Hills, Australia’s most trusted iconic brand, is committed to establishing Australia as the innovation nation. As a leader in the delivery of technology and innovation to government, enterprise, business and the home, their aim is to provide the opportunity and facility in which the next generation of innovators can thrive.
To achieve this, Hills have created a $5 million, 3 year partnership with the South Australian Government to establish two major centres of development excellence in South Australia, the Lance Hill Design Centre, and Hills D-Shop. The two centres will support and fund new and innovative next generation technology ideas, projects and start-ups in line with Hills Innovation Centres’ principles and criteria.
The goal is to retain local design talent and to collaborate with key educational campuses as well as the rich pool of independent designers in Australia. UniSA, Flinders University and the University of Adelaide, together with DSTO will play pivotal roles in collaborating on innovative projects within both centres.
Hills Pitch Day
Hills is inviting innovators and entrepreneurs to submit their proposals for innovative ideas and projects that can be funded, developed and commercialised in the company’s two new innovation centres.
Start-ups will be able to access funding, business assistance and the use of our Innovation Centre in Adelaide to accelerate the development of their products and services.
Applications for the Hills Innovation Centre Pitch Day open on Monday 23 February and close on Friday 10 April 2015.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the Hills Innovation Centre Pitch Day on Thursday 7 May 2015 where they will be given the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of commercial and academic experts.
Hills Pitch Day Project Applications can be for either the Lance Hill Design Centre or the D-Shop.
There are three types of Pitch Day applications:
- the first is aimed at funding ideas, projects or start-ups within Australia.
- the second is specifically aimed at new projects with our collaborating partners – UniSA, Flinders University and the University of Adelaide.
- the third is for applicants from the DSTO.
To apply, head to the Hills website.
Innovation Centres Criteria
Hills has identified key areas that will be instrumental in generating the next wave of innovative technology solutions.
Individuals and groups working on projects in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- health & aged care or assisted living
- lifestyle & well being (wearable devices)
- security & safety
- data analytics
- automation & smart home
- communications & mobility
Innovation Centres Principles
For a product to be successful it must be commercially and operationally viable. The following are the guiding principles of the Hills Innovation Centres.
The discovery journey
Keep it simple during the discovery stage – focus on pain points to solve, user centred design and interactive design innovation.
Failure is an option
It’s OK to fail. Failure comes with the beginnings of a greater outcome.
Do not be afraid to back out
If the business case does not stack up, don’t be afraid to back out.
Deliver in days, not months
Chunk it down – break the idea into smaller elements which have an immediate benefit and deliver faster, deliver the balance through the roadmap lifecycle of the product innovation.
Be smart – don’t create everything
Where it makes sense, use what is available today in terms of software, technology and hardware, but make it smarter. This is faster and dependable.
Contact Us
Hills Innovation Centre
Tonsley Park
Flinders University Building
Level 2, 1284 South Road
Clovelly Park SA 5042
Ph: +61 8 8301 3256
Email: lancehilldesign@hills.com.au
