Global incubator 1776 and Sydney-based ATP Innovations have announced the Sydney regional Challenge Cup’s four winners, crowning them “the most innovative local startups tackling intractable challenges in the areas of education, energy, health and cities.”
The four winners from Sydney will go on to compete against startups from around the world in Washington DC, in May, at the Challenge Festival.
“Sydney is a growing community of innovators who are disrupting some of the world’s most stagnant and entrenched industries,” said Donna Harris, co-founder of 1776.
“We are excited about the path-breaking ideas presented tonight and are honoured to partner with ATP Innovations to help these talented and driven startups connect to the mentorship and resources that will help them achieve success.”
The four winners are:
Education: Milaana connects university students with project-based internships and opportunities from local organisations that increase both job preparedness and community engagement.
Energy: WattBlock gives owners corporations and body corporates an energy saving roadmap by using details about your block to make calculations about your common area energy consumption. After entering your details, WattBlock does the analysis for you, providing a simple report to assist you in driving down your strata levies.
Health: ResQdevices created the ParaCart, a compact combination of a stretcher and “stair chair”, and the LineSaver, body armour for your IV cannulas for use by paramedics.
Cities: Propeller Aero creates cloud tech that will connect companies to the potential of drone technology by working with construction and surveying firms; helping industrial companies planning dangerous inspections; exploring 3D gas mapping with experimental sensing teams and plant science with major agriculture suppliers to help them access a new wave of cheaper, autonomously collected and better quality data.
The Sydney event was the fourth stop for 1776’s annual Challenge Cup, a global competition identifying startups helping to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. From here, Challenge Cup competitions will take place in 12 other cities around the world, spanning 11 countries.
The winners will go on to compete in The Challenge Festival, which will feature the top 64 startups from the 16 regional sites (four startups from each of the regional competitions) competing for $650,000 in prizes as well as the opportunity to connect with mentors, corporate partners, policymakers, and potential investors.
For more information about the 16 regional Challenge Cup events, click here.
