Back for the second time, The Precinct is excited to announce the continuity of its partnership with the SheCodes Plus Program. SheCodes Plus is a 6-month program that will support up to 20 women in 2025 by providing an alternative learning pathway to enter the tech industry.

After the immense success of last year’s program, which saw 17 women from diverse backgrounds complete the program on a part-time basis, participants in the Brisbane cohort will attend two weekly workshops at The Precinct to develop their technical skills with the support of mentors and hands-on projects.

The Precinct was thrilled to offer a fully-funded scholarship into the program to recipient Simone Wight last year who shared how the program positively impact her:

“Coming off the heels of The Precinct’s Start Club BNE Cohort #1, I was the extremely lucky recipient of The Precinct’s scholarship into the She Codes Program. Before this, I had often daydreamed about learning to code but didn’t have a clear pathway. Thanks to my spot on the program, I’ve walked away feeling genuinely empowered in my career with skills that now flow straight into better results for my clients. I felt extremely supported by the community at The Precinct and had folks cheering me on from the sidelines throughout the program. Even more valuable is the network I’ve gained. Having a community like She Codes Australia and The Precinct in my corner makes Brisbane’s tech scene feel like home.”

Applications are now open for Brisbane, offering fully-funded scholarships, real-world projects and mentorship from industry professionals.

Kate Irwin, Founder & CEO of SheCodes, shares that “SheCodes Plus isn’t just about teaching women to code – it’s about creating the space, support and community for them to thrive. We’ve seen so many QLD women change industries, build friendships and really flourish over the years and I’m super excited to do it all over again. The Precinct is a natural home for us – our very first QLD workshops were hosted here, and it really is the epicentre of tech and innovation for Brisbane which we’re thrilled to be immersed with.”

Know someone who’s ready to take the leap? Applications close July 31!

👉 https://shecodes.com.au/plus/

END

At a sold out event at The Precinct last night, two of Silicon Valley’s top AI minds Dr Matthew Lennie from Meta and Joel Pobar from Anthropic left attendees excited about the future of artificial intelligence. Thanks to the efforts of TEN13 and support from the QLD AI Hub, the event showcased how cutting-edge AI developments are shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Dr Matthew Lennie: How to Train a Llama

Dr Matthew Lennie, a key member of Meta’s AI infrastructure team, delivered a deep dive into the mechanics of training Llama, Meta’s cutting-edge large language model. In his session titled How to Train a Llama, Lennie unraveled the complexities of large-scale AI training. From simulating Llama’s training on Meta’s infrastructure to troubleshooting in real time, Lennie’s work is at the bleeding edge of AI development. His insights illuminated the immense effort it takes to push large language models to the next frontier, giving the audience a rare peek into how AI giants like Meta are shaping the future.

Joel Pobar: A Visionary Dive into the Future of AI

Joel Pobar followed with a session that left the audience inspired and energised. With a rich background at Anthropic, Meta, and as Venture Partner at TEN13, Pobar shared his unique blend of technical and strategic expertise. His talk covered the state of large language models, their exponential advancements, and how AI is poised to transform industries at an unprecedented pace. Through live demos, Pobar showcased the immense potential of AI technologies to revolutionise everything from communication to business processes, leaving attendees with a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Why It Matters

The speakers’ combined expertise highlighted how AI is rapidly evolving from a tool of convenience to a transformative force. Dr Lennie’s work at Meta demonstrates the infrastructure and resilience required to create these models, while Pobar’s insights underscored the limitless applications and implications of AI technology. The event also highlighted the pivotal role organisations like TEN13 and the QLD AI Hub play in fostering innovation and connecting global experts with the local ecosystem.

A Night to Remember

For those lucky enough to attend, the event was an eye opening experience filled with powerful insights and inspiring conversations. As one attendee put it, “This wasn’t just a presentation – it was a glimpse into the future of humanity’s relationship with technology.”

Missed out? Keep an eye on The Precinct’s upcoming events – where tomorrow’s ideas come to life today. Subscribe here: https://cospaces.eo.page/theprecinct