Canberra company OK RDY has been named winner of the Start-up of the Year category at the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) iAwards, the nation’s leading awards program for innovation in the digital economy.

OK RDY is a Canberra founded start-up who launched their closed-beta trial in September 2017 at the Canberra Innovation Network, with supporters such as the Digital Transformation Agency, ACT Government, Telstra, IBM, Australian National University, University of Canberra and the broader community.

OK RDY’s mentorship matching platform has continued to grow after launching their closed-beta event. Now with close to 1000 pre-registrations, OK RDY is in the final stages of releasing their public-beta, which will be available on both, IOS and Android mobile devices.

Founder and CEO, Timothy McKay is both humbled and proud to be selected as the winner.

“It’s such an amazing honour and is just great validation from industry that we are on the right track,” Timothy said.

“Founding a start-up is very challenging.

“We’ve been speaking with some amazing forward-thinking organisations, universities and government developments already about using OK RDY to connect with emerging talent and also to help automate and scale mentoring initiatives so they are more accessible.”

 AIIA’s CEO Rob Fitzpatrick said it is important for Australia to celebrate start-ups and all innovations.

"Each year the awards shine a light on the exceptional achievements of those at the forefront of Australian innovation, and the projects shaping our modern economy,” Rob said.

“We're proud to provide recognition and encouragement to people prepared to bring an idea to life, enabled by technology.

“Whether they're in start-ups, the public sector, community services, academia, or private enterprise, small and large, the work of the finalists is an inspiration to us all.”

The OK RDY team is currently looking to expand to other locations and bring on more formal partners, students and supporters.