Melbourne-based elearning software developer Etech is to move development and operations to Hobart following a significant agreement with the Apple Computer Corporation and a $2.07 million boost from the Tasmanian Government.

The move will see Etech put on 42 new development staff in Hobart over the next 18 months.

Tasmanian Minister for Economic Development, Lara Giddings, said the State Government has provided a $2.07 million financial assistance package to make the company's expansion into Hobart possible.

“The assistance will come in the form of a $245,000 grant and a $1,825,000 loan to allow Etech to finance its business expansion over the next two to three years,” Ms Giddings said.

“In America in November last year, Apple Computer Corporation officially launched Etech’s Studywiz software as the cornerstone of Apple’s classroom elearning educational platform.

“As the global eLearning industry is still in its infancy, the agreement with Apple has the potential to see Etech’s Studywiz established as one of the dominant software applications for the industry worldwide.

“In support of this worldwide deal, Etech’s Hobart-based Global Support and Development Centre will expand to provide 42 new, full-time, highly skilled jobs over the next 18 months, taking its overall staff numbers to more than 50 and making it one of the largest Australian-owned ICT companies with a base in Tasmania.

“Already, since September last year, staff numbers have more than doubled, with 18 now working in the centre.

“Etech’s expansion will contribute greatly to the growth of Tasmania’s ICT industry, providing opportunities for ICT graduates and opportunities for other local businesses to form global business partnerships.

“The expanded centre will cater to Etech’s world-wide customer base, providing specialist services such as major upgrades, monitoring installations, performing product demonstrations via remote ‘hook up’ and testing new modules.

“The Tasmanian Government understands that our future depends on creating high-value products and services, learning faster than our competitors and providing a creative and innovative environment.

“Etech’s Hobart expansion is another example of the confidence businesses have in our State’s economy.”

Chief executive of Etech Group, Geoff Elwood, said he was delighted to be rapidly expanding the company’s support and development base in Hobart and has recently moved with his wife to Hobart from Melbourne to live.

“Etech has been very happy to first establish and now dramatically grow its support centre in Hobart,” Mr Elwood said.

“We are finding no shortage of world-class ICT staff to employ in Tasmania and we believe Hobart will become a hub for future software growth across Australia.”