Disrupt 50 launched to recognise and celebrate Australian innovation

Media and marketing firm, Source2Create (S2C), today announced the launch of its Disrupt 50 awards to showcase disruptive innovations and technological excellence across the public and private sectors. 

S2C is inviting nominations from B2B, B2C, the public and private sectors - across all industries and from any company size - in a bid to shine a light on the disruptive innovations impacting the way a market or industry functions, or the way in which the technology has inextricably changed people’s lives. 

Disruptive innovation in both the private and public sector is creating new markets, new connections and displacing established market-leading firms, products, services and alliances. 

“The Disrupt 50 showcases and celebrates the outstanding achievements of companies across all sectors, and all facets of government, demonstrating innovative prowess, disruptive zeal, and a trailblazing energy and attitude,” according to S2C Co-Founder Jennifer O’Brien. 

“These innovative trailblazers - using the power of disruptive technologies (including AI, machine learning, digital platforms, IoT, automation, blockchain and gamification solutions) - are upending business models, recreating cultures and reshaping entire industries and government institutions from farming to healthcare to financial services to real estate to emergency services.” 

O’Brien said the goal is to provide a “community celebration” to recognise and applaud the groundbreaking innovations and stellar achievements of countless game-changing companies and governmental departments - both large and small - right across Australia.

Nominations are now open and run until September 25, 2020. The process is simple - fill in the short Q&A form hosted on Survey Monkey here. 

The form asks for your details, the name of the company you’re nominating; along with 3 questions that summarise why the technology innovation is a game-changer; its overall impact, and why the company is being nominated. 

There’s no cost to enter and submissions will be judged by the Disrupt 50 Judging Panel, an esteemed group of thought-leaders well-renowned in their respective fields and at the forefront of technology and innovation. 

“I’m excited to reveal the 2020 Judging Panel thus far - experts from vast industry circles, including private and public sector powerhouses,” O’Brien said. 

The Disrupt 2020 Judging Panel thus far includes: Dr Alex Antic, head of data science, Software Innovation Institute; Samir Sinha, founder and CEO, Robonomics AI; Daniella Traino, MD, Pinecone Technology Strategies; Professor Ryan Ko, professor, chair and director of UQ Cyber Security, University of Queensland; Leila Henderson, CEO of Newsmaker; Jeff Sharp, general manager, technology partnerships and innovation, Transurban; Berend Berendsen, CEO, Widget Brain; Stephen Fenech, journalist and founder of TechGuide; Shaune Rosser, CIO of Tourism Australia; Stephen Hardy, CEO of Ambiata; Dan Jermyn, chief decision scientist, Commonwealth Bank; Jinan Budge, Principal Analyst serving Security and Risk professionals at Forrester; Kerrie Campbell, CIO of Flinders University; and Joanne Cooper, managing director, founder and digital innovator of ID Exchange. 

In addition to the crowning the Disrupt 50, 10 hot awards up for grabs in the following categories:  

1. Hot Start-up of the Year 

2. Best Team ‘Brainpower’ of the Year 

3. Best Innovative Project of the Year

4. Most Innovative App of the Year 

5. Social Impact Hero of the Year

6. Best Enterprise Innovation of the Year 

7. Best SMB Innovation of the Year 

8. Best CX Disruptor of the Year 

9. Best Digital Disruptor of the Year 

10. Best Eco-friendly Innovation of the Year

Additionally, S2C is launching a People’s Choice award - cast by popular vote - which recognises the company or organisation that’s using its innovative flair to disrupt markets, create new revenue streams or creating significant impact through the power of technology.

In mid-October, the standout companies and government departments will be shortlisted and announced on S2C website and across social media channels.  

In mid-November, S2C will host a special Virtual Celebration Gathering to applaud and reveal the Disrupt 50. The 10 award winners will also be revealed, as well as the winner of the People’s Choice award. 

All Disrupt 50 entities will be featured in separate profile articles on S2C’s website and shared across social media. 

Source2Create (S2C), a media and marketing services company, is the sponsorship and event manager of the Disrupt 50 awards. 

For more information or to sponsor the Disrupt 50 awards, contact Source2Create co-founders Jennifer O’Brien at jen@source2create.com.au or Aby Swabey at aby@source2create.com.au, or simply visit the website at www.disrupt50.com.au. You can also enter your nomination here.