DXC Technology Partners with Stone & Chalk to Establish Applied Innovation Hub
News Release -- March 25, 2018
Global tech giant becomes 26th partner of Australia’s leading fintech hub as it officially launches new Sydney location
SYDNEY, 25 March 2018 - DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, has become an official partner of Stone & Chalk, Australia’s leading fintech and corporate innovation marketplace.
The aim of the collaboration is to reduce the time to market for innovation in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). Building on the success of DXC’s SpringBoard insurtech competition, this collaboration will see DXC introducing “outside-in” innovation for its Australian clients and allowing startups to interact with these larger enterprises.
The partnership includes the creation of DXC’s Applied Innovation Hub where DXC’s client teams will work alongside startups and scaleups to develop and commercialise new solutions. A series of innovation programs will be designed to help startups and scaleups secure commercial opportunities with DXC and its key clients.
Speaking at the official Stone & Chalk launch party at Wynyard Green’s new Sydney Startup Hub (SSH), Alex Scandurra, Stone & Chalk CEO, framed the collaboration as a step change in both the awareness and recognition by corporate Australia that a key part of future success lies in the huge potential of partnering with top quality startups and scaleups.
"We’re thrilled to have DXC as an official partner. This alliance with such an esteemed technology leader demonstrates how Stone & Chalk is helping to drive category change and innovation across different fintech disciplines,” Scandurra said. ” The Applied Innovation Hub will help the development of cutting edge tech, and underlines the massive potential of Australia’s fintech to transform diverse industries.
"Our collaboration with DXC is a brilliant opportunity for Australian entrepreneurs across all industries to access global markets and reach their next stage of growth. Through DXC’s global network, they can get the tools and support they need."
Seelan Nayagam, managing director Australia & New Zealand, DXC Technology described collaborating with startups as important, and the DXC Applied Innovation Hub will see more innovation ideas in the pipeline getting converted to tangible solutions.
"Collaborating with the innovation ecosystem is critical. This partnership and innovation program with Stone & Chalk will mean DXC can rapidly solve complex problems for our customers with new solutions and services, and help our employees co-develop innovative ideas,” Nayagam said. “With open ideation, design thinking and accelerated prototyping in partnership with high growth potential startups and scaleups, we hope to harness the power of emerging technologies."
Stone & Chalk was established in Sydney with 100 individual residents across 40 diverse fintech startups. Today, with a second location in Melbourne, it has over 500 residents across 109 startups, who have secured funding in excess of $230 million.
Stone & Chalk’s new Sydney home, part of a NSW State Government initiative, has room for up to 600 residents across secure labs, co-working, meeting and collaboration spaces. It represents a 70 percent increase in capacity, cementing Stone & Chalk as one of the largest fintech hubs in the world.
“The official opening of our new Sydney Fintech Hub at Wynyard Green is a major moment for Stone & Chalk. With the addition of the Melbourne Fintech Hub at Melbourne Goods Shed North, Australia now boasts a connected fintech collaboration infrastructure across its two largest cities, something that set us apart on the global stage,” said Scandurra.
About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (DXC: NYSE) is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, helping clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. Created by the merger of CSC and the Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, DXC Technology serves nearly 6,000 private and public sector clients across 70 countries. The company’s technology independence, global talent and extensive partner network combine to deliver powerful next-generation IT services and solutions. DXC Technology is recognized among the best corporate citizens globally. For more information, visit dxc.technology.
About Stone & Chalk
Since its launch in August 2015, Stone & Chalk has helped create a formidable fintech community across New South Wales and Victoria and has become recognised as one of the top fintech hubs globally. Stone & Chalk has 24 Australian and international corporate partners, houses over 100 full time startups, 352 residents, with 13 of these now exporting. Together with its 32 alumni, Stone & Chalk start-ups and scale-ups have secured over AU$211M of direct equity investment, and have created 500 direct new jobs in the areas of fintech, cyber security, insurtech, data science and connected devices. Stone & Chalk has established resident and corporate innovation programs, inclusive of investor programs, pitch training, mentorship and training. For more information, visit www.stoneandchalk.com.au.
Media Contacts
- Ashford Pritchard, Kicker Communications - ash@kickercomms.com, +61 411 020 680
- Olga Link, Stone & Chalk, Stone & Chalk - olga@stoneandchalk.com.au, +61 449 959 247
- Sheila Dhillon, DXC Technology - sdhillon@dxc.com, +61 423 884 848