Year 11 STEM Ambassadors Pal Patel and Shirin Golsefid recently represented QAHS at the 2026 HealthTech Summit alongside Head of Department, Global Connect, Mr Dion Obst.
Hosted by Cohort Innovation Space within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, the Summit brought together more than 120 founders, researchers, clinicians, investors and innovators. Pal and Shirin were the only school students in attendance, giving them a rare opportunity to connect with leaders from across Australia's health innovation ecosystem.
The program explored the future of preventative healthcare, diagnostics and artificial intelligence through presentations, panel discussions and a startup showcase featuring emerging health technologies.
Throughout the day, Pal and Shirin engaged with health leaders, academics, founders and industry professionals, asking considered questions and learning more about future pathways across health, research, technology and innovation.
Reflecting on the experience, Pal shared:
“I recently had the opportunity to attend the Gold Coast Health Precinct HealthTech Summit. It was an inspiring experience that brought together entrepreneurs, researchers, healthcare professionals, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the future of healthcare innovation.
Throughout the event, I watched startup pitches and panel Q&A sessions, gaining insight into how technology and AI are transforming the health sector. It was also a valuable opportunity to network with professionals from a range of backgrounds and learn about their work firsthand. In particular, I spoke with representatives from a company developing blood tests to help identify postpartum depression and a researcher exploring athlete health through technology.
The summit highlighted how rapidly healthcare is evolving and demonstrated the important role that startups and emerging technologies will play in improving patient outcomes. I was particularly interested in learning how technology and AI are contributing to preventative healthcare by helping identify health risks earlier, supporting more personalised care, and enabling faster, data-driven decision-making. Overall, the experience broadened my understanding of how health and technology work together and provided valuable connections and insights into potential future pathways within the industry."
Shirin also reflected on the impact of the event:
“Attending the Gold Coast HealthTech Summit at the Cohort Innovation Space was an exciting opportunity to look into how industry workers are incorporating technology into medicine to be able to achieve the idea of 'prevention is the future of healthcare'. The highlight of the function definitely was the discussion panel that included highly skilled industry professionals. An idea that stuck with me was we shouldn't be waiting for these changes, we need to be the ones to step up and make the change."
Pal and Shirin embraced the opportunity with curiosity, confidence and a genuine eagerness to learn. Their participation reflected the value of connecting students with emerging ideas, professional networks and pathways beyond the classroom.
As the only school students involved in the Summit, they also brought an important youth perspective to discussions about the future of healthcare. Pal and Shirin represented QAHS with pride and professionalism throughout the event.
We thank Cohort Innovation Space, the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and the event partners for welcoming our students and providing such a valuable experience.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect