ICT Geelong gets a $100,000 boost

Peter Dinham
Friday, 09 December 2011 03:43

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

The Victorian Government has boosted funding for the Geelong region information and communication technologies (ICT) cluster, ICT Geelong with $100,000 which will allow the organisation to build on past achievements and assist the continuing development of the ICT sector in the region over the next two years.

The Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich-Phillips said the funding was provided under the government's Innovation Through Clusters program to promote the region's ICT potential, foster collaboration and progress 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.

The Chairman of ICT Geelong, Robert Reed 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. 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 Rich-Phillips said the Geelong region was an attractive location for ICT capability, investment and employment, and there were approximately 250 ICT organisations operating in the Geelong region employing around 2,500 people. 'ICT Geelong's objectives and expected outcomes were 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,' the minister said.