E d i t i o n 1 | A u t u m n 2 0 0 5 � �� ���� � � � Showcasing Innovation, Science & Technology in Tasmania

Diving unit one of many Market Ready ideas New grants program for science and technology projects Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help create, use, diffuse and commercialise science and technology in Tasmania under a new State Government pilot program. The Science and Technology Industry Development small grants program (STIDP) is supported through the Technology Industry Development Program with a minimum budget of $90,000 Robert Knapek from Sub-Tec showcased his underwater mobile unit at the Royal Hospital’s Hyperbaric Chamber. for 2004-05. continues page 3 An underwater mobile unit that protects “The Department of Economic Development divers and reduces the risk of hyperthermia designed Market Ready to give start-up and and the bends is among the innovative existing companies the skills necessary products and services being developed by to take their innovative ideas to market. graduates of the Market Ready program. “The program aims to increase the Late last year, Robert Knapek from Sub-Tec commercial success of innovative products, showcased his underwater mobile unit at the processes and services. ’s Hyperbaric Chamber. “The Market Ready Commercialisation At the presentation, Minister for Economic program was based on the Commercialisation Development said that Mr Ready Program, but has been revamped to Knapek’s innovation demonstrated the high include sessions on corporate governance, quality of ideas being explored by Market exporting, production, sales and distribution. Ready program participants. continues page 4

Tasmania’s emerging marine biotechnology industry Innovation Tasmania’s image for biopurity and its The marine biotechnology sector is backed grant to help clean, temperate maritime environment by a highly concentrated and significantly are among the many advantages that resourced marine research community. Roar break into UK eLearning have led to the establishment of This community includes the Antarctic outstanding marine-related industries in Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative market 5 the State. Tasmania has a strong public Research Centre, Australian Antarctic research base, with a concentration of Division, Australian Maritime College, Technopark internationally recognised centres of CSIRO Marine Research, Tasmanian tenant breaking excellence based around core strengths Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, in agriculture, aquaculture, food production, new business Department of Primary Industries, Water ground environment, health and information and Environment and the University 5 technology industries. of Tasmania. Seaweed compounds to hit shelves 7 www.development.tas.gov.au Message from the Minister

Welcome to the first edition Organisations, businesses and governments have to adapt of EXPOnent, Tasmania’s to this new reality in a world that is moving faster than new innovation, science ever before. They have to provide creative solutions to the complexities of daily life, and this means economies must be and technology newsletter. focussed more than ever before on the generation of ideas. Newsletters are always about Tasmania has a unique opportunity in these global conditions sharing information, but to develop its competitive and comparative advantages. EXPOnent is particularly We will achieve this through the research and development focused on providing information undertaken by our science and technology sector and the that is interesting, instructive translation of ideas into products. and, most of all, inspiring. We must all play a role in encouraging innovation and I encourage you to be part of this important chapter in our All the important newsletter features, like an events calendar, state’s future. Reading EXPOnent is a great first step, but are here, but they’re complemented by stories about people there is much more you can do, whether you are an inventor, who embody Tasmania’s innovative spirit. These are the researcher, investor or otherwise. Contact the Department people who are turning their ideas and research into real, of Economic Development to find out how you can be involved saleable products. They are people who recognise that it’s in the events and programs available. not enough to just have good ideas – we must do something Included in this edition are profiles of the chairs of two with those ideas. very important organisations – the Tasmanian Science The Department of Economic Development has a team and Technology Council and the Tasmanian Innovations dedicated to helping people with ideas – the Innovation, Advisory Board – that make an important contribution to Science and Technology Unit. Through this unit, the innovation. I’m proud to say that they are both supporters Tasmanian Government is playing a necessary role in of this newsletter. creating an environment in which technological development I hope you enjoy this first edition of EXPOnent and, and innovation are encouraged and can flourish. like me, look forward to receiving future editions. We recognise that innovators are critical to Tasmania’s long-term economic growth and social development because they play an important role in driving productivity. They do this by introducing new product lines, discovering new techniques of production, identifying new markets and developing new forms of internal organisation. Today, society is wealthier, better educated, better informed and more travelled than at any time in our history. As a consequence, consumers are more sophisticated and they LARA GIDDINGS are seeking out greater choice in their complex lives. Minister for Economic Development

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2005

April Market Ready Commercialisation Program Graduation: Devonport on Tuesday 7 June 2005. The Australian Innovations festival: Showcases many events and activities to increase public awareness and the Medical Research Week: Coordinated in Tasmania importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. For more by the Royal Hobart Hospital and the University of information on Tasmanian events or to register your own Tasmania. This event is held from 4 to the event visit www.innovationfestival.com.au. The Festival 11 June 2005. is held from 26 April to 15 May 2005. Tasmanian Innovations Program: Closing date for Tasmanian Innovations Program: The closing date for round 36 of mentoring assistance (up to $20,000) round 35 of mentoring assistance (up to $20,000) and and commercialisation assistance (up to $150,000) commercialisation assistance (up to $150,000) is close is close of business on Friday 24 June 2005. of business on Friday 29 April 2005. June For further information regarding these programs, Science and Technology Industry Development small grants please contact Renee Watson, Department of program (STIDP): See article on front page of EXPOnent. Economic Development on: Tel: 03 6233 5919 Further information is available at www.development.tas.gov. au/innovprogs.html or phone: 1800 440 026. Round one Email: [email protected] applications close on Friday 3 June 2005.

2 New grants program for science and technology projects (continued)

The program has been developed as an outcome of the Two grants have already been awarded. A consortium led by government’s partnership with the Tasmanian Science Marinova Pty Ltd and involving the Royal Hobart Hospital and and Technology Council. The Industry Council comprises the has received funding to conduct public and private sector representatives who advise the later-stage tests on a neutraceutical compound extracted from government on science and technology issues. Undaria pinnatifida. The second grant has been awarded One of the key factors raised by the Science and Technology to a consortium led by Botanical Resources Australia, with Council in its Industry Plan was the importance of links the Royal Hobart Hospital and the University of Tasmania, to between businesses and research institutes to allow quick investigate the commercial potential of a jack jumper vaccine. information diffusion, product development and building skills. The Council has also identified the need for early stage STIDP guidelines and an application form are available via investment as an important building block to enable the www.development.tas.gov.au/innovate.html or by contacting translation of ideas and research into commercial products the Department of Economic Development on 1800 440 026 and services. The Science and Technology Industry or emailing [email protected] Development small grants program has been developed to meet these needs. It allows for collaborative research and development work. At the program launch Dr Dean Metcalf spoke about his involvement with Biocontrol Australia. Biocontrol Australia is part of a consortium of companies formed to produce, develop and market specialist compost enriched with a fungus native to soils in North-West Tasmania. The fungus has been found to control important diseases in agricultural crops such as White Rot in onions. According to Minister for Economic Development Lara Giddings, this exemplifies the sort of activity that the Science and Technology Industry Development Program might support.

STIDP will provide grants of up to $10,000 on a matching dollar-for-dollar basis. Projects funded through STIDP will include: • cluster development and sector-specific collaboration • showcasing Tasmanian science and technology products or services • education and training to bridge identified skill gaps in the science and technology industry • industry-led research to identify opportunities for growth. Dr Dean Metcalf – Biocontrol Australia

EXPO n e n t | I s s u e 1 | A u t u m n 2 0 0 5 | www.development.tas.gov.au | 3 Diving unit one of many Market Ready ideas (continued)

“It is important in today’s challenging market environment The graduates for more than one person within an organisation to have Following is a list of Market Ready the skills necessary to develop and promote new products, Commercialisation Program graduates services or processes. and their projects: “The Market Ready program is an effective means of • Tony Leitch from SafeTMax Pty Ltd: increasing the range of workplace skills and competencies.” Vehicle and suspension system Mr Knapek said that his underwater mobile unit was for off-road vehicles. designed for use by divers in different fields of operation, including harvesting abalone, search and recovery, insurance • Greg Koennecke from Vision inspections and scientific research. Instruments Pty Ltd: Retinal (eye) camera for retinopathy “It offers a lot of benefits to divers including a decreased (eye disease) screening risk of hyperthermia and the bends,” Mr Knapek said. in public health, “The risks are reduced as the hydraulic assisted unit enables developing world and divers to spend less time in the water and warm water is remote areas. pumped through the underwater mobile unit, which raised • Andrew Jones from the water temperature surrounding the driver. Tidemark Design: “The unit also makes the dive less exerting for the diver Training Demand Model and gives them the ability to more confidently control the that provides demand time they take ascending to the surface.” forecasts for skills Mr Knapek said that the unit would also help protect divers across various from potential predators such as sharks. industry sectors. “It also allows a diver to cover a greater area which means • Gordon Brown from Dry Ideas: Unique faster stock recovery over time because they are not taking preservative-free infusion and cool drying system. all of the fish from one particular location.” • Nicholas Taylor and David Holman from Envirotec Market Ready programs will be held regularly in Hobart, Tasmania: Wastewater evaporation system. Launceston and Devonport depending on client location. • Bill Warren and Rob Walls from the International The programs run for 10 days over a three to four-month College of Media Studies: Fully developed period. The next rounds are scheduled for April and photography course for internet delivery. August 2005. • Graham Hills from Solaris Biosciences Pty Ltd: Development of natural biologically active compounds, derived from marine sources that have applications in nutrition and health. • Rob and Christine Mitchell: Electronic rowing device. • Les Burbury: Fold-out caravan that provides a fully insulated space three times larger in floor area than the transport mode. • Emma Jamieson from Swish Horse: Unique horse rugs in various styles and other horse accessories. • Andrew Evans from Tigers Eye Tours Tasmania: Tailored tour packages for conference groups and Tasmania’s business travellers. • Robert Knapek from Sub-Tec: Underwater mobile unit that helps divers in different fields of operation including harvesting abalone, search and recovery, insurance inspections and scientific research. Lara Giddings Minister for Economic Development and Robert Knapek

For more information, contact the Department of Economic Development’s Business Point on 1800 440 026, email [email protected] or visit www.development.tas.gov.au/innovate.html

4 Innovation grant to help Roar break into UK eLearning market

Tasmanian multimedia company Roar Film Pty Ltd will a consortium of UK-based schools. This led to Roar’s second commercialise a series of eLearning tools designed for visit to BETT, in February this year, for the international launch the lucrative UK market with the assistance of a $150,000 of its initial slate of eLearning objects, specifically themed for State Government grant. the UK market. Roar’s eLearning project has the potential to create up “We were delighted with the response our content received. to 20 new media jobs, increasing the company’s workforce It proves that the REAL approach is very attractive to teachers to almost 40 full-time positions. The grant that is provided in UK,” said Craig Dow-Sainter, Executive Producer of through the Department of Economic Development’s Roar Film. Tasmanian Innovations Program will help Roar develop Mr Dow-Sainter says that there is a genuine interest in its series of eight highly interactive eLearning tools. eLearning content in UK that involves student activity over The tools can be revamped with different imagery, text mere resource material. and audio to create new eLearning applications at a “We estimate that the attendance at BETT was even greater fraction of normal costs. than last year and it would appear that the market is more In 2004 Roar was part of a delegation, coordinated by the vibrant than ever. Department of Economic Development, that attended the “Going to BETT allowed us to make connections with nearly 800 world’s largest education IT exhibition, BETT, in London. Since UK Secondary schools. It was fantastic,” said Mr Dow-Sainter. then, Roar has collaborated on content development with

2005: the Einstein Technopark tenant breaking International Year of Physics new business ground

Ask anyone to name a physicist and chances are Albert Computer communications and global positioning system Einstein would be close to top of the list. His revolutionary (GPS) specialist CommLinx Solutions is the latest innovative ideas changed the way we look at the world. In the space Tasmanian company to locate at the Tasmanian Technopark. of a few months in 1905, he wrote five fundamental papers. Managed by the Department of Economic Development, the In honour of his amazing achievement, the UN General Tasmanian Technopark provides support and assistance for Assembly declared 2005 to be the International Year of emerging businesses and developers of new technologies. Physics. In Australia, we’ve called it the Einstein The company is now finalising the commercialisation International Year of Physics. of two of its GPS Cube products and is just starting to A host of activities will be running during the year – large commercialise its GPRS Cube. The GPS Cube is a portable national events, as well as smaller locally based activities. GPS datalogger system costing under $1,000 that can The Australian Institute of Physics is coordinating the year be used for vehicle tracking, livestock tracking and and they are keen to get universities, schools and other law enforcement. public institutions involved. The GPRS Cube, costing less than $2,000, is a real-time An online calendar of events at www.einstein2005.org.au tracking system that will allow changes in the location will be filling up over the next few weeks. of vehicles, livestock and other items to be monitored as they occur. If you would like to receive monthly briefings on the Year please email [email protected] or register online at www.einstein2005.org.au

Tasmanian Technopark

EXPO n e n t | I s s u e 1 | A u t u m n 2 0 0 5 | www.development.tas.gov.au | 5 Fresh science and Are you an inventor? fresh innovators 2004 Do you have a great design or invention that the rest of Australia needs to hear about? ABC TV is on a national hunt Do you know of an early-career researcher for innovators, inventors and designers that have developed or innovator whose work deserves some a new product, an invention or innovation and wants to attention? Nominate them as a ‘Fresh feature your creation as part of a national competition Innovator’ or ‘Fresh Scientist’. in the search for the best invention/innovation in 2005. Microwaving wood to speed up timber The show is looking for inventions and innovation in all production; measuring pain with a simple blood test; fields, from domestic appliances through to products determining the impact of plankton poo on for the workplace, from building to leisure, rural climate change and discovering 20 new species of and urban-based ideas. The conditions of entry trigger plants — these were some of the tales told are that: to the world by the Fresh Scientists of 2004. • your product must have Earlier in the year, an inaugural group of Fresh Innovators a working prototype. showcased inventions which included steel made using waste plastic; a diverter to keep your rainwater clean; a • the prototype must be transparent brick that lets in air and blocks out noise and something we can see a growth factor that speeds up healing of wounds and burns. and touch. The stories were retold around the world by Radio Australia • the product will not have and international science writers. In all, more than 240 been mass-produced. reports have been picked up to date, including It might have had a small 59 international stories. production run or be ready for manufacture. Read their stories and contact them via the websites www.freshscience.org and www.freshinnovators.org If your invention fits those criteria, complete the application form on the ABC’s website www.abc.net.au/newinventors Nominations for Fresh Innovators opened in February and email it to [email protected] and Fresh Science nominations will open in May. or fax to 02 8333 2651. Contact [email protected] for more information about both events.

BELIEVE IN YOUR IDEAS

Invention: Alexander Tennis Racket*, 1920s Inventor: Alfred Alexander, Launceston

Alfred Alexander invented The company was the fi rst the fi rst laminated tennis Australian company to wholly racquet in the world and manufacture tennis racquets patented the process. and became one of the Alexander and S.B. foremost manufacturers Hopwood established of sporting goods in the the fi rst Alexander Patent Southern Hemisphere, with Racket* Company Ltd branches in every state factory in Wentworth Street, and a wide international Launceston, in 1926. In its export market. early years, the company Champion tennis player attempted to use Tasmanian Jack Crawford adopted and timber but after exhaustive endorsed the Alexander tests it became necessary racket* and used it in 1933 to import high quality ash when he won Wimbledon. from England. *The original spelling of raquet

6 Tasmanian biotechnology

Seaweed compounds to hit shelves Marinova Pty Ltd is an Australian innovator in marine biotechnology, developing bioactive compounds from macroalgae. Its primary focus is creating high-value, over-the-counter products, with a longer-term strategy involving novel pharmaceuticals. Macromolecule-based products are currently being developed for use in functional foods, nutraceuticals and botanical drugs. Various fractionated or modified compounds are being targeted for further development and possible pharmaceutical-grade therapeutics. Key among these products is the patented GFSTM compound, a complex sugar-like molecule extracted from Tasmanian company Marinova Pty Ltd has a reputation as the Undaria pinnatifida. It has potent anti-viral properties, one of the most exciting marine-based enterprises in the particularly against Herpes Simplex and HIV, and other Australian biotechnology sector, based on groundbreaking potentially therapeutic properties, including tumour products that are sourced from Tasmania’s clean ocean inhibition. Marinova Pty Ltd will soon begin a large-scale environment and classed as some of the purest in clinical trial into the efficacy of the GFSTM compound the world. and serum lipid levels.

Core research strengths Marine biotechnology projects at the Hobart laboratories • the development of DNA pedigree tests for use of CSIRO Marine Research include: in aquaculture selective-breeding programs. • the transfer of omega-3 production genes from marine This research base supports more than 30 Tasmanian microalgae into oilseed plants such as canola or linseed organisations (see article on Marinova Pty Ltd in left panel) to enable their broad-scale agricultural production involved in providing research services on a contract basis • the use of photobioreactor technology to culture microalgae or developing biotechnology for their own use with the used as feedstock in aquaculture hatcheries (sourced from expectation of a market opportunity. the CSIRO Collection of Living Microalgae) Dr Stanley Roberts is part of • use of the ‘RNA interference’ technique to produce a CSIRO Food Futures Flagship project working on the production daughterless carp for the potential control of feral carp of oilseed plants enhanced in Australia’s inland waterways with omega-3 genes from marine microalgae. • effective treatments, including a potential vaccine, for amoebic gill disease, a significant health problem for farmed Atlantic salmon in Tasmania

Biotechnology audit A Biotechnology Audit is currently being conducted opportunities and ultimately, to make a significant throughout the state. The aim of this Tasmanian Government contribution to the Tasmanian state economy. Tasmania initiative is to work with and map the biotechnology industry also has an opportunity to position itself within the in Tasmania. This will in turn identify opportunities to further national context as a key driver in identified areas enhance Tasmanian Industry and set a foundation for the where Tasmania can take a leadership position. development of a Tasmanian Biotechnology Strategy. If you are a business that is currently working in the Tasmania has strategic advantages, which in the context of biotech space, has in the past or plans to be in the its science, technology and broader biotechnology research future, AusBiotech, the organisation that has been capacity has the opportunity to become a global player for contracted to conduct this audit, would be interested scientific and biotechnology endeavour. in talking to you. Contact John Rutledge, General We need therefore to ensure that we effectively capture Manager, AusBiotech on 03 9208 4205. the value created from biotechnology activities and

EXPO n e n t | I s s u e 1 | A u t u m n 2 0 0 5 | www.development.tas.gov.au | 7 New partnership between PROFILE Tasmanian Science and Michael Field Technology Council and Chairman of the Tasmanian Innovations Advisory Board Tasmania Together The Tasmanian Science and Technology Council (TSTC) and Tasmania Together have joined forces to pursue their common goals with the signing of a Partnership Agreement. The Tasmanian Science and Technology Council is the key advisory body committed to pursuing the strategic and sustainable growth of the science and technology industry sector, the industries to which it is linked and the Tasmanian economy. The Council takes its membership from the industry and research areas of science and technology. “The Council is excited by the opportunities that the Tasmania Together Partnership Agreement presents to foster connections between the business, community, academic institutions and community organisations and to work in a coordinated manner to progress common goals,” said Chair of TSTC, Associate Professor Brian Yates. “Industry research partnerships underpin sustainable economic growth and the management of social and environmental challenges” he said. Tasmania Together Progress Board Member Mr Ian Kennett said that the TSTC exemplifies what Tasmania Together is all The Tasmanian Innovations Advisory Board is about – coalitions of representatives from different sectors helping to create a culture of innovation by advising committed to working together to achieve common goals. the Tasmanian Government on innovation policy and “It is this very coming together around shared goals that is its implementation and administering the Tasmanian helping to forge the community to which Tasmanians aspire. Innovations Program. “Connections made through partnerships such as this bring The Hon. Michael Field AC has been chairman people together in a focussed and co-operative way and of the board since it was established in May 1999. give us real opportunities to tackle the obstacles impeding Since retiring from politics in 1997, Mr Field has progress and to achieve our goals,” he said. been working as a consultant on leadership, sharing TSTC joins a growing group of businesses and community his combined passion for leadership excellence organisations to become Tasmania Together’s 17th official and research into organisational growth and change. partner working to achieve specific goals and benchmarks to which they contribute. In 2003, Mr Field was one of eight Australians to be made a Companion of the Order of Australia Ian Kennett (left) from Tasmania for his service to the Tasmanian Parliament, Together’s Progress particularly during his time as Premier (1989-1992) Board and Associate and for the introduction of a controversial plan to Professor Brian Yates (right) Chair of manage Tasmania’s public debt. Tasmanian Science and Technology Mr Field has received an honorary Doctor of Laws Council signing from the University of Tasmania for his service the Partnership to the state of Tasmania and the university. Agreement.

MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS AN EDITION OF EXPONENT! Register to receive every edition of EXPOnent, as well Need more information? as free innovation, science and technology information and events in your area, by visiting our website at Contact the team at Economic Development on 1800 440 026 or email [email protected] www.development.tas.gov.au/innovate.html

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