An Illawarra innovation quest has acknowledged three local businesses thinking outside the square to address economic issues and challenges faced as a result of COVID-19.
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With the pandemic causing distress to many communities the University of Wollongong invited indigenous businesses and enterprises working in sectors such as tourism and international education to participate in the second Illawarra Innovation Quest.
It took the form of a challenge that involved them pitching what they did to address issues, how they commercialised their ideas and how they have set about bringing their solutions to the market.
University of Wollongong industry research manager Zahra Shahbazian said the businesses received mentorship and access to world-class research and innovation infrastructure.
Ms Shahbazian said the first innovation quest involved 14 businesses. The challenge was around health and well-being.
The second quest with its challenge around economic resilience had 10 participants. Of which six were chosen to pitch.
Deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Professor Jennifer Martin and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward named the three state finalists from the Illawarra at the Wollongong Innovation Campus on Monday.
Mr Ward said they were BuiltQuik, Good360 and Kleu.
"What we have seen here in the Illawarra is some real innovative thinking," Mr Ward said.
"Challenges like this help businesses like these to look beyond the horizon to what is possible.
"This is another example of what we already knew about the Illawarra. This is an innovative and agile place. And this innovation campus is a testament to this university and this region's commitment to innovation into the future."
Challenges like this help businesses like these to look beyond the horizon to what is possible
- Gareth Ward
Prof Martin said Good360 Australia, Builtquik and Kleu will now go on to represent the region as finalists at the NSW Government's Innovation Districts Challenge and share in over $500,000 in funding to bring innovative solutions to the market.
Ms Shahbazian said there will be a third Illawarra Innovation Quest but the next challenge is still being decided.
"Once we know we will announce it and then we will look for businesses that have solutions relevant to that challenge," she said.
"Once they have been selected they will receive pitch coach training before they download a two minute pitch video.
The state finalists are:
BuiltQuik:
Wollongong construction business BuiltQuik is about to take its quick building technology to Mogo to help replace four buildings destroyed by bushfires.
Ryan Mullaney and Eunice Quintana-Smark said BuiltQuik supplied semi-prefabricated modular building ideas for affordable custom homes.
"It is great to be recognised as an innovator," Mr Mullaney said.
Good360:
Good360's Alison Covington says a new app will improve its ability to match the right goods to the right people during a disaster.
"Over the weekend we were inundated with businesses who want to be able to give the right goods to the right people at the right time," she said.
"This technology will allow first responders on the ground to say what they need, and businesses to be able to say they have the goods."
Kleu:
Kleu founder Linda Simonsen was unable to be present but Sheridan Gho spoke on behalf about the business performance tool for large scale frontline customer support workforces.
Her goal was to help workplaces become communities where people thrive and realise their potential by using the digital tool to embed emotional intelligence skills in a way that takes the stress out of customer interactions.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
