A bunch of Victorian government departments are looking for startups to help them out

CivVic Labs, the Victorian accelerator for startups gain access to government procurement contracts, has opened applications for its next cohort.

The latest round includes a range of government departments, all seeking for startups to develop products and solutions for the public sector.

The WorkSafe challenge seeks to explore how emerging technology can help prevent physical and mental injuries in high-risk industries, including agriculture and manufacturing. WorkSafe is hoping to find startups to help shape how they manage health and safety in the future.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet challenge seeks to make cybersecurity more accessible and relevant to Victorian Public Sector employees.

The Department of Transport is looking for new ways to understand and enhance user safety, mobility and satisfaction with a focus on making asset management more responsive to the diverse requirements of transport users, particularly the personal safety of women and girls.

Finally, the Departments of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and Education and Training have joined forces to find ways to encourage Victorian teenagers to engage in physical activity beyond organised sport and are hoping to hear from healthtech and sportstech startups.

In the three-month accelerator, startups work directly with a potential government customer on a Minimum Viable Product with the opportunity to secure a $150k government contract at the end.

Sandy Buchanan, GM of WeGuide, which participated in the first cohort, said the program was a great way to access government contracts that demystified the process.

“CivVic Labs has been an amazing side door entry to the public hospital system, and has provided invaluable exposure to the public sector,” he said.

“This process allows us to test a proof of concept and then explore how we could build it out across the system. This way of thinking is so different from how the public sector usually works, and it’s really exciting to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

“Every public sector professional we have met through CivVic Labs is highly driven and inspiring to work with. They want to be innovative and provide the best outcome with their patients, but their creativity is hamstrung within existing structures.”

Startups are invited to apply at civvic.org.au.