Government invests in Cairns business to expand overseas

A Cairns firm that has built an online nutrition platform that allows dieticians to service clients in remote areas is one of 70 companies that will receive a grant in more than $8.3 million in Palaszczuk Government innovation funding announced today.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy today announced Sophus Health would receive an Ignite Ideas grant of $100,000 to develop their nutrition platform.

“This program is about helping companies whose products are on the cusp of commercialisation and are ready to scale up for new markets,” he said.

“Not only does Sophus Health have a product with the potential to help thousands of people, they’re ready to expand and are looking to export to the US and the UK.

“They successfully implemented their fYOUL program with dieticians working with 200 clients.

“Through a highly competitive, independently assessed process they showed they have an innovative product, the talent and the right mindset to take their businesses to new levels and new markets.”

Innovation Minister Kate Jones said Ignite Ideas was about supporting entrepreneurs from across Queensland to grow their businesses and employ more staff.

“These companies will use the funds to ramp up market development and expand their workforce,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has now supported 271 Queensland businesses through $34.65 million (four rounds) of Ignite Ideas, driving more than one thousand new jobs.”

In the latest round of Ignite Ideas funding, the Palaszczuk Government will support four companies in Far North Queensland.

Sophus Health Pty Ltd chief executive officer Tara Diversi said she was currently using fYOUL in working with a global community of English Channel swimmers.

“It is our goal to become global from the beginning with fYOUL, and particularly target the American market where there are 100,000 dietitians that are our potential market,” Ms Diversi said.

“Along with providing a better system for dietitians working with clients remotely, it also includes resources developed by experienced dieticians to enabled clinicians to better service their clients.

“We have developed an innovative product with high-growth potential and a globally scalable market and expect this to create seven new jobs as we take fYOUL to the next level.”

Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur Steve Baxter said the Ignite Ideas funding would help the 70 businesses take their next big step forward.

“Access to capital is one of the key challenges for early stage startups. The Ignite Ideas grants provide a source of funding that can take these businesses to the next level, helping them commercialise quickly.”

Ignite Ideas is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $650 million Advance Queensland initiative.

Visit the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund web page at https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups-industry-small-business/ignite-ideas-fund for more information on the program and its recipients.

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