Queensland invites innovators to solve some ‘quirky’ problems

The Palaszczuk Government has thrown out the challenge to Queensland businesses to identify digital solutions for issues ranging from monitoring the health of local communities to devising new navigational tools and measuring the age of fish.

These are among nine problem statements posted on the Advance Queensland website under the latest round of the Testing Within Government (TWiG) program.

Under the 12 week program, successful applicants would work with government representatives to test and refine solutions to a variety of real problems.

Innovation Minister Kate Jones said the TWiG program is a great way for the government to think outside the box and collaborate with the private sector to solve problems using digital technology.

“The program also helps our smaller enterprises get an idea of what it’s like to work side by side with a large organisation in the testing and refining of their digital solution,” she said.

More than $300,000 in funding from six Queensland Government agencies has been invested in the testing round, which is now open for applications from businesses across the state.

The government is encouraging small-to-medium Queensland businesses with potential digital solutions to apply.

“We have some of the best and brightest minds in digital technology right here in Queensland. We want to support our innovators to achieve great things,” she said.

“This program is all about supporting Queenslanders to tackle the big issues while we support local jobs.

“We’ve got some very exciting problems on offer in this round of TWiG. These problems include determining the age of fish by measuring their ear bones as well as helping public transport customers navigate through bus stations and get where they need to go” Ms Jones said.

“I’m especially keen to see our startups and small-to-medium businesses who have a product or service they think fits the bill to step up to the mark and apply for this opportunity.”

“Solving these problems can help us deliver flexible and responsive approaches to service delivery and improve the way people in need are able to interact with the government on a day to day basis.”

The challenges include:

Automating fish measurement processes to improve data quality – “How big is this fish?” by Queensland Fisheries.

Automating collection of fish aging data to support sustainability of seafood and recreational fishing stocks – “How old is this fish?” by Queensland Fisheries.

Classifying and managing data collected from new technologies such as drones and body cameras – “Tagging digital records” by the Department of Environment and Science and Queensland National Parks.

Harnessing large volumes of data collected on environmental and natural resources – “Your interactive science adventure” by Queensland Science.

Automating the Housing and Public Works ICT Services Panel allowing suppliers and government buyers to connect more efficiently – “Always open” by the Department of Housing and Public Works.

Preparing communities for future weather events with an innovative tool for collecting and analysing disaster data – “Disaster deep dive” by the Office of Inspector-General Emergency Management.

Helping people find their way around public transport facilities with a new navigational tool – “Find my way” by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Reducing vehicle accidents and road worker injuries with advance warning devices to alert drivers upon approach to traffic control sites – “Roadwork safety alert” by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Sharing data through an easily accessible platform to help local communities address their needs – “How well is your community thriving” by the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.

Visit the Advance Queensland website for more information.