Local businesses looking to find out more about a Queensland Government program to help innovators reach their goals are encouraged to attend an information session on Monday evening at the Smart Precinct.
The Ignite Ideas Fund is now open for startups that are at minimum viable product stage, or beyond, and need funding to commercialise their innovative new product or service. Now in its eighth funding round, Ignite Ideas has invested more than $44 million in the innovative projects of 364 recipients, supporting over 5,500 jobs for Queensland since its inception.
Smart Precinct NQ Business and Investment Lead, Dr Lydia Canovas, said the fund is highly competitive and it is essential that applicants have a good understanding of the funding guidelines to submit a high quality application.
“We’ve already had some North Queensland founders submit an application for this current funding round, and we encourage potential applicants to attend this information event, either in-person or online, to find out more about Advance Queensland’s Ignite Ideas and other support programs,” she said.
“The panel will provide insights to help applicants develop an application for this round or a future one, and will be happy to answer any questions.
“Attending this information session will help applicants address the assessment criteria, which will consider the degree of innovation, market potential, technology and market readiness, project viability, organisational capability, and benefits to Queensland.”
Local IT provider DakTech is applying for the grant to provide seed funding to start and grow a software program, ‘DakTech Data Management System for Business’, which will provide small businesses with data management tools that big businesses use. DakTech founder and CEO, Daniel Kendall said the opportunity to attend the information session and receive support services from Smart Precinct NQ was invaluable.
“This funding is key during the early stages of project conception when there are large time requirements to create and develop the venture, but no financial stream active to support and fund the project,” he said.
“As a business we aren’t always aware of the funding opportunities available, and how to successfully apply for funding.
“The opportunity to attend an information session and the service offered by Smart Precinct NQ is valuable and having their staff provide expert advice and guide us through the process ensures we are submitting a high quality application.”
Dr Canovas said that successful applicants have the potential to help drive North Queensland’s economy forward and create jobs within the region, and there is a robust ecosystem to assist their ongoing growth.
“Driving innovation and growing successful businesses in our region supports the entire community,” she said.
“Smart Precinct NQ is fostering a vibrant ecosystem to supports founders in assessing their market viability, securing funding opportunities and scaling their business to be globally competitive.
“It’s important for founders to know that we have support services to help them throughout their business growth journey.”
Ignite Ideas and Government Grants Information Session will be held Online and in person at Smart Precinct North Queensland, 143 Walker St, on Townsville and Online Monday 12 July from 5pm -6.30pm, with light refreshments from 4.30pm.
The panel of experienced presenters includes:
Gillian Gardiner – Executive Director, Innovation Engagement and Delivery in the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport
With over 20 years of Government experience at State and Federal levels, Gillian has worked across a range of human services and economic portfolios, including arts and culture, education, youth affairs, tourism, infrastructure, major events and innovation.
Jacki Steel – Director Regional Engagement with the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport
With her small team of Regional Leads, Jacki works with innovation and business leaders as part of a network of networks to build capability, information sharing and collaborations across regions and groups to encourage innovation-driven growth across the state.
Helen Burrell – Regional Engagement Lead for North Queensland with the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport
Helen has a long history in bringing innovation to life in the horticulture and technology sectors before moving into the energy and government sectors. Helen particularly enjoys working with partners and government colleagues to develop and drive initiatives that support the ongoing development and success of Queensland’s innovative businesses, industries and regions.
Dr Lydia Canovas – Business and Investment Lead, Smart Precinct NQ
Lydia is an Economist specialised in innovative and technological companies, with over 10 years of experience as a business and investment consultant. She completed her Ph.D in Business Management with a special focus on accelerators, startups and investment operations, publishing and participating often as a reviewer in international entrepreneurship research journals.
Lydia was the co-founder of the first crowdfunding and crowdlending platform available in Valencia, Spain, as a solution to provide private funding solutions to local startups in the midst of the 2008-GFR. Since then, Lydia has been involved in advising private investors and businesses in Europe and Australia.
For more information and to RSVP visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/162231008313
By Julie Johnston.
Image credit: Robbie Bolton.