BOQ and River City Labs Team up to Tackle Innovation
Monday, 19/02/2018
BOQ has partnered with the premiere Brisbane-based technology hub and accelerator, River City Labs (RCL), to grow and support the fin-tech and startup communities in Queensland, by cementing a two-year corporate partnership.
Donna-Maree Vinci, Group Executive and Chief Operations, Digital and Information Officer (CxO) at BOQ, said the two-year deal signifies the growing link between corporates and the startup community which will ultimately benefit customers by enhancing their banking experience while providing new experience for staff.
“BOQ is a firm friend of RCL and this mutually beneficial partnership will formally connect startups with our people across the group. In working side-by-side with RCL members, our people will actively contribute to Australia’s innovation community.”
“The new opportunities this partnership presents for BOQ can’t be understated and we are excited about this new chapter with RCL. While gaining the opportunity to provide our customers with innovative banking solutions and new age services, our people will also benefit from new insights and immersive experiences, such as a newly created RCL out-turn program.”
As out-turn participants, experienced BOQ employees are partnered with startups requiring a specific skill or knowledge set. BOQ employees participating in this program, work one day a week with the startup over a 12 week period, stimulating new thinking and a startup culture for BOQ. Residential space at RCL has been taken by the bank further increasing access between BOQ and the startup community.
Peta Ellis, CEO of River City Labs said, “It’s positive to see corporations such as BOQ who we have worked with for more than five years, increase their commitment to the sector and River City Labs in particular. We welcome BOQ as an official corporate partner, this exclusive partnership will allow RCL to implement further programs and solutions for our start-up community. As a resident at RCL, the partnership with BOQ is already delivering benefits with a small team currently developing a creative new business idea, demonstrating just how quickly this partnership is fostering new thinking”.
RCL members will have exclusive access to suitable BOQ products, services and expertise under the bank’s commitment to ethical start-up banking.
In addition to implementing capability and culture programs with the regional bank, RCL will proactively connect BOQ with its member entrepreneurs to develop new business opportunities and advance the bank’s Digital and Innovation agenda.
