundbreaking collaboration between social enterprise Just Gold and RMIT University, is where it all begins.
On March 20-21, 2025, over 35 visionary speakers, including leading innovators, policymakers, and academics, will converge at RMIT University to tackle some of the biggest questions of our time:
- How do we harness technology for good?
- How do we design cities that work for everyone?
- How are brands evolving to drive not just profitability, but social and environmental impact?
- How do we protect human rights in an increasingly digital world?
This isn’t just another conference—it’s a movement that brings together students, academics, and industry leaders to shape the future.
Keynote Speakers
Two headline keynotes will set the stage for THINK 3000’s future-focused discussions:
Tom Bentley – RMIT Vice President, Strategy and Community Impact (20 March)
RMIT in the City, of the City
This talk will address RMIT's unique presence in city life and the future possibilities it creates. As a university embedded in some of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities worldwide, RMIT plays a key role in shaping cities. In Melbourne, it connects directly to the jobs, food, culture, environment, and technology shaping our future.
Lorraine Finlay – Human Rights Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission (21 March)
The Future of Freedom: Are Human Rights Built to Last in a Digital-Driven Economy?
As we accelerate into an era dominated by AI, automation, and digital platforms, fundamental human rights are under unprecedented pressure. From algorithmic bias to digital surveillance, technology is reshaping the boundaries of freedom, privacy, and equality. This keynote will examine whether human rights, as we know them, are equipped to withstand the pressures of our rapidly evolving digital economy.
These keynote addresses will provide deep insights into how technology, ethics, and human decision-making will redefine our cities, workplaces, and communities.
What to Expect: Sessions & Formats
THINK 3000 is more than just talk—it’s an immersive experience where attendees don’t just learn about the future, they help shape it.
1. Think Sessions – The Big Conversations
Day 1 Sessions (Panels & Q&As)
- Think Technology (11:00 AM) – Exploring how emerging tech reshapes business, society, and life.
Featuring: Tim O'Neill (Time Under Tension), Prof Jason Potts (RMIT). Facilitated by Prof Angel Zhong. - Think Enterprise (11:00 AM) – The future of enterprise and the role of business in technology, design, and sustainability.
Featuring: Prof Cameron Duff (RMIT), Tara Anderson (Social Traders). Facilitated by Kyriakos Gold. - Think Design (1:30 PM) – Focusing on democratic spaces and the future of cities.
Featuring: Prof Chris Speed (RMIT), Melanie Davern (RMIT), Gina Kenah (Mirvac). Facilitated by Kiri Delly.
Day 2 Sessions
- Think Business (11:00 AM) – The evolving role of business in a fairer, more sustainable world.
Featuring: Dr Amanda Spry (RMIT), Derek Gascoigne (Unisuper), Christina Chun (Social Enterprise Australia). Facilitated by Kyriakos Gold. - Think Society (11:00 AM) – Examining justice, equity, and inclusion in the digital age.
Featuring: Lorraine Finlay (AHRC), Alex Young (Red Cross), Anthea Hancocks (Scanlon Foundation), Maria Dimopoulos AM (Myriad Kofkin Global). Facilitated by Hugh Foster & Tania Ajit. - Think Life (1:30 PM) – Experts discuss the forces shaping our lives, from longevity to equality.
Featuring: Dr Judy Tang (VMC & GoNeuro Asia), Erfan Daliri (Kind Enterprises). Facilitated by Maria Dimopoulos AM.
2. Hands-On Innovation – Solving Real-World Challenges
Attendees can immerse themselves in:
- Hackathons: Collaborate with students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to solve real-world problems in just 48 hours.
3. Tailored Tracks for Every Attendee
Whether you’re a student, academic, or industry leader, THINK 3000 offers sessions tailored to your needs:
- For Students: Gain future-ready skills, meet potential employers, and explore career pathways in emerging industries.
- For Academics: Engage with thought leaders, showcase research, and contribute to forward-thinking discussions.
- For Professionals: Gain actionable insights to future-proof your career and lead in the age of disruption.
Who’s Speaking? Featured Experts & Thought Leaders
THINK 3000 brings together 35+ influential speakers, including:
- Vasso Apostolopoulos – Globally recognised immunologist and pioneer in cancer vaccine research.
- Commissioner Joe Ball – Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, advocate for equality.
- Jeanette Cheah – Founder of HEX, named one of Australia’s Top 100 Innovators.
- Maria Dimopoulos AM – Globally recognised intersectionality expert and Principal Consultant at Myriad Kofkin Global.
- Kyriakos Gold – CEO of Just Gold and Founder of the Aurum Foundation, championing diversity and inclusion.
- Jason Potts – Distinguished Professor of Economics at RMIT University.
Bridging Education and Industry
A defining feature of THINK 3000 is its commitment to breaking down barriers between education and industry. Professional conferences typically cost hundreds of dollars, making them inaccessible to most students. THINK 3000 changes that by offering tickets at just $20 for RMIT students and $30 for other students, ensuring that students and industry professionals attend side by side. This is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s a space where students actively engage with industry leaders, network with professionals, and participate in meaningful conversations that shape the future of work.
“Where others see challenges, we see opportunities,” says Kyriakos Gold, CEO of Just Gold and Executive Producer of THINK 3000. “This isn’t just about predicting the future—it’s about building it. By partnering with RMIT University, we are amplifying the impact that social enterprises can have in shaping industries, policies, and future leaders. THINK 3000 is where bold ideas meet meaningful action.”
Key Facts:
📅 Dates: March 20-21, 2025
📍 Location: RMIT University, Melbourne
🎤 Speakers: 35+ leading innovators, policymakers, and academics
🎯 Topics: AI, human rights, urban design, sustainability, ethical business
💡 Keynotes:
- Tom Bentley (RMIT) – Cities & Innovation
- Lorraine Finlay (AHRC) – Human Rights in the Digital Age
🎟️ Tickets:
- $450 (Corporate)
- $20 (RMIT Students) | $30 (Other Students)
🔗 Register: https://events.humanitix.com/think-3000/tickets
📥 Full Program: https://think3000.com.au/attend
About us:
ABOUT THINK 3000
THINK 3000 is a groundbreaking collaboration between Just Gold, Australia’s first accredited social enterprise management consultancy, and RMIT University, a global leader in innovation and education. Together, they are creating a platform where academia meets industry, research meets practice, and ideas meet action.
Contact details:
For interviews, speaker bios, or high-resolution images, please contact:
Hugh Foster
📧 [email protected]
