2015 Australian Technologies Competition launches

The 2015 Australian Technologies Competition launches today, once again seeking Australia’s best companies in the technology sector.

Over the last four years, the competition has identified leading technologies that will enhance industry competitiveness and efficiency both in Australia and globally. The competition provides mentoring for innovative Australian SMEs and awards those who are best positioned to become global success stories.

The competition’s 30 semifinalists will 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. Additionally, principal sponsor Autodesk will offer both subsidised access to its design software and mentoring on how finalists can use technology to optimise product.

“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,” noted competition organiser John O’Brien.

With a strong commercial focus, the event will this year be presenting awards in the following categories:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Built environment
• Energy technologies
• Food and agritech
• Mining technologies
• Global development (new in 2015)
• Innovative regions (new in 2015)

The overall winner will receive the Australian Technology Company of the Year award. Previous winners of the award have included:

• Targ Safelash, in 2014, for its container lashing system that reduces fuel use and prevents both deaths and container losses at sea.
• BluGlass, in 2013, for its breakthrough semiconductor manufacturing technology that improves the efficiency of LEDs and solar cells.
• enLighten Australia, in 2012, with its smart LED lighting solutions that can reduce energy usage by up to 93%.
• SMAC Technologies, in 2011, for its retrofit energy-efficient air-conditioning technology that can reduce costs by up to 85%.

Competition entries close at midnight AEST on 19 May 2015 and semifinalists will be announced in mid-June. For more information, visit http://www.austechcomp.com/.