Six of the Northern Territory’s most innovative women will go head-to-head today to pitch their business ideas in a first-of-its-kind Shark Tank-style competition.
The Women’s Innovation Pitch is a Territory Government initiative designed to encourage and support more women to develop and commercialise their business ideas in the Territory.
It also aims to strengthen female representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries.
“This is an exciting event for women across the Territory – it highlights the spirit of ingenuity and the drive for business success across a range of industries that are traditionally dominated by a male workforce,” said Minister for Women, Lauren Moss.
“Achieving gender parity in STEM fields is an important step for increasing the Territory’s economic growth, and creating new opportunities for women,” she said.
“It is important that young girls and women can see and aspire to what women are already doing in the STEM space, and this event will put Territory talent in the spotlight.
The shortlisted finalists will present their ideas across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs. They are:
- Zoe Collins from Big Sky Psychology with virtual reality therapy programs in remote clinics and schools to provide accessible mental health services to young people and adults in remote communities.
- Associate Professor Suzanne Belton from Anatomical Education with ‘Anatomical Models Get Cliterate!’ a concept to increase health literacy and sex positive communications through anatomical models and training.
- Rana Everett from Everett Consulting NT with a concept to manufacture critical Roll Over Protective Systems (ROPS) in the Territory for the mining and construction industries.
- Rachel Murphy from A Place for Plastic with ‘Plastic Works’, a program for people to learn about recycling, track community progress on waste reduction, and create their own products from plastic waste.
- Harriett Mellor from Mellor Portfolios with an app and web portal for property owners and tenants to manage and maintain properties directly with each other, removing the need for property managers.
- Simona Paganetto from I’m Plastic Free with the next phase of I’m Plastic Free, an online marketplace that connects eco-conscious consumers with ethical and sustainable products from Australian businesses.
Three winners will be selected on the day from the finalists by a judging panel of women with experience in innovation, business and government.
“The Territory Labor Government is proud to support this event which will be critical in growing a female innovative workforce,” said Minister for Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby.
“STEM skills are incredibly important for engaging in innovation and creating more jobs for Territorians,” he said.
“This will open the door to new industries and new investment opportunities, which will be critical for the Territory’s economic comeback.
Each winner will receive a placement in the Business Innovation Program, which includes $30,000 grant to help develop and turn their innovative business concept into a reality.
The winners will also receive one-on-one professional advisory services from the Government’s Innovator in Residence service.
Since the Business Innovation Program began in October 2019, it has supported 54 Territory entrepreneurs and businesses to commercialise their ideas, of which 35 per cent have been women led businesses.
The Women’s Innovation Pitch will be held simultaneously in Darwin and Alice Springs at the Darwin Innovation Hub and the Central Australia Development Office, and live-streamed.
