Tasmanian Innovation Expo 2021

What is it?

Startup Tasmania is excited to partner with the Riverside Lions Club to launch the first ever Tasmanian Innovation Expo 2021.

The Expo is a competition open to all Tasmanian founders to propose an innovative, globally scaleable solution to a real-life challenge or opportunity. It is an opportunity to practice business problem solving, be challenged by a panel of industry-leading professionals and win prizes to help take your idea to fruition.

The Tasmanian Innovation Expo has three categories:

Startup – see below
School Year 3-6
School Year 7-12

Dates

Applications open – Wednesday 10 March 2021
Applications close – 5.00pm Friday 23 April 2021
Applicants notified – Monday 10 May 2021
Tasmanian Innovation Expo – 22-23 May 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

For the open category you have to be a Tasmanian resident. Places are strictly limited to the first 20 applications received. Both teams and individuals can apply. Teams must include names of all team members. An individual can only be part of one entry.

What can I win?

1st prize – $5,000 cash
2nd prize – 1 year paid subscription to Startup Victoria (Future Founder)
3rd prize – 1 year paid membership to Startup Victoria (Future Founder)

What do I need to apply?

We’re looking for early-stage founders who have a minimum viable product or are at a late stage of commercialisation. To apply, you need an idea for an innovative, globally scalable solution to an identified challenge or opportunity.

We recommend that you think about how to communicate your idea, so that it is clear and shows us that you have thought about how to approach the problem you’re addressing. The application will involve answering questions on a form where you will outline the problem or opportunity you want to address and your proposed solution to do that.

What is the application process?

To submit an application, you must first register to apply by emailing [email protected] with your name and email.

Once you have registered to apply, we will send you the list of questions for you to copy to a text editor to answer in your own time. Please ensure you have included all relevant information in your application form. Then copy and paste your final answers into the form before submitting.

As part of your application you must:

  • Submit a pitch slide deck
  • Submit a short (approx. 90 second) video pitch
  • Attend the Tasmanian Innovation Expo global best practice workshop and trade event (22 May, Launceston)
  • Attend the Tasmanian Innovation Expo pitch competition and announcement of prizes (23 May, Launceston)

You must submit your application by 5.00pm Friday 23 April 2021. Places are strictly limited to the first 20 applications received.

How are applications assessed?

After applications close on 5.00pm Friday 23 April 2021, applications are screened for eligibility. The assessment panel will look for the strongest applications that can demonstrate strong rationale for the problem/ opportunity and the solution.

What happens if I am selected as a finalist for the Tasmanian Innovation Expo event?

Up to 10 finalists will be invited to participate in the two-day Tasmanian Innovation Expo 22-23 May 2021.

On 22 May, finalists will learn about global best practice to challenge the feasibility and viability of their ideas, and have the opportunity to present their concept in a trade-style event open to the public.

On 23 May, finalists will pitch to the assessment panel and the winners will be announced.

What happens if I am not selected as a finalist?

The objective of the Tasmanian Innovation Expo is not to pick winners but to grow the pool of startups and scaleups in Tasmania. Of those not selected as finalists, we recommend you connect with Enterprize [[email protected], 1300 82 1115] and Startup Tasmania for free advice and support to continue to develop and progress your idea.

My question is not answered here, how do I get in touch?

If your question isn’t answered here, please email us at [email protected]

EVENT SPONSORS

Thank you to our event sponsors for supporting the Tasmanian Innovation Expo 2021