What is the Innovatives Program?

AIMIA has launched an exciting initiative across Australia called AIMIA Innovatives. The program is managed by an expert committee from AIMIA, ABC's Innovation division, Deloitte, Intel and GT Law to support innovation in the Australian digital media industry.

The aim of the program is to provide the innovator with the support they need to progress their idea from early concept stages to commercial launch. This support could include business planning, financial advice (but not direct funding), technical expertise, legal assistance, creative input and/or contacts in the industry.

What type of innovation does this program cover?

The program covers radical innovation which we define as “innovation that involves the design and application of new products / services that lead the market, usually requiring a fresh business model across the value chain of investment, alliances, sales, marketing, operations and delivery”.

If you already have an innovative idea, great! However, if you need some inspiration to get started, we suggest that you run an innovation workshop where you can brainstorm problems facing the digital media industry. To kick start the process, you can download the innovation workshop guide and a list of industry problems that could be addressed.

How does the program work?

The process involves making an entry to the program using the online entry form to provide the committee with an outline of the concept, market demographics, revenue model and what assistance is required from AIMIA. If the committee concludes that the idea is unique and innovative, they will take the innovator into the program.

AIMIA then apply an innovation benchmarking tool called IdeaMark which has been developed by Deloitte’s innovation experts.

We review how far along the innovation process you are and give you an IdeaMark score. This will determine what action you need to take to get to the next stage. These scores are recognised by many banks, venture capital firms etc and can help you access the funding you need.

The program is ongoing and the committee meet regularly to review all applications. There have been many successful applicants to date and we are calling for more entries from people with a radical innovation in digital media who would like to receive support from the program. See the link for an online entry form or email innovatives@aimia.com.au for more information.

“The team at AIMIA really helped to open doors for us”

We received an application to develop a new genre of highly participatory entertainment through multi-media devices. Using IdeaMark, the idea was assessed to be at the Planning stage. The applicant needed help to find the right team and get exposure for their idea. Through partners at ABC and Intel, we set up meetings with industry contacts.


“The AIMIA mentor worked with me on my business plan so I can find funding for my idea”

We received an application for a social networking tool. Using IdeaMark, the idea was assessed to be at the Ideation stage. The applicant needed help to articulate their business idea. Through our partners at Deloitte, we have provided business consulting to assist the applicant with their business plan.


“We now understand how to protect our IP”

We received a submission for a new software application. Using IdeaMark, the idea was assessed to be at the Development stage. Their primary need was legal advice regarding their intellectual property and we were able to provide that for free through our partners at GT Law.