The Andrews Labor Government’s startup procurement program, CivVic Labs, today announced the successful startups selected to deliver solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing government.
Six new startups have the potential to secure almost $1.1 million in contracts and will develop solutions in infection control, safety in the gig economy, Aboriginal cultural renewal and more.
The Department of Health and Human Services has selected social impact startup GoodHood to develop a chatbot that translates health advice for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Study Melbourne will work with Mentor Match to build a mentoring tool pairing international students with members of Victorian Rotary Clubs to combat social isolation.
WorkSafe Victoria,who will return to the program for a second time, will partner with My Safety Bot to address rising safety concerns in the gig economy.
AI startup Civability will help the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning uncover new ways to measure liveability across the state with an open platform capturing and mapping citizen voices.
In partnership with Sustainability Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will also work with surplus food marketplace, Yume, to help Victorian businesses minimise waste.
Finally, People Environment Culture Pty Ltd (PECU) will work with Aboriginal Victoria to create a living, breathing view of Victorian Aboriginalculture through augmented reality. The project will help Victorians young and old see the state's history through new eyes.
CivVic Labs, led by LaunchVic in partnership with the Victorian Government’s Public Sector Innovation Fund, was established to provide startups with greater access to government procurement opportunities.
To date, startups in CivVic Labs have secured $1.8 million in funding since the program commenced in 2019. For more information visit
Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
“Connecting startups to government procurement opportunities has never been more important as part of Victoria’s economic recovery. Successful startups create high value jobs and solve complex problems.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson
“The public sector and startups share a passion for solving society’s toughest problems. We know that in bringing them together, we’ll spark the creativity to develop stronger, more enduring solutions.”
Quote attributable to LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick
“Through CivVic Labs we are able to successfully connect startups to government procurement opportunities, and enable Victoria’s best and brightest young companies to grow, create jobs and contribute to economic recovery.”
Reviewed 30 November 2020