Dear TIF friends, 

 

What a WILD five years it has been!

 

We started the Tropical Innovation Festival with a 5 week runway, an oily rag and some passionate people... and it went off with a bang. TIF was something the community was craving and in a location that is iconically Australia - the first conference in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef.

 

Our vision was to build a home-grown, community-led innovation festival that helped move the needle for startups in Australia - and we know that for many, we did achieve that. 

 

We are so incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and humbled by ALL of those who have contributed over the years - those who purchased tickets, volunteered, spoke, mentored, brokered relationships, funded some great innovations and simply gave to others to build this event and the entire community.

 

In a world where the only true thing is change (...and rising costs), we have been unable to secure the funding that we need to continue TIF.

 

At this stage, we are not sure if it is goodbye, or see you later... but we can assure you that we have been pushing, advocating and chasing down every rabbit hole for funding since TIF2024, and 18 months later we are sad that we are not able to deliver TIF2026 for those that are loyalists through to those that were excited to finally experience TIF this year. 

 

We knew we had to tell some "important" people individually ... and when we did the list - there were A LOT of important people - and not enough time. We really wanted you to hear directly from us before the rumour mill started turning. As I am sure you can appreciate, our resources are tight, so we apologise for the group email.

 

If you have already bought tickets for TIF2026, you will be refunded in full.

 

If you still want to head to Cairns - come visit us! We are still here and will still have things happening from Launch Y(E)P at Tropic Tech & Innovation Network. We're also open to collaborating on activities and events.

 

While it's back to the drawing board for now, we will still be supporting our region and passionate about helping people meet their entrepreneurial, innovation, digital and human potential. 

 

Want to remember TIF? 

 

We have a small quantity of leftover merchandise for sale on our website right now, so if you jump in quickly you may be able to grab something! We will also be keeping photos and videos on the website for you to browse and save.

 

Want to collaborate? 

 

Tara and Jamie will continue to deliver programs (such as our Regional Enablers Program), events, facilitation and consultancy through Launch Y(E)P.

 

If you have a project you think we may be able to help with, feel free to get in contact with us. 

 

What are we doing now? 

 

We're not going to lie... we had a LOT of tears with our decision at the end of last year but it's 2026 - we have turned the page, and we are swimming with the tide. 

 

👩‍💼 Kate has landed in a fabulous new role with the Australian Government supporting our region with her skills and networks as the Jobs Coordinator. Kate's email is Kate.Montgomery@dewr.gov.au

 

🧑‍💻 Jamie is supporting businesses and startups through software and technology consulting via Launch Y(E)P. He is also actively building Sophus Health. Jamie's email is jamie@sophus.com.au

 

👩‍🏫 Tara continues to deliver strategy and business consultancy through Launch Y(E)P along with taking the time to complete her Master of Clinical Psychology. She is taking on limited clients for facilitation, MC/hosting, dietetics and psychology. Tara's email is tara@launchyep.com

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So for now, a huge big THANK YOU and lots of love from our team. ♥️

 

Tara, Kate & Jamie