Payment startup Xiippy was the big winner from the River Rival startup competition, taking the judge’s award for Best in Product and tying for the Best of the Best award. River Rival, which closed out the Something Tech conference, saw 8 startups competing in 3 categories with smart metering solution Snappi winning the Peoples’ Choice prize and diabetes medicine subscription service, Stripped Supply tying with Xiippy for the Best of the Best Award.
Xiippy encourages retail merchants to introduce paperless receipts and loyalty rewards programs without collecting large swathes of information about their customers. The eight startup founders presented their companies to a panel of judges comprising John Kearney Head of Startups and Scaleups at AWS, Siobhan Casey Director of the ACS Innovation Labs, Stew Glynn Co-Founder of Ten13, and moderated by RCL mentor-in-residence Peter Laurie.
What were the stakeholders’ thoughts on the winners?
Pauline Fetaui, General Manager of River Rival host, River City Labs, said she was proud of the quality of emerging Technology companies across Queensland: “I’d like to give huge congratulations to the winners of River Rival and thank you to all the speakers who presented over two days and the week as part of Something Tech. and Something Fest.”
Siobhan Casey, ACS’ Director of Innovation Labs, added she enjoyed seeing entrepreneurs exploring ways to make a difference in the world: “I love seeing people solve problems in innovative ways like Ashley, who took a concept we’re all familiar with for things like makeup and clothes and has turned it into a much-needed service for medicine,” Casey said.
What does the event mean for the participating startups?
Commenting on the event, Founder of Stripped Supply Ashley Hanger said she was glad to present to an engaged audience at Friday’s competition: “It feels special being able to automate something people desperately need. I’m grateful for the chance to spread the word about Stripped Supply at an event like River Rival,” Ashley Hanger said.
Hamish Sadler, Chief Executive Officer of Xiippy said it “feels great” to have his company recognised by a panel of judges. “It was a real surprise to get two awards. Thanks so much to ACS and River City Labs for putting on this event and giving me this opportunity.”
River City Labs and ACS look forward to River Rival and SomethingTech. being part of Brisbane’s SomethingFest. technology and innovation next year for another week-long Queensland Digital, Innovation and Technology Festival starting the 28th August 2023.
