From CDU student to tech ecosystem leader: Dylan Bennett's impact in the Top End

When Dylan Bennett graduated from Charles Darwin University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning, he was already thinking about how technology, creativity and community could shape the future of the Northern Territory. 

Today, Dylan is the CEO of The Array, Darwin’s emerging technology and esports hub, and founder of Larrikin Interactive - widely recognised as the Northern Territory’s first award-winning video game studio. Through his work, he has helped grow a digital creative ecosystem in the Top End, supporting startups, digital creators and young people exploring careers in technology. 

Dylan credits much of the foundation for his approach to leadership and community building to his time studying at CDU. 

During his degree, he took part in one of the university’s student exchange programs, an experience he says shaped his understanding of culture, education and the power of global networks. 

“Learning alongside people from different cultures and education systems really changed the way I think about teaching, collaboration and community.” 

For Dylan, the experience reinforced the value of cross-cultural learning and international connection-perspectives that continue to shape his work today. 

Through The Array, he now champions education programs that bring together students, developers and entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for Territorians to build careers in emerging technology fields such as game development, digital media and esports. 

Dylan believes Darwin’s unique position gives it enormous potential for innovation. 

“It’s a small city with global connections, and that means you can create opportunities that reach far beyond the Territory.” 

 

His journey from CDU student to technology entrepreneur reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to international engagement, practical learning and preparing graduates to make a difference in their communities. 

For Dylan, the path from the classroom to industry leadership was shaped by the global perspective and cultural understanding he developed while studying in Darwin - an experience that continues to drive his mission to "revolutionise the digital landscape of the Territory, one byte at a time".