Representing Queensland this week at 2 Gala Award Dinners in 2 states for 2 different Organisations who shine a light on exceptional technology achievements was Megan Avard, Founder and CEO, SurePact and team.
Ms Avard was announced as the Sue Wickenden QLD Entrepreneurial Award at the prestigious Women in Technology gala dinner at Brisbane’s City Hall on Friday night, August 30.
Ms Avard was nominated for her work as Founder and CEO of her multi award-winning company, SurePact, and its Enterprise software for contract risk profiling to improve project and procurement delivery. Avard resigned her senior executive role 2 years ago and started a technology company in her late 40’s despite being told that she would fail without a male co-founder.
In conjunction with National Science Week, Women in Technology (WiT) celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in STEM by announcing the winners at the WiT Awards.
The evening kicked off with the keynote address, in front of an 800 strong audience at Brisbane’s City Hall, from another Samford Global and Award-winning Entrepreneur, Leanne Kemp, Founder and CEO of Everledger and QLD’s Chief Entrepreneur.
In its first 2 years, SurePact has made a significant impact by continuing to deliver and achieve award winning results. SurePact was announced the 2018 APAC Lendlease B2B Startup of the Year Winner; 2019 QLD AiiA Startup of the Year Winner and has been the only recipient to receive two back-to-back Ignite Ideas Grants.
WiT Co-President Dr Claudia Giurgiuman said Avard perfectly embodies all that WiT aims to achieve.
Ms Avard said she had spent years witnessing millions of taxpayer dollars being squandered through the systematic failure of poorly managed infrastructure contracts. “I knew there was a clear gap in the market so I resigned by day job, in Council, in August 2017 and started a software company the following week to build the solution,” Avard said.
“I am not the standard startup demographic, and I am breaking the mould showing you don’t have to know how to code or be young and tech-savvy to be a Founder. You just need guts, gumption and a desire to learn.”
“WiT’s mission is to ensure women have fair access to the career opportunities and rewards offered by a technology-driven economy,” said Dr Giurgiuman.
“Our network of more than 6,000 associates and 21,000 supporters is one of the biggest in the nation with the strength and dedication needed to drive change for women like Ms Avard in STEM careers.”
The WiT Awards feature a number of scientific awards including Life Sciences Rising Star, Life Sciences Young Achiever, Life Sciences Research Leader and Life Sciences Outstanding. Avard is among the final three for the WiT Entrepreneurial Award selected from a pool of over 150 women.
The evening before at Melbourne’s Convention Centre, SurePact represented QLD as the state winner of the AiiA Startup of the Year. The AiiA iAwards is the nation’s leading awards program that helps to recognise, celebrate and elevate Australian digital innovation.
AiiA CEO, Ron Gauci said, “Each year the AiiA iAwards shine a light on the exceptional achievements of those at the forefront of Australian innovation, and the projects shaping our modern economy.”
“We are proud to celebrate and provide recognition, encouragement and a national platform for people seeking to bring an idea to life, enabled or supported by technology. Whether they’re in start-ups, the public sector, community services, school, academia, or private enterprise – small and large – the work of the finalists is an inspiration to us all, and SurePact has continued to achieve outstanding results as an innovative tech company only 2 years old.”
Steve Butler, Regional Innovation Manager for Innovate Moreton Bay “ARIP” said , “Moreton Bay is thriving with talent, Founders and companies like SurePact and Everledger who are achieving great things nationally and globally and these amazing women live in our community.”
“Innovate Moreton Bay are proud to be apart of their ecosystem and supporting Female Founders like Megan wherever we can and showcasing amazing talent that is in our own backyard,” he said. “I was very proud to be apart of SurePact’s well deserved win at the Gala Awards Dinner.” He is now looking forward to seeing more local talent shine at the upcoming 2019 Moreton Bay Business Excellence & Innovation Awards being announced on Friday, November 29. Read More
