Written by Sachi Wickramage, National Expert for WSA Australia, Board Director & Member of the Grand Jury for WSA Global.
In a world increasingly defined by digital innovation, the power of technology to enact meaningful social change has never been more profound. As the World Summit Awards (WSA) National Expert for Australia, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable ingenuity and dedication of Australian innovators leveraging technology to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Today, with immense pride and excitement, I introduce Australia's seven exceptional nominees for the WSA Global Competition 2024. These visionary projects represent the pinnacle of Australian innovation and embody a steadfast commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
LendForGood – Pioneering Inclusive Impact Investment
Category: Business & Commerce
LendForGood is bridging the significant financing gap known as the "Missing Middle" in impact finance. By creating a unique three-sided marketplace, LendForGood connects growth-ready social enterprises with investors who share their values, democratising impact investment through blockchain technology for unparalleled transparency and scalability.
Since its inception in 2022, LendForGood has facilitated nearly AUD 3 million in impact lending, supporting 34 loans across nine countries. Their efforts are advancing multiple UN SDGs and fostering inclusive global economic growth.
"We are thrilled to be nominated for a World Summit Award and to represent Australia to the global jury. LendForGood was designed in Australia but we have been thinking global from day 1. We passionately believe in the potential of social enterprises to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and the challenge we address, the "missing middle" of impact finance, is holding back this potential everywhere. We are excited to showcase this much-needed innovation globally, so we can help more social enterprises to grow their impact and create a better future for all of us."
- Tom Dawkins, Co-founder & Chief Impact Officer LendForGood
TraceX by Powerledger – Revolutionising Renewable Energy Markets
Category: Environment & Green Energy
TraceX is transforming the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) market by introducing blockchain-enabled transparency and accessibility. Addressing issues like greenwashing and barriers for small and medium enterprises, TraceX automates complex processes, reduces operational costs by up to 70%, and democratises access to the REC market.
Having facilitated the trading of nearly 300,000 RECs since 2022, TraceX is accelerating the global transition to clean energy and contributing significantly to UN SDGs related to affordable and clean energy.
Dossy.co – Fostering Connection and Community Engagement
Category: Government & Citizen Engagement
Dossy is combating social isolation among older adults by connecting them with trained volunteers for meaningful interactions. By enhancing mental health and mobilising community support, Dossy strengthens social cohesion and empowers citizens to actively participate in societal well-being.
With users in 23 countries and partnerships with major aged care providers like Bolton Clarke and BUPA, Dossy is enhancing social care and aligning with government objectives on public health and community engagement.
Consultmed – Streamlining Healthcare Access
Category: Health & Well-Being
Consultmed is revolutionising the healthcare referral process in Australia with an AI-powered platform that digitises and streamlines communications between primary care providers and specialists. Their innovative Advice & Guidance™ tool reduces unnecessary consultations and improves access, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Since expanding its user base from 1,000 to over 20,000 healthcare professionals since January 2023, Consultmed is alleviating pressures on the healthcare system and improving patient outcomes.
"I am honoured to represent Consultmed and Australia in this year's WSA Global Competition. The experience of applying for the WSA Australia has been rewarding, as it has allowed us to reflect on our commitment to leveraging technology for positive social impact. Our solution is dedicated to improving access to specialist care, particularly in regional, rural and underserved communities where healthcare resources are often limited. As we face a global jury evaluating entries from over 182 UN Member countries, I see it as an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and inspire each other to drive meaningful change and build a future where everyone has equitable access to the care they need."
- Vikram Palit - CEO of Consultmed
Cérge – Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion
Category: Inclusion & Empowerment
Cérge is setting a new standard for accessibility by providing a platform that offers detailed pre-visit information and real-time communication for people with disabilities. By empowering individuals and encouraging venues to enhance their accessibility features, Cérge fosters more inclusive communities.
Implemented in over 200 venues since its launch in 2021, including hotels, shopping centres, and sports facilities, Cérge has enabled transformative experiences for users, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.
"Applying for the WSA Australia was a deeply insightful and rewarding process, pushing us to evaluate our impact and refine our vision while allowing our team to articulate the essence of Cérge and our commitment to improving community access and inclusion. We are thrilled and honoured to represent Australia at this year's WSA Global Competition, a phenomenal opportunity to showcase the innovative strides we've made with Cérge on a global stage. Facing a global jury from over 182 UN Member countries is both exhilarating and daunting, challenging us to push our boundaries and providing invaluable feedback to shape the future trajectory of Cérge."
- Victoria Kerrisk, Co-founder of Cérge
Chameleon by Virtual Irrigation Academy Ltd – Empowering Farmers with Knowledge
Category: Learning & Education
Chameleon provides an innovative soil moisture monitoring system that helps small-scale farmers optimise irrigation. Using a simple colour-coded system of blue for wet soil, green for moist, and red for dry, farmers can make informed decisions, leading to increased yields and sustainable water use.
With over 70,000 sensors distributed in more than 20 countries, Chameleon benefits tens of thousands of farming families and aligns with UN SDGs on education, poverty reduction, and responsible consumption.
"The Virtual Irrigation Academy (VIA) is thrilled to have our Chameleon system nominated to represent Australia in this year's WSA Global Competition in the Learning and Education category. The application process was straightforward and the WSA Australia team was very helpful in providing guidance to create a unique and compelling submission. Moving on to the Global Competition, we know that there are many other great organisations and people who are doing amazing work to help meet the UN SDGs. We are proud to be nominated and hope that our approach to using technology as the vehicle to empower better communication and people-centred learning among smallholder farmers resonates with the jury."
- Simon Dyer, Managing Director at Virtual Irrigation Academy Ltd
One Small Step – Personalising Climate Action
Category: Smart Settlements & Urbanization
One Small Step App empowers individuals to adopt sustainable behaviours that collectively enhance urban environments. By breaking down climate action into manageable steps, the app helps users understand their impact and prioritise activities with the most significant positive effects.
Since its launch in 2020, the app has garnered over 100,000 downloads, with users reducing their emissions by an average of over 10%. This collective action contributes to more intelligent, more resilient urban living.
Our journey would not be possible without the unwavering support of our strategic partner, Social Change Central. Their dedication to fostering innovation and driving meaningful social impact has propelled these projects onto the global stage.
As our nominees prepare to take on the world at the WSA Global Jury Rounds, we stand behind them not just as supporters but as advocates for the transformative power of technology. Their work exemplifies how digital solutions can forge a better future across diverse sectors, embodying the very essence of the UN SDGs.
I invite you all to join me in congratulating our Australian nominees. Let's amplify their stories, support their missions, and watch as they make waves on the global stage. Their success is a testament to what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose.
Together, we're not just imagining a better future - we're building it.
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Sachi Wickramage is a devoted advocate for sustainable development, seamlessly combining purpose with business expertise to create meaningful and lasting impact. As the National Expert for World Summit Awards Australia and a Board Director at the WSA Global, he has been instrumental in identifying, mentoring, and promoting Australian digital innovators. Sachi has transformed WSA Australia into a global benchmark for excellence. His tireless efforts have propelled numerous Australian projects to international acclaim, earning global recognition and significantly elevating Australia’s standing in digital innovation. These achievements have not only enhanced the nation’s global profile but have also amplified the positive impact of these innovations, enriching the lives of countless Australians.
