Ignite Ideas Accelerator Program Expression of Interest You are invited to submit your interest to deliver an industry focused accelerator program for the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas program. This is an initial Expression of Interest only. A further detailed tender process will follow. All Expression of Interest responses are due by 5PM on Thursday 7 April 2016. Please submit all responses to the following email address: igniteideasaccelerator@dsiti.qld.gov.au
Ignite Ideas Accelerator Expression of Interest 2 Introduction The Queensland Government is seeking Expressions of Interest to deliver industry focused accelerator programs as part of the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas program. The accelerator program will promote and build innovation capacity in key Queensland industry sectors. Queensland has existing or emerging competitive advantage and potential for growth in the following key sectors or platforms: Sectors Food Agricultural Technology & Precision Agriculture Industrial biotechnology Platforms Environmental technologies Robotics and autonomous vehicles Internet of things and big data Life Sciences & Health Technology Defence and Aerospace Advanced Manufacturing Knowledge Services Mining Equipment, Technology and Services Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management Accelerator proposals focused on these sectors or platforms will be highly regarded. These sectors or platforms are not considered mutually exclusive and applicants could indicate an intention to deliver to more than one identified area. Programs focused on other sectors will also be considered where a compelling case can be made for the economic benefit to Queensland. It is expected that accelerator proposals will include a regional reach to take advantage of the strength of Queensland s regional industries, businesses and universities and research organisations. It is expected that the accelerator programs will offer an intensive (e.g. three month) program for number of businesses with high growth potential to accelerate the journey from concept to commercialisation. The businesses involved in the accelerator programs will have a new product, service or process that relates to the industry focus of the accelerator. The program will provide participating businesses with mentoring and advice to develop their product and business model, assistance to attract investment and gain market share.
Ignite Ideas Accelerator Expression of Interest 3 It is anticipated a minimum of 10 businesses will participate in each accelerator round. It is expected that two accelerator rounds will be delivered over two years. Entry will be via a competitive process. Organisations selected to deliver an industry accelerator program are expected to have deep partnerships with industry, including primes (as lead customers for new technologies, products and services), investors and the research base. Objectives The accelerator program aims to: accelerate the commercialisation of ideas by Queensland based businesses and from Queensland research institutions expand the pool of investment ready businesses in Queensland and thereby increase angel and venture capital investment in Queensland businesses contribute to increased business growth, exports and high value jobs improve productivity and increase competitiveness in the target industries (identified above). increase capacity of innovation ecosystems to support startups and businesses with high growth potential across Queensland Accelerator Tasks It is expected that accelerators that participate in the program will be able to: attract support from key partners in the target industry and region attract investment to provide seed funding for program participants attract and retain suitable mentors and form a pool of entrepreneur and business content experts with expertise in the target industry conduct marketing campaign to attract participating teams selection process for participants deliver a minimum 3 month accelerator program for at least 10 teams disburse seed funding to accelerator participants deliver networking events to connect investors and customers to participants and build a community of innovation around the target industry establish collaborative relationships/sponsorship agreements with businesses, industry associations, peak bodies, federal, local or state government entities prepare a final report to the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation about accelerator participants, their core product, process or service, and their outcomes stemming from participation in the accelerator program including identification of potential customers, collaborators or investors. Outline the budget for the program
Ignite Ideas Accelerator Expression of Interest 4 Next Steps After the closure of this Expression of Interest period, the department will contact the respondent organisations to further discuss the program. Subject to the level of interest from service providers, the department may commence a full Procurement Process. The department will release an open invitation to tender for delivery of the accelerator program. An assessment panel including relevant industry, commercial and technical expertise would help to determine suitable providers.
Ignite Ideas Accelerator Expression of Interest 5 Expression of Interest - Response If you wish to submit your Expression of Interest to deliver an Ignite Ideas accelerator program, please provide the following information: Accelerator Details Business Name ABN Address Contact Details Insert company name Insert company ABN Insert company address Name: Insert contact name Phone: Insert contact phone number Email: Insert contact email Signature Date: Insert Date Your expression of interest should: Identify an industry focus and the partners you would bring to the program Outline your experience and capability in managing and delivering accelerator programs Outline your experience with, and knowledge of the target industry you have nominated, how you have or would link with regional Queensland and why your program would be deliver the best outcome for that industry. Confirm that your facility would be capable to deliver this program in Queensland Which organisations or agencies do you have partnerships with or have collaborated with before (in the target industries)? Anything else you can tell us about how you will be able to deliver this accelerator program? Thank you for expressing your interest in the Ignite Ideas Accelerator Program