Australia's best emerging tech companies announced

03 October 2016

Industry leading innovators in the sectors of energy, manufacturing, food & agritech, mining, medtech & pharma, cyber security and smart cities are represented in the prestigious Australian Technologies Competition (ATC) Finalist shortlist for 2016.

Now in its sixth year, the ATC has today announced its Finalists across eight industry categories. This follows on from the extensive mentoring and Business Plan judging by the competition’s eminent panel of experts. With a focus on building global success stories, the judges are looking for not only the best technologies but also the best managers and the best business plans.

These top innovators will now go head-to-head in front of a live audience in the final rounds of the annual competition. The Cleantech Showcase in Melbourne on 5 October at the All Energy conference will see the Winners of the New Energy and Smart Cities Awards decided. The remaining Awards, including the Australian Technology Company of the Year 2016, will presented at a Showcase & Gala Dinner to be held in Sydney on 2 November. Both events provide an opportunity to rub shoulders with these leading companies and meet the country’s top commercialisation experts.

This year’s 38 Semi Finalists have jointly spent $140 million to develop their technologies and have over 300 employees. They are jointly seeking an additional $45m of investment to bring the solutions to market. To facilitate this, the Semi Finalists all have an opportunity to take part in the unique ATC Investor Connect speed-dating sessions.

Competition Organiser John O’Brien says he is on a mission to turn great technologies into great businesses, 'We aim to find the best companies, provide them with the best mentoring possible and connect them with global partners, including on our trip to Hong Kong in December. We want to help create multibillion-dollar global success stories.' Could this be the story for some of this year’s Finalists?

The Finalists are leading Australia’s creation of new knowledge and skills intensive industries that will forge Australia’s position in global high-tech markets. "This year we have partnered with the Federal Government’s Industry Growth Centres to identify and work with technologies from the Government’s priority sectors ", explained O'Brien.

Supporters and partners for the 2016 program include the NSW Department of Industry, National Energy and Resources Australia (NERA) and industry associations including AustMine, AusBiotech, AMTIL and the Facilities Management Association. In addition, export opportunities are provided through the support of UK Department for International Trade and the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council.

Further information and Event Details at www.austechcomp.com