Join UNSW Canberra and the AGSM Alumni Committee (Canberra) for an exclusive discussion and Q&A session on the future of data centres and Australian sovereignty.
Expert voices from academia, government and industry will discuss the emerging opportunities and trade-offs as Australia attracts growing interest for hyperscale AI data centre investment.
Our panel will explore three connected themes:
This panel will feature a timely and thought-provoking discussion and excellent networking opportunity for alumni and professionals working across government, defence, energy, infrastructure, technology, business and related sectors.
Join us for this in-person networking and panel event in Canberra on the future and implications of data centres in Australia.
CEO at Stone & Chalk, Australia’s largest innovation community | Data & AI Advisory Council at Beyond Blue
A recognised technology leader, Stela Solar was previously Managing Director for Data & AI at Accenture ANZ, served as the Inaugural Director of Australia's National AI Centre and Co-chair of the Commonwealth AI Consortium, after holding several leadership positions at Microsoft, including Global Director of AI Solution Sales and Global Partner Co-sell Leader.
Throughout her distinguished 20-year career, she has driven business model transformations that enable organisations to capture new opportunities through emerging technologies including Cloud, IoT, and AI, and has developed nation-wide AI frameworks such as the Voluntary AI Safety Standard.
Combining her background in sustainability and creative industries with deep technical expertise, Stela is known for delivering business outcomes anchored in business value, market differentiation and responsible impact.
Chief Strategy Officer, CDC Data Centres
Dr Jack R. Dan is a senior executive and board member with a track record in diverse environments, ranging from start-up companies and academia, to government, international organisations and large multinational companies, in Australia and abroad.
Jack is the Chief Strategy Officer at CDC, leading the company’s strategy, growth, sustainability and engagement.
Previously, Jack was the Australian Government’s Senior Adviser for Data, Digital and Technology. In this role, Jack drove Australia’s first Digital Transformation Strategy, Digital Service Platforms Strategy, Hosting Strategy and the Whole of Government Architecture.
He also oversaw major identity, service delivery, procurement and legislative reforms and initiated the establishment of the first Ministerial-level council for data and digital—now titled the Data and Digital Ministers’ Meeting—which includes representation from New Zealand.
Jack has extensive executive experience in the technology sector, including as the National General Manager for Government and then the Head of Global Foresight at Telstra.
He holds several degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Management, both from the Australian National University.
Jack is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, a member of the UNSW School of Business Advisory Board, a Board Director of Data Centres Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
CEO, UNSW Energy Institute | Interim CEO, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub
Dani Alexander is a highly regarded leader in Australia’s energy sector. As CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute, a Board Member of the Energy Efficiency Council and Chair of the Energy Research Institutes Council of Australia, she brings deep expertise at the intersection of technology, energy systems and policy.
A passionate advocate for a clean, affordable, reliable and equitable energy future, Dani has broad cross-sector experience spanning universities, government and industry. Her previous roles include work with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and industrial co-operative research centres, giving her a strong understanding of how emerging technologies move from research into real-world deployment.
Dani has extensive knowledge of the energy transition, including renewable energy generation, clean fuels, energy storage, grid integration, and energy consumers and markets. With a multidisciplinary background in science and business, she is particularly skilled at bridging the gap between technological innovation and changing market needs.
Her work focuses on accelerating the commercial and technological maturity of new energy solutions and supporting innovation across the value chain.
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