Three overseas start-ups are among five finalists on Moreton Bay council’s shortlist for for its $1 million Ultimate HQ competition.
The competition is a joint effort between council and University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) to establish a high-potential scale-up industry research business.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the message they are sending to investors is simple — the city is Australia’s next investment hotspot.
“The calibre and international breadth of entries is a clear signal that the city is being noticed for doing things differently and backing scale-ups with real, practical support,” he says.
“Frankly, I’m not surprised that entrepreneurs want to be part of the opportunity that the city offers.
“We have the assets, partners and momentum to help great companies become bigger, bolder and brighter.”
Two North American and a New Zealand start-up are among the finalists.
The Ultimate HQ winner will be announced on February 27.
OVERSEAS TRIO AMONG FINALISTS
One Model: A workforce analytics platform for companies.
GN Corporation: A Canadian high-precision robotics and automation manufacturer serving the forestry, aerospace, automotive, defence, oil/gas and technology industries.
Future Maintenance Technologies: An autonomous technology business providing AI powered robots to automate railway and aviation maintenance.
Pultron Composites: A New Zealand manufacturer researching, developing and manufacturing customised fibre-reinforced polymer material.
Motorola Solutions: A Chicago-based global media technology business.
Flannery says the winner will get five years of rent-free headquarter space with fit-out support at UniSC’s Moreton Bay campus.
University Vice-Chancellor and president, Professor Helen Bartlett says the winning start-up would be able to work with their researchers as well.
“Being based at our Moreton Bay campus, the winning business will have access to researchers and experts plus facilities to help with business development and innovation,” she says.
She also points out that their students will benefit from the chance to network with industry and learn about job opportunities.
The finalists’ final pitch will be delivered to an Investor Safari event next month where they will meet successful businesses, economic stakeholders, competition partners and industry representatives.
MORE COUNCIL NEWS: Big boost for SES capability
