Queensland mining equipment, technology and services (METS) businesses and other innovative companies have the opportunity to join a State Government-funded program, designed to drive the industry’s role in the economic recovery from COVID-19.
Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation Kate Jones said the Queensland Government’s Economic Recovery Plan had identified METS as an emerging industry capable of making a significant contribution to the recovery of the Queensland economy.
“METS contributes more than $7 billion to the State’s economy,” Ms Jones said.
“The Queensland Government is collaborating with METS Ignited and leading business mentors and industry experts to deliver an advanced business accelerator, Quantum Technology Exchange (Quantum TX).
“The 12-week intensive program is designed to help Queensland businesses accelerate the commercialisation of their innovative products and services and realise their full commercial potential.
“Mining, energy, resources and technology are crucial industries for jobs growth in Queensland. That’s why the Government is delivering on a 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan for the sector’s development and why it’s part of our Economic Recovery Plan.
“We understand the huge benefits supporting commercialisation of local innovation will have for our economy and the potential for these innovations to service other key markets such as defence, construction and space sectors.”
QuantumTX is an opportunity for small-medium enterprises (SMEs), late-stage scale-ups and corporate project teams to gain expert mentoring, facilitated market engagement, profile raising, capability development and new networks.
From July to September 2020, the cohort of SMEs will receive support online with industry experts from companies such as BHP, Roy Hill, Woodside Energy, Oz Minerals, Adani, Rio Tinto, AMIRA, South32, Robotics Australia Group, AROSE, Fugro, InmarSAT, NOVA Systems, MinEx CRC, Imdex, METS Ignited, SmartSAT CRC, NERA, CISCO, Imvelo, Agristart, ALABC, CSA Global and the Australian Space Agency.
This is the third major METS focussed accelerator program supported by the Queensland Government since 2017. Graduates from past programs, most of which are based in regional Queensland, have gone on to secure more than $20 million in income and investment from the successful commercialisation of their products and services.
METS Ignited Chief Executive Officer Adrian Beer said now programs such as Quantum TX are vital to supporting METS businesses and other innovative companies that play a critical role in driving technology and innovation for Australia’s mining industry and other key sectors.
“Australian companies have a long history of providing reliable and innovative solutions to the mining sector; METS Ignited is proud to be a supporting partner in this program providing capability development and commercialisation pathways to local businesses,” Mr Beer said.
Program facilitator Peter Rossdeutscher said he was thrilled to be able to facilitate the Quantum TX Accelerator for METS Ignited and the Queensland Government.
“I can’t wait to work with Queensland companies looking to create real success for their world-leading products and services.”
Applications for the program are open to all Queensland-based companies with a proven product or service solution to challenges in the mining, energy and resources sectors.
Applications from companies with significant potential to also supply other sectors such as construction, manufacturing, defence and space are also encouraged to apply.
For details about the Quantum TX Queensland Accelerator program visit https://www.quantumtx.com.au/qtx-qld
Applications close 6 July 2020.
