A key selection of innovative technology services addressing social challenges around employment, education, health and wellbeing and female empowerment, have secured a share of A$280,000 in grant funding, after successfully pitching to an expert panel at the third annual Optus Future Makers event.

The Optus Future Makers program provides finalists the opportunity to build on their skills through mentoring, capability development workshops and networking opportunities to help reach their goals.

After completing a four-month accelerator program to develop their skills through workshops and mentoring, each finalist pitched their technology solution to a panel of judges comprising World Vision Australia’s Pam Rebecca, Thankyou Group’s Daniel Flynn, IAG’s Julie Batch and Optus’ Helen Maisano and Andrew Buay.

“As a leading technology organisation, it’s important for us to make a real and tangible contribution when it comes to driving technology innovation for social good,” said Optus Business MD John Paitaridis.

“We’re providing a$280,000 of grant funding along with access to Optus’ resources, mentors and expertise, to help these great social entrepreneurs make a difference for those most in need. To become the innovation nation, it’s crucial for established businesses to support Australia’s innovators and start-ups, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

“This year’s finalists have demonstrated is the wide range of social issues that technology can address – from domestic violence, immunisation, discrimination and employability – and it’s truly inspirational, “ said Paitaridis.

Future Makers Panel

Pam Rebecca, Chief Strategy, Innovation & Digital Officer, World Vision Australia
Daniel Flynn, Co-founder, Managing Director, Thankyou Group
Julie Batch, Chief Customer Officer, IAG
Helen Maisano, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Optus
Andrew Buay, Vice President, Group Sustainability, Optus

2018 Future Makers Funding Recipients:

Rory Darkins (NSW) – $25,000
What’s Right – Thrive is a life coach-in-your pocket. The app empowers users to become the best version of themselves and helps removes barriers that prevent disadvantaged people from accessing the support they need to thrive. What’s Right’s AI technology aims to remove this affordability barrier by delivering world-class coaching through a fully automated yet personalised ‘virtual coach’.

Chris Boyle (QLD) – $30,000
Commsync harnesses the power of technology to eliminate domestic violence connecting vulnerable community members to their safety network, through the push of a button. Commsync create safety plans tailored to each individual based on their extensive knowledge of the risks inherent in the community services sector and use wearable technology (watches and pendants) and non-wearable (IOT devices) to ‘activate’ these plans. It provides real-time support at the touch of a button or using voice command.

Dr Stefan Schutt (VIC) – $10,000
vPlay is an online program that helps people with Autism who have trouble mastering social interaction and have difficulty finding jobs. vPlay provides people with Autism the necessary tools to practise both ‘people’ and ‘technical’ skills through simulated role plays with virtual characters, that can be accessed and edited via any web browser.

Chris Smeed (QLD) – $25,000
ImmCalc is an application that automates complex immunisation schedules for refugees, migrants and others needing catch-up vaccines, making it easier to ensure that vulnerable patients are protected against preventable diseases.

Michael Tozer (NSW) – $85,000
Xceptional is a technology services firm, which recognises the unique strengths of people with Autism such as pattern recognition, sustained concentration and precision that are often overlooked, helping them closely align with IT related roles.

Rick Martin (NSW) – $30,000
Equal Reality uses virtual reality to allow users to ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to understand what it’s like to be discriminated against or harassed’. Equal Reality provides computer generated, interactive scenarios to help people understand and help deliver diversity and inclusion training.

Michael Metcalfe (QLD) – $75,000
Kynd is a mobile app based solution that matches disadvantaged locals with professional needs based support. As individuals have specific requirements or preferences when being cared for, Kynd helps users find a perfect professional match based on personality, location, budget, interests, skills, training and experience