20 Oct, 2015
Innovative Adelaide Wins Again
Adelaide continues to be recognised for its innovation ecosystem, winning the inaugural Innovative Regions Award in the Australian Technologies Competition.
Adelaide was awarded for being amongst the best places in Australia to grow technology companies and was judged against global benchmarks of best practice in innovation ecosystems.
Dr Felicity-ann Lewis, Chairperson of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Adelaide Metropolitan, said the win demonstrated that Adelaide is leading the way in innovation.
"Adelaide has worked hard over the last few years to understand and enhance our innovation ecosystem and has now achieved a remarkable level of collaboration and coordination across a rich landscape of support,” said Dr Lewis.
Dr Lewis said the award shows that the ongoing support for entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem from RDA Adelaide Metro, City of Adelaide and other stakeholders in the Adelaide entrepreneurial community is paying big dividends.
Lord Mayor, Martin Haese, said the exciting win demonstrates that Adelaide now has a rapidly growing reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Adelaide is investing heavily in supporting the start-up sector. As our economy transitions, it is imperative that we all play a role in supporting the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to create the jobs of tomorrow,” said Mr Haese.
The city-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem now features a huge support network of 116 innovation programs, including 18 co-working spaces and 13 incubators.
The Innovative Regions Award is a new addition to the five year old Australian Technologies Competition. The competition recognises the best emerging technology companies servicing major industry sectors.
Organiser, John O’Brien, said the competition was all about working with Australia’s best emerging technology companies and those that succeeded usually emerge from a supportive innovation ecosystem.
“We want to help grow and celebrate the best regions so Australia can generate even more world-leading tech companies,” said Mr O’Brien.
Winners were officially announced at an event in Sydney on Tuesday evening. RDA Adelaide accepted the award on behalf of stakeholders in the region.
Further Information
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is an Australian Government initiative that aims to enhance growth and strengthen the regional communities of Australia, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustainability of Australia’s regions.
The RDA Adelaide Region is serviced by RDA Adelaide Metropolitan Inc.
Competition Weblink: www.austechcomp.com
Media Contacts
Matt Halliwell (ACC) 0411 155 061
Felicity-ann Lewis (RDA Adelaide Metro Inc) 0412 256 187
John O’Brien (Australian Clean Tech) 0419 826 372