The winners for the second edition of the Innovation Quest at the University Of Wollongong have been announced.
Three Illawarra businesses were recognised for doing their part in addressing challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic and will share in the $500,000 funding pool.
The challenge involved pitching the ways they are addressing issues regarding COVID-19 and how they brought their solutions to the market.
Good360, BuiltQuick Constructions Systems and KLEU were the three chosen to participate.
“I congratulate the three state finalists and the University is looking forward to assisting these businesses as their ideas, when commercialised, will build economic resilience for Illawarra businesses and communities in the region,” UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Jennifer Martin said.
“UOW is pleased to be supporting this initiative by NSW Government as the recovery from COVID-19 related economic challenges remains the utmost priority for us.
“The university aims to support more local businesses by providing cutting edge research and innovation infrastructure.”
Congratulations to Good360, BuiltQuik and Kleu for winning the #UOW Illawarra Innovation Quest 2.
These businesses will participate in NSW Govt. Innovation Districts Challenge and share in over $500,000 in funding to address COVID-19 economic challenges.https://t.co/iMxXzQcp3H pic.twitter.com/Is9pcoTsLx— UOW (@UOW) March 23, 2021
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the challenge focused on economic areas impacted by COVID-19, such as tourism and international education.
“Our country is on the path to recovery from COVID-19 and this initiative by the NSW Government encourages local businesses to address economic issues and supply chain gaps that were caused due to the pandemic,” Mr Ward said.
“Illawarra businesses showed their capability and expertise to get things done and solve complex issues through innovation and collaboration between multiple stakeholders.”
Fourteen businesses were involved in the 2020 Innovation Quest, with the topic focused on health and well-being.
Mr Ward said the first edition of the challenge was a great success and received support from local businesses.
The NSW government plans to hold a third and final challenge, with the details to be released in the coming months.
