Tech start-ups offered $8 million export boost

Victorian technology start-ups are set to benefit from a new $8 million program to help launch their businesses in the US or China.

The Victorian state government will run the Smart SMEs Innovation Commercialisation Program for the next three years, in an attempt to take the state’s top tech start-ups to international markets.

ANZA Technology Network, which assists tech and biotech firms commercialise their product in China and the US, will partner with the government to aid the scheme.

ANZA, which has offices in Silicon Valley and Shanghai, will offer a version of its Fast Track program for the new initiative. This involves matching start-ups with experienced industry professionals to boost their chances of success in overseas markets.

The experts will mentor the tech firms on business analysis, market entry planning and implementation assistance for a period of 12 months.

“The Fast Track program will provide tailored one-on-one mentoring to assist export-ready Victorian SMEs to execute their market entry plans and accelerate their success in the US or China,” says Viki Forrest, CEO of ANZA Technology Network.

Other partners, including Pyksis Victoria, which also aids innovative start-ups, have also been engaged by the Victorian government to help the roll out of the $8 million scheme.

Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings says:  “The program partners have been engaged under the Smart SMEs ICP to deliver services which will benefit our innovative technology companies to help them grow, drive profits, export their technology and create jobs for Victorians.”