Using Blockchain technology to trade renewable energy, and preserve cultural artefacts currently held by the South Australian Museum, are among the 10 outstanding ideas that have been selected as finalists in South Australia’s Blockchain Innovation Challenge, shining a light on the state’s future entrepreneurs.
Finalists will get the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a judging panel of international blockchain experts at the ADC Global Blockchain Summit, to be held in Adelaide from the 18th to the 20th of March.
Winners, to be chosen and announced at the summit, will share in a prize pool of $100,000 to further their blockchain project proposal.
Premier Steven Marshall says this provides the perfect opportunity and incentive for South Australia’s future innovators to present their ideas and receive the financial support they need to get their projects off the ground.
“I’d like to congratulate the finalists who have each come up with original, innovative and practical ideas regarding how blockchain technology can be used to transform the way we work, think and conduct business into the future here in South Australia,” said Premier Marshall.
“Blockchain is already being used all over the world and its uptake is continuing to grow across many sectors. It’s exciting to see the calibre and breadth of ideas that our local entrepreneurs, start-ups and blockchain enthusiasts have come up with.
“The possibilities blockchain presents could prove key to the future growth of our state’s economy, so it’s fantastic to see so many of our local entrepreneurs test the boundaries of what it has to offer.
“The blockchain challenge and global summit will officially put South Australia on the map in the global blockchain community and position our state as Australia’s blockchain hub.
“This is another step forward in establishing Adelaide as a city of the future, bolstering economic growth and creating jobs across a range of exciting industries.
“I look forward to seeing finalists represent South Australia on stage at the global summit, spruiking their outstanding ideas to an impressive international audience of entrepreneurs, financiers, regulators, researchers and innovators.”
South Australia’s Chief Entrepreneur Jim Whalley said the Blockchain Innovation Challenge gave South Australian entrepreneurs a great opportunity to explore the potential of the blockchain market.
“Blockchain technology is one of the most exciting emerging technologies in the world today, and challenges like these are a great vehicle for entrepreneurs to use their initiative, take a leap and bring their ideas to life”, said Mr Whalley.
“The Office of the Chief Entrepreneur is delivering on a vision to put entrepreneurship at the heart of South Australia’s economic game plan through FIXE, a new approach to inspiring, equipping, enabling and celebrating entrepreneurs to ensure they have the skills to grow a business from concept through to creation.”
Ahead of the ADC Global Blockchain Summit in March, finalists will take part in an incubation program run by local start-up LeapSheep, where they will receive professional support to refine their ideas and undertake pitch coaching.
Full list of finalists:
- SA Museum and Civic Ledger;
- Carnegie Mellon University;
- Platfarm;
- REC Blockchain;
- ValAi;
- Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association;
- NextFaze;
- Yup Yup Labs;
- Wright Technologies;
- CryptoCate.
To find out more about the Blockchain Innovation Challenge visit blockchain.yoursay.sa.gov.au. For more information and to buy tickets to the ADC Global Blockchain Summit visit adcblockchain.org
