Alex Blood, Les Delaforce, Anne-Marie Elias, Arron Wood, Catherine Thompson and Fiona Holmstrom have been announced as judges for the Australian Innovation Competition. The Australian Innovation Competition aims to support local innovators across all sectors who are creating new ideas and solutions, big and small, to solve society’s biggest challenges.
What is the industry expertise of the judges?
The selected judges bring valuable expertise to the competition, assessing entries based on market fit, customer support, and potential impact. The judges will select five winners representing the best of Australian innovation to win a share in the total prize pool of $150,000. Head Judge for the Australian Innovation Competition, Alex Blood, is a passionate innovator and collaborator, and a globally experienced public and private sector executive.
“I am incredibly delighted to be appointed Head Judge. The strong judging panel, announced today, bring a breadth and depth of experience across so many aspects of the innovation ecosystem, as well as demonstrated success in commercialising ideas,” said Alex Blood.
- Les Delaforce is the Head of First Nations Entrepreneurship at the Minderoo Foundation and board director of Startup WA.
- Anne-Marie Elias is a leader in the innovation, entrepreneur, start-up and tech ecosystem and a two-time TedX speaker.
- Arron Wood AM is an expert in sustainability, previously serving as the former Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne.
- Catherine Thompson advises state and federal governments on the opportunities and challenges of digital and emerging technologies.
- Fiona Holmstrom, Co-Founder and Director of STEM Punks, believes helping children develop skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will prepare them for a future where they can make a real difference.
What does the competition mean for METS Ignited?
“Alex, Les, Anne-Marie, Arron, Catherine and Fiona are leaders in innovation, sustainability and digital disruption. It’s fantastic to have their support to showcase ideas with the potential to shape Australia’s future and contribute to our society,” said Kylah Morrison, GM – Skills and Innovation for Industry Growth Centre METS Ignited who is leading the competition.
“The quality of entries submitted to the Australian Innovation Competition so far has been outstanding and we are particularly thrilled to see interest in the competition from regional areas and typically underrepresented groups,” Kylah Morrison further commented.
Individuals of any age residing in Australia and businesses registered in Australia are eligible to enter the Australian Innovation Competition. Entries close on Monday, 31 August 2023.
