‘This is the third time the Innovation PNG Awards have been run and we had a very encouraging number of entries,’ said Chair of the awards judging panel, futurist Mark Pesce. ‘Of these, just over half were from small businesses, which shows that a lot of innovation is happening at grass roots level in PNG.’

‘The range of innovations covered by the entries was nothing short of breathtaking. The judges would like to congratulate all those who entered the awards. We look forward to announcing the winners on 27 March.’

The Innovation PNG Awards are designed to reward and encourage innovation – creative problem-solving using new ideas – in business and government.

The Shortlist in Full

Small Business Award shortlist

Bright Horizon Solutions

Bright Horizon created an innovative app for creating ID cards for major events, which was trialled successfully during the Pope’s recent visit to PNG.

Bobatom Tech and Consultancy

Bobatom have created an online learning platform for Flexible Open and Distance Education.

Project Support Services/Productive Solar Solutions

This Lae-based business has invented a range of solar-powered mills for smallholder farmers and is exploring its export potential.

Environmental Health Development Agency

This Lae-based business has developed an ingenious water station to assist village life.

Gotronical

Jiwaka-based Gotronical Engineering has invented a new design for a sago extraction machine.

Apeketon Business Hub

Created in collaboration the Australian Business Volunteers, the hub supports SMEs on Lihir Island.

Large Business Award shortlist

Markham Culverts

Lae-based Markham Culverts has developed a revolutionary new class of construction materials called Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCMs), to replace conventional concrete in erosion control applications.

Kramer Asia-Pacific (PNG) Ltd

The engineering company is integrating smart solutions, sustainable materials, and community-driven engineering principles to create developments that withstand the increasing threats of climate change, extreme weather, and rapid urbanisation.

Nasfund

The superannuation fund is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver efficiencies in its back office processes.

CreditBank PNG

CreditBank has created a new tech-driven way on onboarding new customers in minutes.

TISA Bank

The new bank has implemented a solution that allows any walk-in customer to open an account and a obtain a personalised card instantly.

MiBank

The finance company has development a new agency model to reach and service its customers.

Digital Government shortlist

Green Finance Centre

The Centre has been created under the auspices of the Bank of PNG to help facilitate and encourage the financing of green initiatives in PNG.

Department of ICT

The Department has devised a seamless online police clearance application process, which integrates online payments and biometric fingerprint capture.

The Innovation PNG Awards winners will be announced at special Gala Awards Dinner on 9 November at APEC Haus, Port Moresby.