Trade shows work because of the human touch, the chance to meet people and see products close up.
Nowhere is that more true than in health and safety, where knowledge sharing and best practice are of vital importance, as well as keeping up with the latest developments in a fast- changing industry.
For three start-ups, the Workplace Health & Safety Show (WHSS), held in late October at Sydney Olympic Park, wasn’t just a chance to showcase businesses and share experiences – it was also the opportunity of a lifetime.
Workers compensation and personal claim service provider, the EML Group, funded a live Pitch Off event on the Spotlight stage for emerging safety businesses, offering a $50,000 accelerator prize to the winning idea.
“At EML, we’re always looking for innovative ways to partner with industry, from prevention through to return to work, and to explore better ways of working,” explained Sue Brown of EML.
“The Pitch Off was a great opportunity to connect with early-stage innovators who have bold, game-changing ideas, but just need some support to activate them.
“We offered a $50,000 accelerator prize, developed clear criteria around what we were looking for, then partnered with the WHSS Show to help promote it.
“We were thrilled to receive 36 entries, which we narrowed down to a final three, all of whom pitched live on the Spotlight stage at the show.”
The three were Handled, a phone-based risk tool that allows workers to log potential hazards; Vision AI, which used AI and CCTV footage to pre-identify risk in real time; and Safety Compass, an augmented reality solution that allows for geo-located safety information.
For Safety Compass founder Adam Poole, the money could be transformational.
“The EML Pitch Off was an amazing experience,” he said.
“From the initial application to the online pitch prep and the support from EML, we couldn’t have asked for more, and I’ve pitched dozens of times!
“For Safety Compass, the opportunity to pitch at the WHS Show was unmissable: the audience and live voting was great and the quick final decision on who won was very exciting.
“Winning the EML Pitch Off is a game changer for Safety Compass, look out for us in a worksite soon!”
EML will now work with Safety Compass to support the next steps in development and piloting the initiative.
“Safety Compass is just a small startup, and they’re absolutely stoked with winning this opportunity,” said Brown.
“They’ve spent the last few years working to bring this idea to life, and this opportunity is set to transform their entire business,” said Sue Brown.
“Over the next 12 months, we’ll be supporting with $50,000 to help activate, pilot and implement this solution. This will allow us to closely monitor its progress and impact.
“Our goal isn’t just to provide a one-off payment, but to understand the outcomes and explore how this innovation could be integrated into the support we provide to EML Group customers through the Mutual Benefits Program.
“At EML, we place a strong focus on prevention, education and building capability – and when incidents do occur, we’re committed to providing a robust support system that helps workers return to work as quickly and safely as possible.”
Article written by Industry Update
