Eight startups will join the summer 2014 program of ANZ Innovyz, the startup accelerator that is sponsored by ANZ Bank.
The 13-week program kicked off this week simultaneously in Adelaide and Sydney.
“This round we’ve selected a diverse set of companies, from those rolling out physical products – such as 3-D printing and medical devices – to location-based messaging, to education and learning solutions powered by the latest web technologies,” ANZ Innovyz START program director Jana Matthews said in a statement.
The startups will work with several mentors: Chris Bernard, a chief experience evangelist for Microsoft; Brad Rosser, former head of corporate development for the Virgin Group; and Buddy Platform, CEO Dave McLauchlan.
At the program’s conclusion, the startups will pitch to investors at a demo day at the Adelaide Town Hall on 8 March.
The startups for the summer 2014 program of ANZ Innovyz START are:
- FTE Solutions, an education technology company
- Maker's Empire, a company that seeks to bring 3D printing to the masses
- Tootz, a location-based mobile ad platform that connects bricks and mortar retailers with shoppers
- Pozzey, a location-based tech company specialising in Bluetooth beacons
- Edisse, an aged care medical device provider
- Wahuna, providing skills development for employees
- World Academy, an online course provider
In addition, mobile games developer Broken Arms Games will participate in the ANZ Innovyz BRIDGE program, which is designed for more mature startups that already have a business model and go-to-market strategy.
“Turning a great idea into a successful business takes a lot of work, particularly in the early stages,” said ANZ Bank's acting general manager for small business banking, Gary Parkin.
“We’re pleased to welcome the next group of ANZ Innovyz START companies to the program, and look forward to supporting the teams through their journey in one of Australia’s leading accelerators.”
ANZ Bank is one of several big Australian companies running startup accelerator initiatives or seeking partnerships with startups.
Adam Bender covers startup and business tech issues for Techworld and is the author of a dystopian novel about surveillance. Follow him on Twitter: @WatchAdam
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