Female founders lead nearly half the winners in the Australian Technologies Competition

Female founders tackling issues ranging from climate change to health, and AI are among 11 emerging technology started crowned as winners of the annual Australian Technologies Competition.

Five of the 11 companies to win are led by female founders. They were chosen from 18 companies involved as finalists in the competition. The women-led companies are Coviu, iVvy, Plaetos, Goterra and Sound Scouts.

Patrick Mooney, executive chair of competition organiser Impact Tech Ventures, said highlighted the growing role of women in deep tech.

As well as taking out the Medtech and Pharma award, telehealth solution Coviu was named the Australian Technology Company of the Year.

Coviu emerged out of the CSIRO’s Data61, offering a video consultation software to healthcare businesses. Its founder and CEO is Dr Silvia Pfeiffer.

The finalists went through a three-stage judging process over two days, receiving mentoring and taking part in an international growth masterclass as they refined the startup growth plans before pitching their venture to a panel of judges.

Mooney said the focus of the startups in the 2021 competition included renewable energy, the circular economy, telehealth, bushfire resilience, emergency management, personal security and artificial intelligence.

“We’re delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and also showcase Australia’s emerging diversity in tech,” he said.

“We aim to find the best Australian scaleups, provide them with the best mentoring and growth support possible and connect them with relevant international partners.? This year’s winners provide timely solutions to many of the most significant challenges and opportunities that Australia faces.”

The 2021 award winners are: