The National AI Centre (NAIC) collaborated with Australia's largest innovation community Stone & Chalk and Google Cloud to design and deliver our first AI Sprint.
AI Sprint is central to the NAIC’s mission to create a thriving local AI industry and accelerate Australia’s AI capabilities.
The 3-month competitive program gave startups and entrepreneurs access to resources, tools and expert support to rapidly refine AI ideas into demonstration-ready prototypes.
Applicants entered the first stage of the program with a minimal viable product designed to solve one or more pressing national issues. These included supply chain resilience, transparent governance, cost of living, human and environmental wellbeing, and workforce transformation. They then received educational content, benefits and guidance to build on their idea.
A selection of participants progressed to the second stage, receiving enhanced support and resources to prepare and present their prototype to industry stakeholders.
190 start-ups presented prototypes, with prizes going to those with the clearest ability to scale an innovative, responsible and competitive AI business in today’s market.
The winner will receive up to $300,000-worth of research and development support from selected Australian research institutes along with matchmaking support from CSIRO’s SME Connect, while second and third place-holders will receive up to $100,000.
The winning prototypes
Dragonfly Thinking created an AI-powered tool to make complex decisions. It uses the company’s trademarked Risk, Reward, and Resilience (RRR) framework to help decision-makers understand problems holistically and act with greater foresight.
Kindship created Barb, an AI-powered system to help people navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Barb gives 24/7 guidance and support, offering instant advice on budgeting, provider selection and therapy options.
Empathetic AI created Luna, a co-pilot for tax professionals. Luna continuously scans the ATO’s legal database for the latest case rulings and updates. This allows it to give up-to-date answers to tax-related queries, complete with references to relevant legislation and historical cases.
People’s choice award
InsightWise.ai is an AI-powered data analytics engine, turning qualitative information into insights. It can analyse documents, interview transcripts, audio and video files.
Special mention
We also congratulate the remaining top 10:
- Conja is developing video-assisted AI technology for health professionals to conduct timely home care assessments remotely.
- CX Guardian's AI governance platform quantifies the risks and benefits of AI adoption, aiding businesses in safely and responsibly implementing AI.
- Getmee's app offers interview and communication coaching, blending traditional teaching methods with AI providing personalised feedback and support.
- Kopi Su Studio's Koup Music is a community-powered platform for audio artists experimenting with AI, and features a remix engine and marketplace.
- Neo Care has developed an AI-enhanced environmental audio monitoring device to help the elderly stay independent at home longer, detecting falls without needing to be worn or charged.
- Planoverse is an enterprise software product that leverages 3D simulation to help retailers plan and predict the impacts of changes in store layout.