The atmosphere was electric as the 79 finalists in this year’s 7th annual awards were recognised for their achievements.

With categories like Women in Business, On the Rise, and Going Gree*, the awards highlighted the game-changing breakthroughs that define Australia’s startup ecosystem.

Last night, Ticker was honoured to be the official broadcast partner of the Pause Awards 2024, held at the stunning Club Pandora in South Melbourne.

The celebration of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial excellence brought together the brightest minds shaping Australia’s future.

Ticker CEO Ahron Young with host Mike Loder at the 2024 Pause Awards.

Pause Awards founder and CEO George Hedon summed it up perfectly: “In an era defined by economic challenges and the rapid rise of AI, this year’s entrants have made a real impact by zeroing in on customer needs. These businesses are breaking through the noise and proving their capabilities.”

From rising stars like Atticus, Greener, and Applied EV to inspiring leaders such as Sophie Walker of Australian Birth Stories and Verity Tuck of Goldee, this year’s finalists reflect Australia’s growing focus on tech, sustainability, and innovation.

Want to see who took home the awards? Head to the Pause Awards website to see the winners list.

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, but its dark side is fueling a massive surge in fraud, especially through the use of deepfakes.

As the sophistication and accessibility of “AI” expands–so does the challenge of combating deepfake-driven crime.

A new report highlights how scammers are using hyper-realistic AI-generated content, often impersonating high-profile figures like Elon Musk, to swindle billions from unsuspecting victims.

Fraud tied to deepfakes has already reached $12 billion globally and is projected to hit $40 billion in just three years.

So, what can businesses, individuals, and governments do to combat this growing trend?

Oz Sultan, the Chief Strategist with the Sultan Interactive Group joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

President Biden’s trip to Angola highlights U.S. efforts to counter China’s growing influence through trade and infrastructure investment.

President Joe Biden has embarked on his first trip to Africa as president, heading to oil-rich Angola in a move that underscores America’s push to bolster trade and infrastructure partnerships on the continent.

The visit follows Biden’s signing of a controversial pardon for his son, an action that has sparked political debate back home.

In Angola, the 82-year-old president aims to emphasize U.S. commitments to economic development and investment in Africa, signaling a direct counter to China’s expanding presence in the region.

With Africa emerging as a key battleground for global influence, Biden’s trip reflects the administration’s focus on fostering strategic alliances through infrastructure projects and trade agreements.

Analysts view this visit as a pivotal moment in U.S.-Africa relations, showcasing efforts to compete with China’s dominance while addressing Africa’s growing economic importance on the global stage.

The trip marks a significant step in redefining America’s engagement with the continent.