About
The Australian Technologies Competition (ATC) is a premier growth and awards program for innovative Australian technologies with global growth potential.
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ATC seeks to identify and accelerate Australian technology 'scale-ups' across more than a dozen sectors/applications including clean energy, fintech/regtech, medtech, advanced manufacturing, social impact, and more.
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Successful entrants will have access to connect with investors, mentors, and industry experts, to ultimately help scale and grow their business.
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Semi-finalists receive mentoring, intensive Masterclass sessions and networking opportunities while finalists have a chance to pitch their technology to a panel of judges and ultimately become an awards category winner!
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For the 2025 competition, one standout ATC entrant will receive a $100,000 investment package from Scalare Partners. The prize includes at least $50K in cash and $50K in expert support services.
ATC has a strong focus on equipping founders with the skills, contacts and resources to develop and manage high-growth companies in challenging international markets.
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Since 2010, this national competition has created an alumni pool of more than 400 semi-finalists, many of whom have had significant international success.
The Organiser
The Australian Technologies Competition is owned and operated by Scalare Partners.
Scalare Partners is an early-stage technology investor and business advisory firm focused on supporting early-stage technology companies who are preparing to disrupt globally to enable a smarter, cleaner, more connected future. Scalare partners with its portfolio for the long term, providing leadership and specialist expertise across a global network of skilled professionals and experienced advisors.
The Scalare Team believes real transformation and growth takes more than money, and to be successful over time, companies must not only deliver financial performance but also make a positive contribution to the community and the environment. Scalare Partners acquired the Australian Technologies Competition in February 2023 and is excited to be bringing together governmental bodies, corporate partners, investors and eco-system supporters to deliver a high-value program.
Why Enter?
Benefits to Participants
Guidance on commercialising tech overseas
Their is no cost to enter – applying is free
Guidance on grant applications & support services
Free mentoring & business advice
Connect with potential investors & new partner introductions
Industry recognition & accolades
Meet fellow innovators, founders & technology SMEs
Networking opportunities
Validation of your technology & business model
Eligibility
The Australian Technologies Competition is looking for Australia’s best technology companies. We will assess, mentor, profile, and promote innovative and emerging technologies that have the greatest global potential. Entries open on Wednesday, the 26th of February 2025.
Are you eligible to apply?
To enter, you must:
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be an Australian-based SME company with less than 100 employees
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own or have the commercial rights to the intellectual property for the key technology in an eligible industry sector
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have evident traction and an MVP established here in Australia
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What sort of questions are asked when entering?
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You'll need to present a brief overview of your technology and why it is or will become a successful commercial business in your Round 1 Entry Form.
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Describe your technology and its benefits, the market and customer needs, and how you will build this into a successful business.
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You can also upload your company logo and a single photo or diagram.
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The judges will consider your responses and shortlist those that have provided compelling responses to each question.
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If you have questions about the Entry Form, please contact us.
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When do entries close?
The deadline for 2025 entries has been extended until Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
I thought the quality of the speakers and variety was excellent, they were very open and gave practical advice. Its great to merge numerous start ups.
Malcolm Dungey, PAM
Enjoyed the sharing of issues and successes amongst the cohort of startups. The panel discussions were interesting and well experienced.
Brad Bergmann, Navi Medical Technologies
The Judging Process
1.ENTRY SUBMISSIONS
Applications open on 26 February 2025.
It's free to enter!
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5. FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Judges assess the business growth plans and merits of semi-finalists to determine finalists.
2. ROUND ONE OF JUDGING
Our panel of independent Judges select semi-finalists.
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6. PITCH & FINAL JUDGING
Finalists deliver a 5-minute pitch in front of a panel of Judges.
3. GROWTH MASTERCLASS
Semi-finalists are invited to take part in an in-person Growth Masterclass & Networking Program in Sydney in June.
(Participant fee applies.)
7. AWARDS CEREMONY
Time to announce this year's winners across each of the award categories in front of about 200 guests in Sydney in September.
4. ROUND TWO OF JUDGING
Each Semi-finalist must complete a small number of challenges to compete in Round 2 of the Competition.
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What is the Australian Technologies Competition?In its 15th year in 2025, the Australian Technologies Competition is the premier growth and awards program for Australian tech companies with global potential. The Australian Technologies Competition identifies and accelerates Australian technology 'scaleups' across more than a dozen sectors. Collaborating with industry and experts across a wide range of disciplines, the program assesses, mentors, and promotes innovative and emerging technologies developed in Australia.
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Can I enter the Competition if I have been a past entrant?Yes, past entrants may re-apply. However, if you have been a winner in previous years, you can only enter the Competition if your entry relates to new technology.
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Who can enter?To enter, you must be an Australian-registered SME with less than 100 employees. In addition, you must own or have commercial rights to the intellectual property for the key technology in an eligible industry sector.
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Who should enter?The Competition is suited to emerging tech companies that have an established market and sales. This competition is geared to scaleups looking to expand internationally and further the commercialisation of their technology IP.
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What are the Judges looking for?Our esteemed panel of judges, who come from various industries and disciplines, will independently assess all submissions with the greatest global potential. Applicants should have: Technology / solutions with strong commercial potential Technology / solutions that have a high degree of global potential Evidence of an MVP and traction (i.e. generating revenue) Companies with a global mindset Technology that solves real-world challenges A clearly-articulated solution and demonstrated customer need
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When is the entry deadline?The deadline for 2025 entries has been extended until Wednesday 14 May 2025, 11.59PM AEST.
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Does it cost money to enter?No, it's free to apply.
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Who is eligible to receive the $100k investment prize?Entrants who apply to be eligible for the investment opportunity when entering the 2025 ATC and who attend the Growth Masterclass and Networking Program in Sydney (June 2025) will qualify for the investment opportunity. Scalare Partners, who will choose one participant based on their normal investment criteria which for the avoidance of doubt is separate and different to the selection process for the winners of the ATC.
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What is the criteria to win the $100k investment?When choosing the participant to receive the investment opportunity, Scalare Partners Pty Ltd will make decisions based on the following: The business having validated the problem it is addressing The business offering unique value and the ability to demonstrate how its product/solution is differentiated to others in the market The business having a clear product and technology roadmap and understanding of what is needed to scale The product/solution being defensible The Founder and team having relevant experience The business demonstrating strong momentum and traction
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What is the investment commitment from Scalare Partners?Scalare Partners has committed to make an investment of $100k into the business of one of the ATC entrants following the completion of the competition. The investment will consist of cash and support services and is designed to give the incredible benefits of having Scalare and its supportive community of founders, investors and advisors alongside you to help take your business to the next level. The investment terms will be agreed between the founder and Scalare and will be subject to due diligence and industry standard investment paperwork requirements. The minimum cash component of the investment will be $50k plus $50k in support services, and we would expect to close the investment within 60 days of the ATC finishing. If the founder is unable to agree on terms with Scalare, they are not obligated to take any investment from Scalare Partners.
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Can I apply for multiple award categories?Yes. Companies are more than welcome to apply for multiple categories when entering the competition. When you visit the entry platform, you will able to download a sample entry document which lists the questions asked in the application process. These are underneath each category heading. You can read a short summary of each award category here.
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How do I apply for the second category?Once you have registered on the competition platform, complete one of the categories as your first entry and then copy that entry, adapt where necessary, and submit a second entry for the other category. In a nutshell, you will need to enter twice, not just indicate that you want to enter for both. Note that applying for a second or multiple categories is optional.
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What if I am unsure about which category I best fit into?We offer several award categories under which you can apply. You can view the category descriptions here to determine which one best suits your business: https://www.austechcomp.com/award-categories If you are still unsure or the Judges find that your entry is more suitable for another category, they can reallocate the business to a category that best suits it during the review process.
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What happens if I am a successful semi-finalist?Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in an international growth Masterclass and networking program (participant Fee applies), held in June as an in-person event in Sydney. Semi Finalists are required to complete a Growth Plan that is submitted as the second stage of the Judging process. The Business Growth Plan will be assessed by our panel of Judges to select the Finalists.
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How do I know if I am shortlisted as a semi-finalist?Our panel of esteemed Judges will review all entries and shortlist this year's semi-finalists. Semi-Finalists will be announced on the 28th of May 2025. Whether you are successful or unsuccessful, all entrants will be notified.
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Who can I contact if I have questions?Please send your enquiries to our team via our contact form.
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How can I support the ATC?To enquire about sponsorship opportunities or to become a promotional partner, please contact us.