Australian Technologies Competition 2015 launched

The 2015 Australian Technologies Competition was launched in Sydney today at a gala launch event hosted by KPMG.

The competition identifies, mentors and profiles Australia’s leading technologies that will enhance industry competitiveness and efficiency both in Australia and globally, and provides mentoring for innovative Australian SMEs that are best positioned to become global success stories.

"The guidance on commercialisation, funding and pitching, combined with connections across industry, finance and international markets, has enabled many of our alumni companies to make a step change in their business," explained John O'Brien, the competition organiser. "It's a great privilege to be able to play a part in the success of Australia's best companies."

With new awards categories and a wider reach, the competition, now in its fifth year, has established itself as Australia's premier technology competition.

Over the last four years, the competition has generated over $250 million in investment and project opportunities for Australian SMEs. In 2014, the competition attracted over 225 applicants, mentored 30 semifinalists and recognised six industry winners and an overall Australian winner.

The competition receives support from the Department of Industry and Science and has so far delivered an economic boost of over 300 times the government support received.

The Top 30 companies (the semifinalists) win entry to an intensive Business Accelerator Program that provides access to expert mentors and connections to investors, customers, specialist advisors, grant programs and international markets.

The 2015 winner of the coveted Technology Company of the Year award was Targ Safelash, for its safer, cost-saving container lashing system that reduces fuel use and prevents both deaths and container losses at sea.

On winning the 2014 award, Robin Bean, CEO of Targ Safelash, said, "For us, this isn't about winning an award; it is an opportunity to get practical assistance and coaching to improve our business."

Autodesk is Principal Sponsor of the competition. In addition to offering highly subsidised access to its design software through the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program, the company mentors competition finalists on how they can use technology to optimise product.

The competition has a strong commercial focus and seeks involvement from key customer markets. In 2015, these sectors will be:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Built environment
• Energy technologies
• Food and agritech
• Mining technologies

This year sees the introduction of two new awards:

• Global Development Award for technologies that provide solutions to the developing world; and,
• Innovative Regions Award for the city or region that is judged to provide the best support to emerging technology companies.

These are awarded with the help of the competition’s industry-focused partners, which include: the Australian Industry Group, Engineers Australia, Facilities Management Association, AustMine and the Australian Food & Grocery Council.

Image: Last year's winner, Robin Bean, CEO of Targ Safelash.