The Igniting METS Accelerator is an Australian-first joint initiative between METS Ignited and the Queensland government to assist METS companies. 

METS Ignited is an industry-led organization funded by the Australian government as part of its Industry Growth Centre initiative.

The program culminates with a graduation ceremony on November 21.

METS Ignited CEO Ric Gros said that Igniting METS was proving there is a massive potential for technology businesses within regional Australia.

“Following a national search for the most innovative mining tech startups we are excited to have such a standout cohort for our first ever Igniting METS accelerator,” he said.

“The competition was strong, and it is striking that we have so many great companies coming from regional areas. They have differentiated themselves in their innovation in technology, approach to business and their potential to rapidly grow their business.

“This program is about helping them to rapidly develop and take on national, regional and global markets.” 

Four of the companies selected for Igniting METs participated in the regional workshops in Mackay and Toowoomba, with Vayeron and Quick Safety winning pitch competitions during the events.

The companies will travel to Brisbane over the next 12-weeks to participate in deep-dive workshops and receive mentoring and support from industry leaders, entrepreneurs and subject matter experts delivered by the team behind the successful KPMG Energise accelerator. 

They will receive financial, marketing, commercial and technical advice to commercialise their products and services and gain additional traction in the mining sectors.

Ashley Brown, 

KPMG Australia program director for the Igniting METS Accelerator Ashley Brown said the end goal was to create businesses that would bring jobs and growth to their local area and drive innovation into the sector

“There are massive opportunities for new technologies within Australia’s $236 billion mining and

METS sector,” he said.

“Past startups have graduated KPMG Energise programs and gone on to win millions of dollars of business, as well as closing major funding rounds. This has led to new jobs and opportunities within these companies’ communities as well as contributing to the competitiveness and sustainability of the Australia resources sector. 

“By helping scale startups from regional  Australia, we hope to help create high value jobs and help economic growth, from Toowoomba to the Whitsundays and beyond.”