A Rockhampton company’s invention to improve safety during confined space rescues is one of 10 potential new products advancing to the marketplace, thanks to The Department of State Development’s pilot Engineering, Construction and Resources Innovation Hub (ECRI Hub) program.
Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said Robert and Liz Stringer’s Highpoint Access and Rescue was one of 10 Queensland businesses being mentored under the new program.
“Highpoint’s integrated light-camera for confined spaces could become commercially viable and this mentoring will help them get their product to market and create more jobs,” Dr Lynham said.
“They are just one of 10 Queensland companies in the engineering, construction and resource sectors whose products have earned them a spot on a mentoring program.
“This is about getting innovative products off the drawing board and into the marketplace to support growth and jobs.”
Leading engineering and professional services firm GHD is providing mentoring to the 10 companies over the next four to six months.
GHD Project Director and Client Relationship Manager Saskya Hunter said that GHD was proud to be part of the pilot program and to support Queensland entrepreneurs.
“Initiatives like this highlight the importance of engineering to the economy and reinforce the notion that engineers, who are natural innovators, play a critical role in developing the economy of the future,” Ms Hunter said.
“We are very proud to be part of this initiative, as not only do we learn about new technology, but these programs also provide opportunities for us to engage with innovative businesses and help start interesting conversations about how to deliver better service and greater value through the use of that technology.
“By helping entrepreneurial businesses develop novel technologies and access new markets, this program creates opportunities for employment, economic growth and skills development, and the community also benefits from innovation in the engineering, construction and resources industries because new technologies improve safety, raise productivity and generate cost savings.”
Agriculture Minister and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said it was great to see another Rockhampton business being helped by the new initiative.
“This business mentoring program is just one of the ways we are supporting our entrepreneurs to create job opportunities,” he said.
Mr Stringer invented the device to meet a demand identified through their High Point Access and Rescue business, which employs 12 staff at their Glenmore Road premises.
The first stage of the mentoring program includes business analysis and fact finding workshops, research and market analysis, strategies, identifying anticipated outcomes and opportunities across industries, geographies, markets and clients and documenting the next steps to commercialise the innovations.
Four participants will advance to a second, more intensive stage of the program by May. It focuses on developing industry partnerships and achieving longer-term outcomes.
“When the participating companies leave the program by July they will have important market insights and information and directions they need to get their product to market,” Dr Lynham said.
Image: (L-R) Highpoint Access and Rescue staff Lucas Zielke and Blake Stringer with Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham at a demonstration of the integrated light-camera system (CASSI) for confined spaces at their training facility in Rockhampton.