THE INNOVATIVE business banking minds at BOQ are teaming up with renowned Brisbane-based technology hub and accelerator, River City Labs (RCL), to help drive the  financial technology (fintech) and startup environment in Queensland.

BOQ and RCL are cementing a two-year corporate partnership that will not only assist startups to develop but also engage BOQ teams as part of that process. 

BOQ group executive and chief operations, digital and information officer, Donna-Maree Vinci said the two-year deal signified the growing link between corporates and the startup community “which will ultimately benefit customers by enhancing their banking experience while providing new experience for staff”.

“BOQ is a firm friend of RCL and this mutually beneficial partnership will formally connect startups with our people across the group,” Ms Vinci said. “In working side-by-side with RCL members, our people will actively contribute to Australia’s innovation community.

“The new opportunities this partnership presents for BOQ can’t be understated and we are excited about this new chapter with RCL.

“While gaining the opportunity to provide our customers with innovative banking solutions and new age services, our people will also benefit from new insights and immersive experiences, such as a newly created RCL out-turn program.”

As out-turn participants, experienced BOQ employees are partnered with startups requiring a specific skill or knowledge set. BOQ employees participating in this program work one day a week with the startup, over a 12 week period, stimulating new thinking and a startup culture for BOQ. 

Residential space at RCL has been taken by the bank, further increasing access between BOQ and the startup community.

River City Labs CEO Peta Ellis said, “It’s positive to see corporations such as BOQ who we have worked with for more than five years, increase their commitment to the sector and River City Labs in particular. 

“We welcome BOQ as an official corporate partner. This exclusive partnership will allow RCL to implement further programs and solutions for our start-up community. As a resident at RCL, the partnership with BOQ is already delivering benefits with a small team currently developing a creative new business idea, demonstrating just how quickly this partnership is fostering new thinking.”

RCL members will have exclusive access to suitable BOQ products, services and expertise under the bank’s commitment to ethical startup banking.

In addition to implementing capability and culture programs with the regional bank, RCL will proactively connect BOQ with its member entrepreneurs to develop new business opportunities and advance the bank’s digital and innovation agenda. 

www.boq.com.au

www.rivercitylabs.com.au

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STARTUP Weekend Brisbane brought great ideas to life – ranging from blockchain tracking of beef and equine data management systems to gamification of health systems and drone imaging technologies – at River City Labs last weekend.

Incubators River City Labs and Fishburners Brisbane joined forces for the weekend staging one of Australia’s largest business ‘startup’ events. Both organisations worked together to bring together industry mentors, business experts, judges and attendees bursting with ideas to execute into a potential business within 54 hours.

INNOVATIVE business founders wanting to participate in the Female Founders Mission to London, are being called to finalise their applications. 

Organiser Startup Catalyst is taking final registrations for the mission, which connects Australian female entrepreneurs, investors, corporate innovation leaders, and policy decision makers with UK female counterparts and start-up community leaders, as well as potential partners, investors and customers.