Palaszczuk Government funding gives budding cricketers a shot at the big time

A Brisbane company behind a batting training device to help the next generation of cricket superstars develop their skills has been awarded almost $100,000 under round three of the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said today (Saturday) that Techshot is among 85 innovative Queensland applicants – independently assessed in a highly competitive process – sharing in the latest round of $10 million Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding.

“The Palaszczuk Government has so far supported 203 Queensland businesses through $26.5 million of Ignite Ideas funding over three rounds, driving more than a 1000 new jobs,” Ms Enoch said.

“Ignite Ideas is part of the $420 million Advance Queensland initiative aiming to turn ideas into actions by investing in research and technologies, attracting new investment, building global partnerships, and encouraging businesses to start and grow in Queensland.”

Member for Bulimba Di Farmer said Techshot has already received an order for 1000 units from the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre since launching earlier this year.

“The Palaszczuk Government is providing innovative businesses – such as Techshot – with opportunities to break into new markets,” Ms Farmer said.

“With the $99,280 Ignite Ideas Funding, Techshot is set to take the next step in seeking lucrative overseas markets – with the company predicting four new jobs as a result of this project.”

Techshot is a tool to train cricketers how to adopt the late striking position typical of the best players in the world, and has been tested in Australia and abroad with cricketers ranging from teams of talented 10-year-olds to the Australian Southern Stars women’s team.

It can be used by any cricketer to fast-track their skills without one-on-one coaching sessions – making cricket more accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages, while helping to position Queensland as a leader in innovative sports training.

Company director William Prowse, an engineer with more than 20 years of playing and coaching cricket in Australia and the UK, had the idea for a batting training device 10 years ago.

Mr Prowse made a series of prototypes using components sourced from a local hardware store.

He said the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding will allow the Camp Hill small business to look at international commercialisation.

“The fund will open up international networking opportunities, help establish distribution chains, and allow us to develop an online training resource,” Mr Prowse said.

“It will also let us conduct demonstrations in regional Queensland to help promote the product and improve the standard of cricket statewide.”

For more information, visit the Ignite Ideas Fund webpage.

ENDS
MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987