Boost for ICT Geelong
Thursday, 08 December 2011
Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today announced funding of $100,000 to support the activities of ICT Geelong – the Geelong region information and communication technologies (ICT) cluster.
The funding, provided under the Government's Innovation Through Clusters program, will allow ICT Geelong to build on past achievements and assist the continuing development of the ICT sector in the region over the next two years.
The Innovation Through Clusters program funding promotes the region's ICT potential, fostering collaboration and progressing key projects which would continue to deliver economic benefits to the Geelong area.
Major projects include the development of ICT research and investment opportunities, commercialisation of technologies (such as Radio Frequency Identification), and delivery of the annual Technology Entrepreneurship Forum and ICT investment pitching competition.
ICT Geelong is supported by financial sponsors including the City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Callista Software Services, TransAct and FE Technologies.
Key elements of ICT Geelong's charter include increasing ICT investment, research and development, commercialisation activities, promoting ICT skills and education, and leading networking and collaboration opportunities.
Robert Reed, Chairman of ICT Geelong, said the region had some great infrastructure and capability to leverage off.
"Deakin University is undertaking world-class research and live projects with industry partners in haptics, robotics and simulation," Mr Reed said.
"Barwon Heath is a recognised leader in e-health, and the newly established Keystone Business Park will provide some excellent future opportunities for businesses in the technology sector," Mr Reed said.
The Geelong region is an attractive location for ICT capability, investment and employment. There are approximately 250 ICT organisations operating in the Geelong region employing around 2,500 people.
ICT Geelong's objectives and expected outcomes are aligned with the economic development strategies of the City of Greater Geelong, G21 Regional Alliance, and the Coalition Government's ICT plan.
Victoria's Technology Plan for the Future – Information and Communication Technology is designed to promote ICT-enabled innovation and support the growth of internationally competitive and recognised ICT businesses.
