Optus Innov8 Seed begins
If you’re an Australian tech startup, the Optus Innov8 Seed Program wants to help you.
We’re offering up to $250,000, resources and leading investment experts for Australian startups with a working prototype and tested business model, with applications opening in July.
It’s a partnership between Optus and SingTel Innov8, in order to further stimulate the burgeoning startup community in Australia, and help reduce the tech brain drain that affects the Australian startups landscape.
We’re looking for startups that have already developed past the idea phase and have some tangible to demonstrate like a prototype or even better, paying customers.
In addition to funding, successful applicants receive:
- Access to telco experts
- Explore opportunities to reach the SingTel Group’s 445 million mobile subscribers
- Access to our international investor networks
- Desk space in Sydney (Fishburners) and Melbourne (York Butter Factory)
Most importantly, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get expert telecommunication advice from leaders in the industry. If your startup has a connection to one of our preliminary program themes, you’re off to a good start.
- Mobility Solutions (such as smartphone or tablet apps)
- Digital Convergence (such as cloud or cross platform enablers)
- Digital Disruption (in verticals such as health,education, automotive and media)
How to apply
If you’re looking for an online application form to fill out, you won’t find any here. What you do you need is a referral from someone in our partner network or be invited to one of our pitch events.
If you’re a graduating startup from one of the Australian Tech Incubator programs, you’re well placed. In order to get across startup applicants, we’ll be holding two startup pitch events throughout the year, once in Winter and once in Summer. More details on that to follow soon.
If you’re not part of these programs, it will really be up to you to convince us. Talking to one of our Partners is a good start.
For more information, check out what you need to do to be eligible.
*image courtesy of girlingearstudio
*first home page banner image (aquaduct) courtesy of chantrybee
*second home page banner image (road) courtesy of Robert Hamilton