Media Release

Finder Awards 2019: Australia’s leading digital disruptors revealed

        • The most cutting-edge innovations to watch in 2019
        • More than 100 brands named as finalists across 49 categories
        • Finalists invited to attend gala ceremony in Sydney on 22 August 2019

11 July, 2019, Sydney, Australia – The innovations that will shape the lives of Australians for years to come have been revealed as finalists in the 2019 Finder Awards.

Now in its fourth year, the Finder Awards recognise the groundbreaking innovations and products that are challenging the status quo. From startups to household names, more than 100 brands have been named as finalists across 49 categories – the biggest Finder Awards program yet.

Innovation submissions were shortlisted by a judging panel made up of industry heavy-hitters and respected journalists including Lisa Montgomery, Melissa Browne, Sophie Elsworth and Christopher Zinn.

Leading the pack with four shortlisted innovation entries is Australia's first digital bank, Up Bank, while Commonwealth Bank, Ubank, CUA, Spriggy, BrickX and Shippit have also been recognised (see below for a full list of finalists).

New innovation categories in 2019 include Digital Disruptor of the Year, Best Telco Innovation, Best Property Innovation, Best Insurance Innovation and Best Green Innovation.

Australia's leading financial products have also been acknowledged in the product component of the awards, which recognise the market's most competitive offerings across credit cards, home loans, banking, insurance, technology and superannuation.

The product awards, which are based on a robust data-led methodology rather than submissions, have expanded this year to include personal loans, car insurance and superannuation.

Fred Schebesta, co-founder of Finder, said Australia's innovation scene is booming with consumers reaping the rewards.

"The local innovation landscape is well and truly thriving. Aussie companies are turning it up a notch and investing heavily in innovation to solve customer problems.

"From the world's first augmented reality shopping app to an Aussie real estate investment startup, these are the innovations revolutionising the finance, technology, retail, travel and sustainability industries.

"Some of the brightest minds in Australia are translating complex issues into commercial outcomes while improving the lives of everyday Australians. The calibre of entries this year has been truly impressive.

"All of those shortlisted have a unique story to tell and have demonstrated real impact and success in the Australian market. I'm proud to be honouring their achievements," he said.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at Luna Park, Sydney on Thursday the 22nd of August 2019.

Each finalist will be given a complimentary ticket to the event and extra tickets can be purchased here.

To view the full list of finalists for both innovation and product categories, visit: www.finder.com.au/finderawards

Innovation finalists:

CategoryFinalists
Best Tech InnovationLook Who's Charging
Kayo Sports
Up Bank
Best Shopping Innovationi=Change
Shippit
Sweep
Most Innovative Team/PersonFinch - Shahirah Gardner
Fast Cover
Spriggy
Sendle
Best Banking InnovationCUA
Tyro
Up Bank
Q Pay
P&N Bank
Best Telco InnovationSouthern Phone Company
Superloop
Vodafone - Regional Coverage Hub
Aussie Broadband
Best Property InnovationCommonwealth Bank
Orbmaps & Landfinder
Spacer / Parkhound
Digital Disruptor of the Year Athena
Stake
Up Bank
Brickx
Best Green InnovationUbank
4 Pines & Smart Commercial Solar
Sheridan
Best Travel InnovationLatitude 28 Degrees - Flight Delay Pass
RACV
Flight Centre Exclusives - Ignite Travel
Best Insurance InnovationBingle
Evari
Floodmap
Best Online Customer Service Evari
Fast Cover
Bingle
Kayo Sports
The ICONIC
Best Personal Finance App WISR
Spriggy
Up Bank
Frollo

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For further information

Disclaimer

The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.

About Finder

Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.

Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.

We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.

12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel

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