Eleven of Australia’s best emerging technology companies have been crowned winners at the Australian Technologies Competition (ATC21) national awards ceremony, held virtually from Melbourne on 26 October.
Hosted by TV presenter and author James O’Loghlin, the ceremony was attended online by stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem from across government, private enterprise, the investment and scaleup community. This year’s winners included manufacturing company FormFlow, cybersecurity specialists Haventec, and telehealth solution provider Coviu, which took home not only the Medtech & Pharma Award but also the title of Australian Technology Company of the Year.
Of the 11 winners, five were led by female founders, highlighting the growing representation of women in deeptech. They include Coviu, iVvy, Plaetos, Goterra and Sound Scouts. Strong themes also included renewable energy, the circular economy, telehealth, bushfire resilience, emergency management, personal security and artificial intelligence.
This year’s winners were:
- BlockTexx (NSW) – Circular Economy Award
- Coviu (NSW) – Medtech & Pharma Award + Australian Technology Company of the Year
- FormFlow (VIC) Advanced Manufacturing Award
- Goterra (ACT) – Food & Agribusiness Award
- Haventec (NSW) – Cyber Security Award
- iVvy (QLD) – Smart Cities Award
- Microbiogen (NSW) – Energy Award
- Plaetos (VIC) – Global Social Impact Award
- Presien (NSW) – Mining Technologies Award
- Sound Scouts (NSW) – Alumni Achievement Award
- XDI Cross Dependency (SA) – Disaster & Emergency Award
Patrick Mooney, Executive Chair of competition organiser Impact Tech Ventures, says: “We’re delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and also showcase Australia’s emerging diversity in tech. We aim to find the best Australian scaleups, provide them with the best mentoring and growth support possible and connect them with relevant international partners? This year’s winners provide timely solutions to many of the most significant challenges and opportunities that Australia faces.”
Entrants go through a three-stage judging process, receive free mentoring, submit a concise business plan and take part in a highly rated International Growth Masterclass. They also have access to deep dive programs on key growth topics and key markets. The final step is a pitch in front of an independent panel of Judges and a live audience.
The 2021 Australian Technologies Competition is sponsored by the Federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Victorian Departments of Environment, Land, Water & Planning and Jobs, Precincts & Regions, Accelerating Commercialisation, METS Ignited, the Australian Space Agency, IMCRC, AustCyber, FIAL, MTPConnect, NERA, NSX Australia and FB Rice. Partners include the CSIRO, SBE, LaunchVic, Cicada Innovations, MTAA, AMTIL, Heads Over Heels, HKTDC, WIT, NCTCE, Hatch Quarter, ACBC and AOEG.