The Winnovation Awards

Nominate and Apply Now

Congratulations to our  2021 winners and finalists!

The Winnovation Awards showcases and celebrates the successes of female innovators changing the game in South Australia. The judges had their work cut out for them this year with such an extraordinary calibre of entries.

We commend all of the entrants who have contributed to making South Australia a more innovative state, as they continue to create a ripple effect through job opportunities, research capabilities and even improving our quality of life – and we are thrilled to announce the 2021 Winnovation Award finalists.

2021 Winnovation Awards Media Release

Download the PDF to learn more.

Celebrating our change makers

Annual Winnovation Awards recognise the South Australian women who are contributing to the state’s innovation economy by creating jobs, wealth and solutions to address some of the world’s biggest problems and creating positive change.

Innovation is everywhere

These Awards aim to showcase South Australia’s best female innovators, whether you are working within organisations as intrapreneurs or running your own show as entrepreneurs. Celebrating the achievements of women across all industries!

Help us find her!

Do you know an inspiring, innovative, SA woman worth recognising?
Nominations open Wednesday, June 22 for the 2022 Winnovation Awards.

 

There is no need to nominate yourself simply Join as a Member and Submit your Application via the Awards Application link within the Members Only area.

Your details

Nominee's details

The Winnovation Awards Sponsors
University of South Australia
Bendigo Bank
Accenture
SA Power Networks
Zonte's Footsteps
FIXE
Department for the Environment and Water
Stone & Chalk
madderns
Department for Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Are only South Australian's able to nominate?
No, nominations are global, but the nominee must be a South Australian resident.
How do I write a successful nomination?
By providing engaging information about yourself and your innovation journey! Keep your writing clear and simple, and as non-technical as possible. Some of the judging panel may not understand the specialist terminology in your field of endeavour.

Check out the recording of our recent online webinar about ‘Winning Awards with Leila Henderson’ here for some extra tips and tricks.

If I am successful am I able to advertise my status as a finalist or winner?
Yes! Winners and finalists are encouraged to describe themselves as “Winner/Finalist 2021 Women in Innovation Awards” in their selected category in print and electronic publications.
Who are Women In Innovation?
Women in Innovation SA are a dynamic, professional community of women and male champions of change working in all areas of innovation and technology to create a sustainable network of members focused on the advancement of women in non-traditional industries and roles.

The volunteer board have continuously developed a range of initiatives that help to encourage women to enter innovation and STEAM related industries (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Design and Mathematics), retain women in these industries and achieve their full potential throughout their career.

Can an individual nominate themselves?
Yes. Self-nomination is highly encouraged! Make sure your application is endorsed by your university, school or employer if relevant.
What is the entry fee?
This year the application fee for each category has been waived for all members of Women in Innovation SA.You can enter into as many categories as you like but you can only win in one category.

The annual membership is fee is $60.

Why do I need to become a member to apply for the Winnovation Awards?
Women in Innovation SA is a not-for-profit membership based organisation that exists to support and celebrate women who are breaking the mold.

As a member you become part of our supportive community and have to chance to get further recognition for your work.

Your contribution also helps us to support other women; elevating and celebrating the role models for the next generation. Learn more here.

Membership is $60 and gives you access to many networking and educational sessions held by Women In Innovation throughout the year.

What questions are asked in the application?
Applications are managed through an awards platform that can be accessed through our Members login.

You will be asked what stage you are at in the development of your innovation? (mulitple choice)
then to describe your innovation in one sentence (30 word limit).

More detailed can be provided through the following five questions:

  • Describe your innovation in more detail (400 word limit)
  • What’s your business model, project or research framework? (250 word limit)
  • What results have you achieved? (400 word limit)
  • Why you? Why are you the best person to win this award? (250 word limit)
  • What does the future look like for your innovation? (150 word limit)
  • What impact would winning this award have for you? (150 word limit)

You can also add anything else you’d like to share, up to a 300 word limit, and attach supporting documents and images.

Two referrees of your choice are requested to validate your application.

Go-on! Give it go – we would be delighted to hear all about your initiative and support and celebrate your innovation journey.

Meet our Alumnae

Congratulations to all Winnovation Awards Winners & Finalists!

They are the unsung heroes, quiet achievers, the difference makers and the mavericks; each one dedicated to challenging the known or solving the unknown in their contribution to South Australian enterprise. Their fields of endeavour range from art to zoos; diving into the southern ocean; scanning the stars above; – or caring for the land in between. From studios to shop fronts; research facilities to workshop floors, laboratories to boardrooms.

Year

Category

Alice Fitch

Alice Fitch

2021, Technology
who is streamlining the process of the wholesale fashion industry by creating scale in an old fashioned industry and addressing the major pains of retailers and labels.  Whola makes buying better for fashion retailers – allowing them to search, compare and buy the best stock instantly. 
Dr Amal Osman

Dr Amal Osman

2021, Emerging Innovator
Flinders University – Developing the first ‘awake’ sleep apnoea test to qualify noisy snoring/breathing problems for one billion people worldwide.
Amanda Mader

Amanda Mader

2021, Engineering
Vine Scout – for the development of technology that continuously logs bunch weight in wine grapes, between veraison to harvest, for improved yield estimation accuracy, irrigation management and water-use efficiency.
Carly Ascott

Carly Ascott

2021, Rural, Regional & Remote
Bushfire Kids Connect – for developing an Australian-first STEM program in partnership with former Winnovation Awards winner Maker’s Empire, to teach bushfire awareness, resilience and wellness in regional school communities, empowering students to become problem solvers and innovators to help families threatened by future fires.
Carmen Garcia

Carmen Garcia

2021,
Community Corporate – A national recruitment service with a social conscience, supporting corporates to maximise the untapped pool of skill, passion and experience of diverse cohorts including refugees, migrants, youth and women – helping each of these groups to access work.
Nina Sivertsen

Nina Sivertsen

2021, Open
Flinders University, who has developed the Malpa Nursing Model, a culturally responsive approach to teaching nursing students about First Nations Health.
Helen Banwell

Helen Banwell

2021, Science
University of South Australia – using 3D printed foot models to safely teach scalpel debridement of foot ulcers to podiatry students, to improve foot health in those at risk of amputation.
Kathy Smart

Kathy Smart

2021, Arts
Joy Everafter Stories – producing the world’s first, full-length, fully-voiced and interactive, accessible storybook, for blind and deaf children.