22 May 2015
A new container closure technology and a 3D holographic display that can be used in both the video gaming industry or manufacturing and hardware marketing and sales, have won backing from the State Government and UniSA in the latest grants from the Venture Catalyst program.
UniSA students, Will Tamblyn, developer of Voxiebox, and Simon Schmidt UniSA MBA student and managing director of the beverage innovation company, Vinnovate, will each be awarded $50,000 to further develop their innovations.
Devised by the University of South Australia and the State Government to support enterprising students to start up new businesses or enhance the development of promising products, the Venture Catalyst program is in its second year.
Science and the Information Economy Minister Gail Gago says the program is invaluable in supporting creative people to achieve great things.
“This program encourages would-be entrepreneurs to start businesses, develop products and reach world-wide markets,” Gago says.
“We want to demonstrate how becoming an entrepreneur can be a rewarding experience – one that can open new doors, new partnerships and access new markets both locally and abroad.
“The State Government recognises that entrepreneurship is the capability that makes commercialisation of new products and services possible. Supporting entrepreneurship provides us with valuable opportunities not just for business development but for learning and personal growth and is crucial to South Australia’s future prosperity.”
Congratulating UniSA’s student winners Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says their drive to research and develop products that are solutions-focused is a great example of how education will fuel future prosperity and innovation.
“These students have looked at what is needed and applied their learning, knowledge and creativity to finding solutions and developing the next advances in technology,” Prof Lloyd says.
“Schemes like this important partnership with the SA Government to support that enterprise and creativity are invaluable in supporting our brightest and best to deliver those innovations in this State.”
Gago says there are almost 100 programs available to South Australian entrepreneurs – some funded and supported by Government – others by industry and some by entrepreneurs themselves.
For more information on Venture Catalyst visit www.unisa.edu.au/research/industry-partners/collaborative-partnerships/venture-catalyst/
Media Contact:
Kelly Stone office 83020963 mobile 0417 861 832 email kelly.stone@unisa.edu.au
Michèle Nardelli office 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
