The COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to pivot from what they’ve known as business as usual. In particular, the growing necessity for digital alternatives has been a driver for innovation across a lot of industries.
To recognise the creative and forward-thinking businesses that are leading the way to drive change in their industries, Finder has today named some of the best tech innovations of the last year in the Finder Innovation Awards 2021.
Best Tech Innovation: Kablamo for Firetrail
What is it?
Firetrail is an artificial intelligence platform that uses the latest cloud technology to help manage bushfires. The platform uses the data available to turn existing bushfire information into a source of intelligence to aid decision-making. This data allows Firetrail to act as a single source for intelligence and insights to better predict, manage and even prevent bushfires. Amongst the judges was WomenLoveTech.com Publisher Robyn Foyster.
Why it stood out
As Australians, we know the devastating effect that bushfires can have on the community and the environment, so this potentially life-saving innovation is really impressive. With the evolving climate crisis, having an intelligent system like Firetrail that can minimise the risk and impact of bushfires is a real game changer.
Best Streaming Innovation: 10Play for the launch of its app and high impact advertising products
What is it?
In 2020, Network 10 launched its broadcast video on-demand (BVOD) platform, 10Play – an Australian-first, world class unified app. Part of this launch included two new advertising products. Premium Pause allows users to pause their show content while an ad plays and the Curated Content Carousel offers a more editorial curation of ads into 10Play’s homepage.
Why it stood out
The introduction of these products allows users to engage with advertising content in a more connected and impactful way. Branded content and in-show advertising is always going to be an important part of BVOD platforms, so serving this to consumers in a way that is as integrated and non-intrusive as possible improves that experience.
Best Telco Innovation: Better Life Mobile for its Community Connect initiative
What is it?
According to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index, more than 2.5 million Australians are not online and potentially missing out on a range of vital services that are accessed digitally. Better Life Mobile’s community and customer engagement projects, co-created with feedback from community groups and social workers, have taken steps to close this gap. Services include offering mobile phone access to those in crisis, encouraging unlimited time on Customer Care calls to resolve issues and being the first telco to develop a Financial Inclusion Action Plan.
Why it stood out
Purpose-led telcos like Better Life Mobile are democratising technology by making it more accessible through these projects. In an increasingly digital world, basic services like broadband and mobile phone plans are a necessity for all Aussies. This important initiative takes steps towards improving digital inclusion across the country.
For a full list of winners, please visit: https://www.finder.com.au/finder-innovation-awards
