Export program helps Hans hook national award nomination
The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a technology business hub continues to grow. Mooloolaba-based business Oceansmart has been selected as a finalist in this year’s Australian Technologies Competition.
The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a technology business hub continues to grow.
Mooloolaba-based business Oceansmart has been selected as a finalist in this year’s Australian Technologies Competition and is the only Queensland-based business to reach the finals in the Food and Agritech category.
Oceansmart Director Hans Jusseit said participating in Sunshine Coast Council’s Export and Global Capability Program had provided him with the tools and strategies to emerge from extensive business plan judging as a national finalist for his Smart Tuna Hook that prevents endangered seabirds and turtles taking baited hooks.
“Oceansmart was among 180 businesses from around Australia invited to apply for this award and to make it to the final three I had to prepare a comprehensive business plan and pitch it to an expert panel of judges in Sydney,” Hans said.
“Judges were looking for not only the best technologies, but also the best managers and best business plans.
“Council’s Export and Global Capability Program that I graduated from earlier this year definitely equipped me with skills to develop and demonstrate export strategies and understand free trade agreements, logistics and pricing.
“It opened my eyes to the steps that are necessary and the things I need to tick off and plan for to step into the export market - and so, here I am as a finalist with the Oceansmart Smart Tuna Hook.”
Hans will return to Sydney for the final round of the competition on October 20, where he will battle it out with the country’s top innovators in front of a live audience.
He’s also been invited to embark on a trade mission to Hong Kong and China in November and will present the Smart Tuna Hook to more than 600 delegates at this year’s International Seabird Conference in South Africa.
Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Stephen Robinson said more local businesses would have the opportunity to benefit from the Export and Global Capability Program in the near future.
“Council will continue this terrific program and we’re also exploring avenues to tailor an export program specifically for food businesses,” Cr Robinson said.
If you missed out on participating in this year’s export program, you can join the Sunshine Coast Export Network Linked In page to connect with some 200 people involved or interested in exporting and share tips, contacts and opportunities: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Sunshine-Coast-Export-Network-6753175
To express your interest in the Export and Global Capability Program, call 54759887 or email: [email protected]
Council is also a finalist at the Australian Technologies Awards in the ‘Innovative Regions’ Category, having been nominated alongside Greater Adelaide and the Hunter Region. For further information on the Australian Technologies Competition visit www.austechcomp.com