The Federal Government’s National Innovation Games are going virtual, with a series of events focussed on addressing challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

The first virtual event today will bring together students, clinicians, academics and businesses online to investigate healthcare services for all South Australians.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said thanks to technology, the Games can continue while adhering to social distancing requirements.

“There has never been a better time to harness innovation and collaborative thinking to solve healthcare challenges than right now as we face one of the world’s greatest ever health crises,” Minister Andrews said.

“I’m delighted to see the Games still going ahead, uniting businesses, experts and students to solve problems faced by local business communities.

“Paddl Co, which facilitates the Games was already developing a way to make the Games virtual to increase their reach long before the pandemic, and now is the perfect time to put the digital Games into practice.”

Further Games will be held on 21 May in the LaTrobe Valley with participants to tackle the topic of ‘Business resilience: optimising your essential services during times of crisis’.

‘How might you use virtual systems to engage with your customers and your community’ will be the challenge theme for the next Games on 28 May in Queensland.

Minister Andrews launched the National Innovation Games on the Gold Coast in August 2019. The Games include up to 30 events delivered over two years across metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia is delivering the Games in conjunction with Paddl Co.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070