FREE TO ENTER: The Australian Technologies Competition is now open til 20th May and has added a few new categories for 2019…
This year the Australian Technologies Competition has two new award categories: Circular Economy & Global Social Impact, and a recognition award for female entrepreneurship.
Other changes include the addition of two new judges to the panel, a National Showcase with finals to be held in Melbourne and a newly revamped website for the ATC.
With almost 200 entries last year, the competition aims to identify and accelerate Australian technology startups and consists of three key elements; a three-stage nationwide competition, a growth master class, and partner connect sessions.
Through each phase, startups receive coaching and input from leading industry experts, along with opportunities to connect with high net worth angel investors to develop and grow their business.
Timeline
- Free to enter, applications close on May 20th
- Chosen semi finalists are mentored July 18-19th (also free, but it’s based in Sydney; 10 page business plan developed)
- 20-25 finalists will then be selected, present to judges Oct 31st
- Awards held that night
- Ideally, applicants are 2-3 years in, have some revenue/traction and staff, and have ability to scale up
- Winners are awarded a trophy, and gain access to mentors and partner connect events.
Startup News spoke to one of 2014’s finalists, Callum McCracken, the Managing Director of WA company Minnovare and winner of the Mining Technologies award in 2014.
Minnovare’s experience
Callum told us the competition helped his company in three key areas: mentorship, branding and developing their business plan.
“We gained a lot of value from the time spent with the mentors we were assigned preparing our submission,” Callum said.
“In 2014, Ken Green (a mentor) provided us with some invaluable insights and feedback and has continued to support our business ever since.
“Access to high calibre mentors has been extremely valuable for our business, and regardless of what stage we are at in our journey, an external perspective from a fresh set of eyes is always appreciated.”
Callum said the competition helped them improve their business plan and provided an excellent opportunity to generate publicity for Minnovaire.
“We already had a business plan in place, however, we were forced to challenge some of our initial assumptions and update our strategy in the process of completing the [business plan].
“Being restricted to a word limit also forced us to become more focused on the business’s goals and the strategy required to execute against those goals.
“We entered the competition in 2014 as a company in only its second year of operation and the competition provided us with a fantastic platform from which we could increase awareness of our business and the value of our products for our clients,” he said.
Callum said startups can only gain from the experience and encourages other companies to enter.
“Win or lose, the process you go through by entering the competition and the advice and insights provided by the mentors will help you add value to your business,” he said.
The competition is supported by the Department of Industry, Innovation, and Science along with Industry Growth Centres and industry partners.
Enrolments for the competition close on 20 May, for more information head to the new Australian Technologies Competition website here.
