07 June, 2018
As some of the world’s best speakers, digital thinkers, makers and entrepreneurs get ready to make their way to Hybrid World Adelaide (HWA) July 20 - 24, a call went out in May to digital innovators for an opportunity to pitch to world class experts for up to $85,000 in state government grant funding.
Now in its second year HWA event draws in international experts to explore life altering digital technologies and ideas in the areas of space tech, artificial intelligence, robotics, gaming and more.
The HWA Lab a two day mentoring and pitching workshop for new projects, products and plans that use digital technology to solve real world problems.
The Lab is supported and hosted by the University of South Australia's Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) which accelerates and helps grow existing businesses and supports the creation of new businesses.
“Manager of the ICC Jasmine Vreugdenburg, says the Centre is proud to align itself with HWA and the Lab creating a collaborative space to help solve real world problems.
“Just like the Lab, the ICC supports businesses and people in the early stages of idea development so we are thrilled to support and host this event.
“We know the Lab will be a great support for its participants and hope to see some fantastic ideas brought to fruition.”
Projects that apply to the Lab will also have access to th eIgnite SA program, also supported by the University of South Australia. Ignite SA provides seed funding to foster the development of next generation applications that utilise South Australia’s extremely fast broadband infrastructure.
Ignite SA recently launched the state’s first Gigabit Challenge, in partnership with the South Australia Museum which will see applicants develop new innovative solutions to help bring the Australian Aboriginal Collections into the digital age.
Applications for the HWA Lab are open until 30 May for startups and companies to develop their projects with the help of world-class experts.
The competition will be fierce but if last year is anything to go by there will be some exceptional technologies showcased. Last year’s winner of first prize, Adelaide company RHS Ltd, received funding to develop their new technology, which will help diagnose some types of cancer using circulating tumour cells found in a patient’s blood.
“It’s important that entrepreneurs and companies are encouraged and supported to explore new technologies and develop ideas. I am also a strong believer in successful entrepreneurs guiding and mentoring future entrepreneurs. The HWA LAB will perform these functions as well as developing a pipeline of entrepreneurs with business ready technology”, said Minister for Industry and Skills the Hon David Pisoni.
“Over the five days of the HWA event we will be celebrating new ideas, creativity and professional growth through a conference, public activities and the HWA LAB. The HWA LAB will allow those with a bright idea to share it and potentially bring it to reality with the assistance of our experienced mentors”, said Amanda Duthie, HWA CEO.
Expert mentors and judges include Robert Tercek, world renowned media futurist and expert in applied creativity, experts from UniSA’s ICC and professionals from the government’s own high-tech startup accelerator, TechInSA. Further experts, including local and international high profile professionals, will be unveiled over the coming weeks.
