Generation Next: On Air | HEXPO 2026

Tune into Southeast Asia’s next wave of founders during a live startup pitch night connecting emerging ventures with industry, investors and
About this Event

Southeast Asia’s next generation of founders is officially On Air.

Generation Next: On Air is a live startup pitch night showcasing emerging founders, ventures and innovations from across Southeast Asia.

For one night, the region’s next wave of entrepreneurial talent takes over the HEXPO frequency to share what they are building, what they have learned and where they believe the market is heading next.

Hear directly from the first cohort of Generation Next founders as they present their ventures to an audience of investors, startup leaders, ecosystem builders, industry professionals, students and members of Melbourne’s innovation community.

This is more than a traditional pitch competition.

It is an opportunity to discover ideas before they make headlines, understand the cultural and economic shifts shaping Southeast Asia and build genuine connections across the Australian and Southeast Asian startup ecosystems.

Come ready to listen, ask questions and meet the people building what comes next.


What to expect

• Live startup pitches from emerging Southeast Asian founders
• New ventures and ideas from across the region
• Founder stories and behind-the-scenes insights
• Conversations about Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem
• Opportunities to connect with investors, industry and ecosystem leaders
• Networking with founders, students and startup community members

Who should attend?

• Founders and aspiring founders
• Investors and venture capital professionals
• Startup ecosystem builders
• Industry and corporate innovation teams
• Government and education representatives
• Students and early-career professionals
• People interested in Southeast Asia
• Anyone curious about entrepreneurship, emerging markets and new ideas

You do not need to work in startups or investment to attend. This event is open to anyone who wants to hear fresh perspectives and connect with the region’s next generation of builders.

About Generation Next

Generation Next supports emerging founders and entrepreneurial talent from across Southeast Asia, helping them strengthen their ideas, build global connections and access new opportunities.

At On Air, the founders step onto the live stage to share the ventures and perspectives they are bringing to the next generation of the region’s digital economy.

Instagram: @generationnext.au

About HEXPO 2026

HEXPO 2026: Find Your Frequency is a week-long festival of ideas, experiences and community taking place across Naarm / Melbourne from 14–18 September.

Traditional conferences ask everyone to tune into the same channel. HEXPO invites you to choose your own journey across entrepreneurship, careers, education, technology, innovation and culture.

Come for one event or ride the whole wave.