A dating-style app for buildings and a high-yield urban farm are among dozens of big ideas to transform Fishermans Bend into Australia’s premier innovation hub.
More than 20 talented entrepreneurs, researchers, start-ups and organisations have submitted their creative concepts as part of the City of Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend Innovation Challenge – an Emerging Technology Testbed program, which aims to support bold ideas to explore how Melburnians can live, work and play in the future.
Six finalists across two streams will present their ideas to a live audience and judging panel on Thursday 28 July in Fishermans Bend. The pitch night will also be live streamed.
Ideas stream finalists
- Data Flows will transform information from water infrastructure into light-emitting beacon sculptures, representing real-time water recycling rates, stormwater flow and more to enhance curiosity and create new places to dwell.
- Gaia Project Australia aims to create high-yield, leafy green vertical urban farms, incorporating food systems into the city landscape.
- Hungry Hugger will use gamified landmarks and checkpoints, a vibrant market and a dedicated online platform to enhance Fishermans Bend’s local economy and community.
Pilot stream finalists
- The dating-style app for buildings prototype will invite locals and visitors to swipe their way through Fishermans Bend to learn about existing and proposed buildings.
- The Solar-powered Gumnut project will draw on emerging technology to improve wayfinding and storytelling in Fishermans Bend through a series of 4.5 metre gumtrees.
- The Recycled Material Raingarden pilot aims to increase biodiversity, reduce the risk of flooding and repurpose waste, while helping to educate Melburnians on raingarden design.
The Ideas stream finalists will receive a prize to support their project’s development, which may include funding, mentoring, business development or entry into an incubator program.
The Pilot stream winner will receive $70,000 to bring their idea to life in partnership with the City of Melbourne. Melburnians can vote for their favourite pilot online to help determine the winner.
To reserve a seat at the Fishermans Bend Innovation Challenge Pitch Night, register online.
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