The 2014 OzAPP Awards are calling for creative app developers to bring forward their best new app concepts for mobile, web and cloud and be in the running for over $140,000 in prizes.
Since 2010, the Curtin University initiative has helped app developers take their innovative ideas to new heights, with the winners being awarded a mixture of cash and other resources to build and launch their winning apps.
Mr Rohan McDougall, Curtin’s IP Commercialisation Director said while the competition was open to all members of the public, he encouraged Curtin staff and students to apply.
“Every year since this competition began, a Curtin staff member or student has been a finalist in this national competition, including 2011 winning student entrant Tim Kenworthy with The Big Help Mob, an app that organises thousands of volunteers across Australia,” Mr McDougall said.
“Last year, Curtin’s School of Science Business Manager, Jeremy Lu, was named a finalist with GroupMap, an app that helps groups learn and work collaboratively and reach consensus faster.”
Mr McDougall said applicants would be judged according to the teams’ ability to execute, the market need for the product and its path to revenue.
“These awards always draw interest from the world’s leading investors and entrepreneurs in the digital space and I am looking forward to seeing the extraordinary talents of app developers across Australia showcased here in Perth,” he said.
Qualcomm Incorporated, a world leader in 3G and next generation mobile technologies will sponsor the Awards by making available a US$100,000 convertible note to the winner through its venture arm, Qualcomm Ventures.
The winner and finalists will also share $40,000 in cash as well as other in-kind prizes.
Mr McDougall said this year would see the launch of “West Tech Fest”, a week in February 2014 consisting of the OzAPP Awards judging, Mai Tai Australia, a pitching event and more.
The OzAPP Awards are supported by Qualcomm Ventures, Optus Innov8 Seed Program, Bankwest, Silicon Valley Bank, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University and Reparo.
Applications close on 13 December with judging to be staged in Perth in February 2014. To register for free or to learn more about OzAPPs, visit www.ozapp.com.au.
Media Contact:
Rohan McDougall, IP Commercialisation, Curtin University
T: 9266 3370; E: r.mcdougall@curtin.edu.au
Megan Meates, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241; Mobile: 0401 103 755; Email: megan.meates@curtin.edu.au
