Future Cities mission to Australia: applications now open

17 Oct 2017 02:10 PM

Innovative UK businesses working in the advanced urban services sector can meet potential customers, partners and investors in Melbourne.

Applications are open for Innovate UK’s 2018 Future Cities delegation to Australia. The mission - taking place from 12 to 16 March 2018 - is a valuable opportunity to build new business collaborations overseas.

Why Australia?

Australia is a highly urbanised country. In 2014, 89% of the population (21 million people) lived in urban areas. The urbanisation rate is forecast to reach 93% (of 31 million people) by 2050. Among the challenges that Australian cities face are:

• an ageing population
• resilience to climate change
• water scarcity
• urban sprawl
• housing affordability
• congestion

The country has recognised the importance of cities to its economy, and the need to adapt to improve productivity and accessibility.

Read more about the opportunity in Australia.

Benefits of taking part

By attending, you’ll learn about market opportunities and business culture. You’ll develop a tailored pitch and then travel to Australia to meet prospective partners, investors and customers. You’ll also have the chance to visit pioneering future cities projects in Melbourne.

Importantly, it will help you to raise your company profile in one of the biggest smart cities markets and get advice from the Department for International Trade on exporting globally.

Previous missions have taken delegations to India and South East Asia.

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