Doug Bester is the founder of Perth‑based Sentient Computing, a specialist software company delivering immersive interactive environments, VR training and 3D visualisation solutions to the industrial sector. With more than 35 years’ experience in technical operations, project delivery and leadership, he has guided Sentient through multiple technology cycles while staying focused on practical value for operators, maintainers and decision‑makers on site. Since founding Sentient in 2007, Doug has grown the business from a small startup into a diverse team of engineers, developers and artists delivering solutions for major iron ore, energy and industrial clients in Australia and overseas. Under his leadership, Sentient has become recognised as an Australian pioneer in training, gaming‑inspired simulations and industrial digital twins that improve productivity by enhanced training and better understanding of complex operations. This work has been acknowledged through accolades such as being awarded the Rio Tinto Suppliers Innovation Award in 2023. Doug’s leadership philosophy is centred on a values‑driven, distributed model that emphasises responsibility, psychological safety and genuine care for people, enabling technical teams to innovate while staying closely aligned to customer needs and operational realities. He has consistently prioritised win‑win solutions that deliver measurable value for clients while helping to create and grow high‑skill jobs in Western Australia ensuring innovation directly benefits WA’s long‑term prosperity.

Knackstedt is a Professor at ANU Research School of Physics. He leads a team that has undertaken leading edge fundamental research underpinning Digital Rock Technology and the OreAI program and translated the technology into tangible commercial outcomes. He led the adoption of Digital rock technology into the energy and carbon storage sectors and built the ARC ITTC for M3D Innovation driving the technology applications into mining, defence, and biomedical fields. He is globally recognised as the founder of Digital rock technology, having been awarded the ENI medal (unofficial equivalent to a Nobel prize in Energy Science) and been an invited lecturer to many Societies in the Energy industry. In 2019 he presented the technology to a range of industries through a sponsored award from Kimberley Clark Corporation.