ASEAN-Australia Smart Cities Accelerator (ASCA)

⁠⁠⁠The ASEAN-Australia Smart Cities Accelerator (ASCA) is an AUD5 million pilot of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) innovationXchange that aims to support and scale high-growth potential enterprises focussed on smart urbanisation solutions in ODA eligible cities across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This will support innovation at the city level across ASEAN Member States to enhance urban development and create and scale commercial opportunities for women, men and youth from urban centres.

The initiative is one component of the broader ASEAN-Australia Smart Cities initiative announced by former Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, at the ASEAN Special Summit in March 2018. The ASEAN-Australia Smart Cities initiative will support ASEAN Member States to develop city systems in smart and sustainable ways, providing education, technical assistance and support for innovation. The initiative has strong links with ASEAN and will build on ASEAN’s efforts to create a community that is competitive, resilient and well-connected. The initiative will complement ASEAN initiatives such as the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.

In implementing the ASCA, DFAT is seeking tenders from experienced profit and not-for-profit incubators and accelerators to support and scale high-growth potential enterprises focussed on smart urbanisation solutions in ODA eligible cities across ASEAN Member States.

DFAT seeks to support an established accelerator to identify, support and scale cohorts of high-growth potential enterprises focussed on smart urbanisation solutions. Accordingly, proposals will tangibly demonstrate a proven track record in identifying market opportunities for innovation; and in building scalable and sustainable businesses that attract further funding and market growth (for example a track record of generating a high number of exits - the point at which an investor realises investment gains).

Given the focus on cities within ASEAN Member States, it is expected that proposals will demonstrate strong existing relationships and a track record of working together to produce tangible outcomes, with relevant public and private stakeholders (for example local government, private sector, investors, technical expertise, civil society). It is intended that the ASCA will leverage additional funding and investment, both for enterprises supported and the ongoing operations of the accelerator beyond the life of this program. Therefore a proven track record in accessing private sector capital that will increase investment and private sector engagement in ASEAN Member States is critical.