Small and medium sized innovative businesses are invited to revolutionise disability sports participation and performance through the Inclusive Sport Technology Challenge.
Through the Advance Queensland Private Sector Pathways Program, the Miles Government is offering its largest funding challenge to date, with up to $300,000 available to support innovative solutions in disability sport.
Up to three successful applicants will receive funding of up to $100,000 each to pilot their concepts in partnership with the Department of Tourism and Sport, including the Queensland Academy of Sport.
The challenge aims to remove barriers faced by Queenslanders with disabilities and improve access to sport through innovative technologies and strategies. Solutions may include inclusive sporting equipment, tailored training programs for coaches or digital tools that provide accessibility information about sporting programs, facilities and events.
The initiative aims to promote inclusivity, encourage healthy lifestyles and develop talent for state, national and international competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
Innovation Minister Leanne Linard highlighted the potential of the challenge to empower people with disabilities, promote inclusivity and drive innovation within Queensland's vibrant business sector.
The Minister for Sport, Michael Healy, hailed the initiative as a catalyst for increased participation in sport by Queenslanders with a disability and underlined its importance in promoting community wellbeing.
Paralympic gold medallist and head coach of the QAS Wheelchair Rugby program, Ben Newton, expressed his excitement at the initiative's potential to transform lives and promote inclusivity in para-sport.
Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies, emphasised the transformative power of sport in improving the lives of people with disabilities and welcomed the initiative's focus on innovation and inclusivity.