SA Premier’s Business and Export Awards - finalists revealed

Companies ranging from iconic household names to start-ups are among the finalists in the SA Premier’s Business and Export Awards. See the full list.

MAXM Skate founder Dr Matthew Liptak with the MAXM Skate. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The company behind a revolutionary skate-like rehabilitation device – founded by former Adelaide Crows club champion Matthew Liptak – is among the finalists in this year’s South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards.

MAXM Skate is one of more than 50 finalists in this year’s awards, which recognise the contribution of local businesses to the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the state.

It is one of four companies named as finalists in both the business and export categories, putting it in the running for the two major awards – the South Australian Business of the Year and the South Australian Exporter of the Year.

Almondco Australia, Mayne Pharma and payments start-up MyVenue – which recently secured a multimillion-dollar investment from US venture capital firm Greater Sum Ventures – are also finalists in both the business and export categories.

The MAXM Skate product is a rehabilitation device and digital program for those recovering from knee surgery and injury. The Adelaide-based company already supports patients in more than 26 countries and recently launched a $5m capital raise.

This year’s 28 award categories celebrate the achievements of a variety of businesses including emerging, regional, family and Indigenous enterprises.

MyVenue chief executive Tim Stollznow with developer Angus Juers. Picture: Russell Millard

Winners across 13 business award categories and 15 export categories will be announced at a gala event in August, with winners of the export categories entered as finalists in the Australian Exporter Awards held in Canberra in November.

Last year’s major award winners were artificial intelligence-based risk analysis company Fivecast and QuantX Labs – a developer of high-precision timing devices used in major defence and space projects.

South Australian Business Chamber chief executive Andrew Kay said the calibre of nominations was “exceptionally strong” again this year.

“It is always a challenge for the judges to select the finalists from so many high quality applications,” he said.

“It reflects the breadth of high achieving businesses operating here in South Australia and reinforces why the Premier’s Business and Export Awards has quickly built a reputation as the pinnacle of business awards in our state.”

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner on August 29.

Originally published as SA Premier’s Business and Export Awards - finalists revealed