14 Jul Innov8ors
Rio Tinto Here for Gladstone and Startup Gladstone have launched a new program to help local innovators develop their ideas into commercial solutions for regional industry.
The Innov8ors Program will provide support to help to develop innovative products or services, test them in the market and commercialise them.
The program aims to help Gladstone’s innovators find commercial solutions to challenges in specific sectors such as tourism, energy, social services, manufacturing or logistics, and others. “We all know Innovation is crucial to a corporation’s success by giving a competitive edge in penetrating markets faster. Gladstone has created an exciting & mutually beneficial relationship with startups and entrepreneurs, alongside working with Rio Tinto, it’s clear these programs will ensure a long-standing Economic framework for generations to come.” Queensland Chief Entrepreneur’s Leanne Kemp has stated.
The 12-week program will include mentoring and start-up training by experts who will help move ideas for products or services from early-stage definition right through to market launch.
Rio Tinto Here for Gladstone chair Pine Pienaar said “We hope this program will contribute to a growing and vibrant innovation ecosystem within our region. Our delivery partner, Startup Gladstone, will provide information sessions, hackathons and corporate-led challenges for participants.”
Rio Tinto Here For Gladstone will provide $240,000 towards the partnership over three years.
The Innov8ors Program presentation was attended by Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett, Leanne Kemp Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, Boyne Smelters Ltd interim Ggeneral manager Leigh Staines, Rio Tinto Here for Gladstone executive officer Michelle Coats and Startup Gladstone Ecosystem Builder’s Luis Arroyo.
