The UK Department for International Trade launches its Tech Rocketship Awards in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, offering tech scale-ups the platform for global expansion…
The inaugural ANZ-UK Tech Rocketship Awards are open to established Australian and New Zealand scale-ups who provide innovative, technology-led solutions across a range of industries and are ready to internationalise.
Supported by partners, the Australian British Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton, over 40 companies have participated in the programme. This is the first time the awards have been open to Australian and New Zealand scale-ups.
With a variety of award categories including Digital Economy and Security, the awards will help 8 winners gain exposure, expand their international networks and establish their UK operations through a paid-for, curated trip to the UK in early 2019.
Launching Possibilities
Technology and Software Sector Specialist at the UK Department for International Trade (DIT), Jeff Peel, told Startup News that, “The Tech Rocketship Awards are a fantastic opportunity for ambitious Australian tech companies to experience the tech eco-system in the UK first-hand.”
“The UK is the world’s 5th largest economy and has a highly developed digital ecosystem with massive opportunities for growth companies and innovators.
“Winners will get the chance to meet and network with potential mentors, investors, accelerators and buyers, as well as Australian companies who have found success in the UK. They will also get face time with experts who can provide practical advice on tax, finance, incentives, visas, setting up a company and insights into the various tech hubs across the UK to determine the right location.”
The Perfect Place to Expand
The DIT has been running workshops across Australian cities including Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne this month to provide potential applicants with updates on the thriving UK tech ecosystem, insights from companies who have successfully expanded in the UK and information on the awards.
“With the tech sector worth 184 billion pounds and London being the 2nd most connected tech eco-system in the world, the UK is an excellent option for WA tech companies looking to expand internationally. “The UK is unrivalled in the benefits it offers companies looking to grow internationally,” Jeff said.
“We offer an established, business-friendly environment, access to capital, economic stability and commercial security, all of which continues to attract the very best talent from around the world. The government is investing heavily in innovation in every sector…
“Most importantly, the DIT has Investment Advisers across Australia and New Zealand to help Western Australian companies navigate and make the best of the UK opportunity. So, if you are ready to make the leap, don’t delay and apply.”
Calling All Scale-Ups
The Tech Rocketship Awards are open for submissions until 26 November at 23:59 AEDT. Jeff told Startup News that all ambitious Australian tech scale-ups are encouraged to apply.
“Any established, ambitious Australian technology company looking to grow and expand internationally in the next couple of years [should apply]. It really does not matter which market you are targeting, as there are eight categories covering most areas, and if you don’t fit neatly into one of the category boxes, we’d still encourage you to apply.”
Judging will take place in November and December, with the winners announced in December. Winners will travel to the UK in February 2019.
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To apply for the Tech Rocketship Awards or find out more
–> https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/anzuktechrocketship18/about/
FEATURE IMAGE: Tech Rocketship Awards Banner
