Optus invites start-up submissions for Innov8 Connect

Optus and Singtel Innov8 have launched the second installment of Innov8 Connect.

Selected start-ups will receive up to $75,000 to work with Optus and Singtel Innov8 to test and validate solutions to business challenges such as Internet of Things, augmented reality solutions and artificial intelligence.

The second round of Innov8 Connect follows the successful initial call in January 2016, which attracted over 120 submissions from start-ups across the world. It focused on challenges surrounding enterprise cloud, smart and safe city and customer experience.

Fourteen start-ups were short-listed during the first instalment of the program, including Opmantek, which now engaged in proof-of-concept discussions with Optus.

Edgar Hardless, CEO of Singtel Innov8, said the success of the first round had inspired the move to broaden the scope of the challenges. “We were so impressed with the quality of submissions, and the work of the Australian team at Opmantek in their development of smart detection solutions for impending major incidents, that we were inspired to collaborate with Optus to find some really great challenges that would resonate with the Australian start-up community.”

Opmantek’s network management system has proved popular with telcos in both Latin America and the US. The Innov8 Connect program has enabled the company to tap into another large global business.

Participants in the program could potentially benefit more than 600 million customers across 21 countries within the Singtel Group. Interested start-ups can submit their proposals to Innov8 Connect from today until 31 October 2016.

Applicants for the second instalment of this program can click here for more information.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Javieruiz