Media release
Innovative Program Helps Startups Revolutionise the Future of Work
The third cohort of the KPMG and Stone & Chalk Future Technology Program to focus on Australian startups reshaping the workforce with cutting-edge tech.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 10 OCTOBER 2023 – KPMG Australia and Stone & Chalk today announced the third Future Technology Program, which aims to supercharge the growth of homegrown startups.
Australian employers are struggling to re-engage workers in the wake of the pandemic, according to the 2023 State of the Future of Work Report. The third intake of this innovative collaboration aims to help employers embrace technologies that transform their workplace, by supporting ground-breaking workforce-tech startups who are driving the development of the local and global workforces of the future.
As part of the program, five workforce-tech startups will gain access to unrivalled support and growth opportunities, receiving:
- A 12-month residency at one of Stone & Chalk’s hubs in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide
- Guidance and support from KPMG’s diverse array of mentors and industry leads
- Introductions to Stone & Chalk and KPMG’s world-class networks
- Tailored growth programs and advice from Stone & Chalk’s expert team
- A KPMG mentor tailored to their business
Stone & Chalk CEO, Chris Kirk, says of the new cohort “We’re excited to play a part in powering the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of work. As the world changes, it’s going to become increasingly important for businesses to rethink and adapt to how they manage and get the most out of their most valuable asset - their people. Identifying and embracing the next generation of emerging tech solutions via programs like the Future Technology Program is going to be crucial to this.”
Having previously supported innovative startups in both space and supply chain, the Future Technology Program strives to nurture innovation, accelerate growth, and create substantial value to the Australian economy.
Driving the evolution of the future of work has been highlighted as an area of critical importance to Australia, with Sarah Vega, National Managing Partner, KPMG Futures saying: “Australia has a strong track record of startups that are having a global impact transform how people work – from Atlassian and Canva to Employment Hero and Go1. We are delighted to be adding some additional support to help the next generation of Aussie workplace-related startups unlock their potential. The Future Technology Program has already uncovered some exciting new innovators in space and supply chain. We're not just looking at the next innovation; we're seeking to connect the world to the next big idea, amplifying Australia's voice in the global tech space.”
The program is now open for applications from early-stage founders building workforce-tech startups or solutions, including but not limited to: Talent acquisition and retention, skills, capabilities, career mobility, development planning, performance management, contingent workforce, collaboration, employee engagement, employee impact, reward, recognition and remuneration, and safety and compliance.
To be eligible for the Future Technology Program, startup applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have an existing product in market
- Be Series A or earlier and building technology which can be applied to workforce challenges
- Be in a position to accept residency at Stone & Chalk (Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide) 45 days from the date they have been notified in writing of being a successful applicant
- Be already operating in Australia at the time of their application for the Program, or commencing operations by December 15, 2023
Applications for the program are now open here and will close on 3 November 2023. The program will begin in February 2024 with offers expected to be made in late November.
About Stone & Chalk
Stone & Chalk Group is the largest innovation community in Australia. We support startups, scaleups, corporations and governments, at every stage of their innovation journey. We foster a community of founders, mentors, experts, corporates, partners, and collaborators to help entrepreneurs and businesses build, grow, and commercialise ideas. Ensuring they have everything they need to adapt and thrive in an age of technological disruption.
For more information, visit www.stoneandchalk.com.au
About KPMG International
KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.
KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.
KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients. For more detail about our structure, please visit kpmg.com/governance.
©2023 KPMG Australia, a partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation.
Media contacts
For Stone & Chalk:
Courtney Phelps
Sling & Stone
0452 663 095
For KPMG:
Ash Pritchard
0411 020 680
