R&D Info Headlines, 3 October 2006 |
|
News Alerts
|
2006 Innovation Index released
The 2006 Innovation Index has been released providing a ranking of firms by contribution of innovative activity to their market value.
The Index is a collaborative effort between the Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia (IPRIA), business information analysts IBISWorld, IP Australia, and The Melbourne Institute Of Applied Economic And Social Research.
It assesses innovative activity by aggregating R&D spending as well as patent, trade market and design applications into a single figure.
IBISWorld Chairman, Phil Ruthven said this year’s Index has shown a significant shift towards companies in the ICT industry – particularly software - and away from those in the biotechnology and medical instruments sectors, which have dominated the last couple of indices.
"What’s particularly impressive about this year’s Index is the fact the Top Ten is dominated not just by software-based IT&T companies, but by those with a strong Australian presence, several having their global headquarters on the east coast,” Mr Ruthven said.
This year’s top innovator was Stargames Limited, an Australian-owned gaming software company and subsidiary of Shuffle Inc Milperra Sydney. It was followed by: NEC Business Solutions Ltd (global R&D centre) which exports locally developed IP and products; business systems software provider Solution 6/MYOB; Citect Corporation, a Sydney based producer of industry automation software; Brisbane-based integrated business software solutions company Technology One; US multinational Adacel Technologies Ltd, which focuses on ICT-based simulation technology; Ludowici Limited, an Australian industrial company; medical devices company ResMed; and finally, Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd – the German multinational automotive components manufacturer.
Others on the list include GWA International, a building supplies business, which registered 51 trademarks and 42 designs to be ranked 38th most innovative firm, and SEEK, the online job board, which registered 20 trademarks to rank 13th most innovative.
The 2006 Scoreboard only contains Australian non-government companies held in the IBISWorld database, which covers firms with more than $50M annual revenue.
Back to Headlines>>
|
National Research Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases funded
A new national research centre, the National Research Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, is to be established with Federal funding of $6.2 million.
The National Research Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases will be based at the University of Western Australia. Research projects will also be funded in Victoria and Queensland.
Research projects include:
- A study of epidemiology and community consequences of asbestos exposure.
- The development of sensitive serum markers for improved diagnosis, monitoring and screening for early detection of mesothelioma.
- An investigation of the importance of specific genes in asbestos-related disorders and their relationship to environmental factors.
- The development of a national resource for mouse models, to help understand the disease in humans and provide essential data for clinical trials.
- An investigation of mechanisms to inhibit the body’s collagen production to slow growth in malignant mesothelioma tumours.
- A combination of conventional therapies with immuno/gene therapies that encourage the body’s own anti-cancer immune responses.
- An investigation of ways to improve the ability to measure patient responses to chemotherapy treatment.
- An examination of chromosomal changes in cancer cells to help improve the early detection of mesothelioma.
- The development of a sustainable community-based response to asbestos-related disease in Aboriginal communities.
- A study of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were formerly exposed to asbestos and cigarette smoke.
Back to Headlines>>
|
Funding for Bioinformatics Centre
The Peter Wills Centre for Bioinformatics at the Garvan Institute in Sydney will receive an additional $1 million over three years from the Commonwealth Government to continue and expand its work.
In 2001, the Garvan Institute received funding of $750,000 for the establishment of the Peter Wills Centre for Bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics involves applied mathematics, informatics, statistics, computer science, chemistry and biochemistry to solve biological problems, usually at a molecular level.
Over the past five years, the centre has developed computer systems that are now widely used across Australia to manage and integrate clinical and research information. These systems are being used for research into prostate cancer, mental illness and osteoporosis.
The centre has also developed the "CanSto" and "Vincent" information systems. These systems contain clinical, research and laboratory data linking gene activity with particular diseases.
Back to Headlines>>
|
International research network to target bird flu
Griffith University has announced plans to establish an International Rapid Response Network in collaboration with the Institute Pasteur of Cambodia and the Hong Kong University-Pasteur Research Centre to tackle influenza outbreaks in the Asia Pacific region.
The network is a collaboration between Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics and the Institute Pasteur Asian network, and will enable Queensland scientists to work withg researchers in Asia to study the evolution, transmission and treatment of influenza in animals and birds and their potential to lead to a human pandemic strain.
The executive director of the Institute for Glycomics, Professor Mark von Itzstein, said that given Australia’s proximity to bird flu “hot spots” such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam, it was essential Australia was involved in a rapid response network in Asia.
According to Dr Philippe Buchy, from the Institute Pasteur of Cambodia, the avian influenza H5N1 virus is now endemic in southeast Asia, and there have been annual outbreaks in Cambodia since 2004 and large outbreaks recently in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
“H5N1 virus is still not easily transmissible to human. Nevertheless, it could easily adapt to humans by a few mutations or the virus can recombine with a human influenza virus by co-infection in a human or pig,” Dr Buchy said.
“Having a quick response network against pandemic flu is of the first importance since a flu pandemic could trigger millions of deaths. The only way to prevent or to limit the pandemic is an early identification of the potential pandemic strain.”
Dr Buchy’s team will concentrate on isolating and identifying new viral strains while colleagues at the Hong Kong University-Pasteur Research Centre will screen the viruses’ response to potential drug candidates developed from natural products.
Professor von Itzstein’s team at the Institute for Glycomics together with the Pasteur team in Cambodia will also test the susceptibility of identified viruses to known anti-influenza drugs such as Relenza and Tamiflu, as well as new compounds in the development pipeline at the Institute.
Professor von Itzstein said that it is already known that certain sub-strains or mutants of the H5N1 bird flu virus have developed a resistance to Tamiflu.
"If any of these strains do become a pandemic flu, billion dollar stockpiles of Tamiflu will become useless", he said.
Professor von Itzstein, winner of the 1996 Australia Prize for his work in developing Relenza, said it was a lengthy process from identifying drug resistant viral strains to developing new drugs to treat the infection.
“Our International Rapid Response Network will reduce this time by having a very good surveillance mechanism in place that provides information about emerging viruses and fast tracks the discovery and further development of new drugs to fight influenza.”
Back to Headlines>>
|
Funding for SA bioscience lab network
The South Australian Government will provide $542,000 for the Adelaide Integrated Bioscience Laboratories to build two new labs.
The Adelaide Integrated Bioscience Laboratories (AIB Labs) comprises 12 leading bioscience laboratories, including BioInnovation SA and the state’s three universities.
Professor Grant Sutherland was recently appointed as chairman of the AIB Labs Steering Committee, which includes senior scientists and academics from AIB Labs’ partner organisations and is responsible for the project’s ongoing development.
Professor Sutherland said that one of the funded projects would enable the purchase of equipment crucial to the development of research into epigenetics, the study of how human genes are modified during certain processes such as embryonic development and the development of cancer and their consequences for long-term health.
Back to Headlines>>
|
WA ICT industry to be audited
The Western Australian Government has announced plans for an audit of Western Australia's information and communications technology industry to help understand current and future needs of the sector.
Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan said the audit would ensure that future State Government strategies would foster the development of a thriving and sustainable local ICT industry.
"We have known for a long time that WA has expertise in niche areas such as spatial data processing, mining services, health systems and remote telecommunications," Mr Logan said.
"What we are trying to achieve out of the audit is to obtain more precise information so that the Government, together with industry associations, can market our strengths and increase the industry's global competitiveness."
Information regarding industry structure, products or services provided, research conducted, vertical markets, export markets and growth impediments will be gathered with the aid of an online questionnaire.
The Minister said all companies and research organisations within the industry would be invited to participate in the audit, which would be performed by the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR), in conjunction with the ICT Industry Collaboration Centre and the Industry Capability Network.
Mr Logan also announced a second project, ICT Connect, a new service to link WA's ICT companies with the purchasing departments of large national and international ventures.
The service will see consultants working with companies registered on the project database to increase the level of WA ICT products and services used in local, national and international projects," he said.
The six members of the ICT Industry Collaboration Centre - the Australian Information Industry Association, the Australian Computer Society, the Institute of Engineers Australia, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (Australia), the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, the Western Australian Internet Association and Engineers Australia - will assist in the projects to ensure that all segments of the ICT industry were represented.
More information is available at http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/ictprojects
Back to Headlines>>
|
Announcements
|
Position Vacant: Chief Executive – Cooperative Research Centres Association
- Working to facilitate the success of Australia’s leading scientific research program - Advocacy, promotion and membership support
Headquartered in Canberra, the CRCA is a well established entity representing the interests of australia’s diverse range of Cooperative Research Centres. Its chief executive plays a leading role in initiating and managing representation to governments on matters relating to legislation and policies that impact on the endeavours of its members. Other activities include media representation and promoting industry participation in the CRC Program. The CRCA also provides an outstanding networking forum for its members. This not-for-profit organisation is fully funded by its members.
Reporting to an elected Council, the Chief Executive will lead the CRCA by engendering a shared vision between all participants, and by ensuring that the CRCA is recognised as an organisation that delivers results to its members. The Chief Executive is responsible for fostering relationships with existing and future members, and with the wider community.
This is a significant opportunity to make a real difference to the future of scientific research and its industry links in Australia. The Chief Executive will provide strong leadership and management, will have demonstrated success in advocacy, and be able to achieve outcomes through a committee structure. Ideally, the successful applicant will have a demonstrated track record in a similar organisation, and some experience in the scientific research community would be beneficial. High-level communication skills and the ability to deal with members and governments at the highest level are essential.
A remuneration package will be negotiated to reflect the experience and achievements of the successful applicant.
Register your interest by sending a resume, preferably via e-mail, to richard@exec-search.com.au, or mail to exec.search pty ltd at PO Box 787, West Perth, WA 6872. Telephone queries can be directed to Richard Hazlewood on 08 9481 7033.
Back to Headlines>>
|
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) facilitates and supports Science and Technology research cooperation between Australia and India. The AISRF will assist Australian researchers to increase their participation in leading edge scientific research with Indian counterparts, to raise the profile of Australian research, and to support the development of strategic alliances between Australian and Indian researchers.
The AISRF provides funding support through the Indo-Australian Science and Technology Fund and the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund. The Indo-Australian Science and Technology Fund and the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund each provide support of up to $6 million AUD over the next 5 years.
Applications for funding will be accepted from tertiary education institutions, Cooperative Research Centres, Australian registered business or industry groups, Australian public sector research agencies and Australian private, not for profit, research organisations.
Applications for funding for the Indo-Australian Science and Technology Fund and Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund grants will be assessed on a competitive basis against specific criteria. Applications will be considered in annual rounds. Round One will open on 25 September 2006 and close 5pm (AEDT) on 24 November 2006. The Australian and Indian Governments will bilaterally determine which applications for funding are successful. Applications in the prescribed format will be accepted by email to the following address: aisrf@dest.gov.au.
Further information and guidelines are available on the AISRF website: http://www.dest.gov.au/science/aisrf or by contacting the International Science Branch by email: aisrf@dest.gov.au or by phone: (02) 6240 9387.
Back to Headlines>>
|
Conferences & Events
|
Trading Ideas - the Future of IP in Asia Pacific

Landmark Intellectual Property Event
28 - 30 January 2007, Hilton Sydney, Australia
The Australian Government will host a major landmark intellectual property symposium in January 2007.
Trading Ideas – the future of IP in Asia Pacific will highlight emerging IP issues, stimulate discussion, provoke debate and provide a forum to explore the future direction of intellectual property in the region.
Trading Ideas Fast Facts: • More than 30 expert speakers from the leading and emerging APEC economies and beyond. • Session topics include: IP Commercialisation Valuation and Licensing IP and Doing Business in APEC economies, IP and Regional Trade Agreements, International IP Asset Management, Copyright and the Challenges Posed by Digital Technologies. • This event will bring together for the very first time the IP profession, business from the APEC region and global IP policy makers. • The cost of registration is $700.00 (an early bird special open until October 30).
ON-LINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN AT www.tradingideas.org
Back to Headlines>>
|
3rd Annual Legal Mechanics of Commercialising Technology
Why that “once in 20 years” commercialisation deal beckons but ultimately eludes the following people … (read further to find out who and why!)
YES, it’s true … if you are any one of these people ….
R&D Director, Chief IP Advisor, Commercial Manager, Business Development, Research Scientist, Technology Manager, Project Manager, Innovation Manager, Portfolio Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Manager of IP, Partner/Patent Attorney
…. in biotech, software, IT&T, mining, energy, manufacturing, medical devices, industry associations, CRCs, law firms, patent attorney firms, government departments, universities and scientific organisations then your organisation is entrusting you to actually make commercialisation deals happen. Basically, you legal knowledge!
You don’t need a double degree in law … learn the legal mechanics of commercialising technology in just two days!
Attend Law & Finance’s 3rd Annual Legal Mechanics of Commercialising Technology conference led by Australia’s hand-picked commercialisation experts including:
Udo Buecher, Intellectual Property Manager, BlueScope Steel
Warren Bradey, General Manager, Access ANSTO
Ken Preshaw, Licensing Executive, Intellectual Property & Asset Commercialisation, IBM Australia
Dr Gautam Tendulkar, General Manager Commercialisation, CSIRO ICT Centre
Kyle Meetze, Senior Commercialisation Associate, Uniquest Pty Ltd, University of Queensland
Dr Steven Stern, University General Counsel, Victoria University
Anthony Alder, Intellectual Property Manager, Ventracor
Malcolm Donnell, Commercialisation Manager, Licensing, University of Sydney Business Liaison Office
John Walker, Managing Director, Intellectual Property Management
Richard Plummer, Patent Attorney, The GCC Group
Steven Telburn, General Manager, Offspring Ventures
Mark Vincent, Partner, Truman Hoyle
Brendan Coady, Partner, Intellectual Property Group Leader, Gilbert & Tobin
Campbell Thompson, Partner, Freehills
Robert Miller, Patent Attorney, Principal, Spruson & Ferguson
Joern Schimmelfeder, Special Counsel, Minter Ellison
Gino Malacco, Partner, Tax, Hall Chadwick
Visit website here or download the conference brochure here
ACT TODAY!
Register by calling Law & Finance on (02) 9224 6000, fax the registration form to (02) 9224 6099 or email here
Plus register and pay between 3rd and 13th October 2006 and you attend the conference for only $1999+gst. That’s a saving of $440! But you must quote the VIP CODE “R&D Info”.
Back to Headlines>>
|
Further Education
|
Graduate Diploma in Drug Evaluation & Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2007 University of Melbourne, Australia
Today’s potent drugs, combined with the complex issues of their production and use has created a growing need for evaluation of their safety and efficacy. For such evaluation, wide ranging expertise is required in the areas of Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Legal and Ethical Considerations.
This diploma course gives a systematic overview of these areas and how they affect the very practical issues of drug evaluation and is aimed at Pharmacists, Research Nurses, Scientists, Medical Practitioners and others involved in regulatory affairs.
For more information please contact Ms April Morritt Ph: +61 3 9496 3420, Fax: +61 3 9459 3510 or Email: a.morritt@unimelb.edu.au Back to Headlines>>
|
Are you a health care professional working with Infectious Diseases?
The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce that we will be holding a 4 day short course on Infectious Diseases on November 10th, 11th and December 8th, 9th.
NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, so be quick!
Despite medical advances that have produced hundreds of drugs that are safe and effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, infectious diseases are still a major cause of death, disability and social and economic upheaval for millions around the world. This course focuses on clinical research to address diseases that are responsible for more that 90% of deaths from infectious diseases around the world every year.
Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Immunisation and Infectious Diseases)
The 25 points specialist certificate is a Masters level award and is achieved by completion of the two four day subjects, Clinical Immunisation Research and Infectious Diseases, with associated assessment. It provides full credit into the Masters program in Clinical Research.
NEED TO KNOW MORE? CHECK OUT INFORMATION AT:
http://www.soe.unimelb.edu.au/iid
Cost: $1975 + GST
When: November 10th, 11th and December 8th, 9th
Where: The University of Melbourne Level 3, 442 Auburn Road Hawthorn, Victoria Australia 3122
Express your interest in this course and related courses by contacting:
Brad Atkins on (03) 9810 3185 or email b.atkins@soe.unimelb.edu.au
Back to Headlines>>
|
Pathways to Commercialisation
The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne are pleased to announce the upcoming 5 day course Pathways to Commercialisation.
Who is this course for?
This program is for anyone working in the technology commercialisation and new product development area that is required to put together effective business cases for investment projects for both internal and external funding. Designed to enhance practical experience gained in the workplace, the principles learned on the program are applied immediately into a team project that runs throughout the week, culminating in each team giving a presentation to an independent panel in a “pitch” for fund.
What will I get out of this course? Enhanced ability to commercialise new technologies, products and services Business case development skills and capabilities Enhanced capacity to build a business case to attract investment finance
Numbers are limited, so be quick!
Cost: $2,995 + GST per person 10% discount for 3 registrations from the same organisation when registered and paid for together. When: 13th to 17th November 2006. Where: The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn
NEED TO KNOW MORE? Click here for more information.
Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting; Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email commercialisation@soe.unimelb.edu.au Back to Headlines>>
|
Commercialisation Bootcamp
Knowledge and Research…. Is it time to commercialise?
How much is your organisation’s know-how and IP worth to others?
Do you have the skills to develop and sell your knowledge and research to industry?
The School of Enterprise, University of Melbourne, in association with the Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC), are pleased to announce that they will be holding a 2 day short course; Commercialisation Bootcamp.
TAKE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH TO NEW HEIGHTS This course has been specifically designed for people in research organisations involved or likely to be involved in commercialisation activities. The Bootcamp introduces participants to various stages of the commercialisation process, from structuring a research program through realising the potential of commercial outcomes in the market.
Numbers are limited, so be quick!
Cost: $850 + GST When: 16th & 17th October 2006 Where: The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn
NEED TO KNOW MORE? Click here
Express your interest in this course or related courses by contacting; Elise Strande on (03) 9810 3136 or email here

Back to Headlines>>
|
Business Services
|
ISI Web of Knowledge(SM): Getting the right answers, quicker
ISI Web of Knowledge is a single, integrated research environment that helps you easily search a broad variety of evaluated, high quality content in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. In one search – through one interface -- you can access data from journals, conference proceedings, patents, books, and Web sites. And tools such as CrossSearch(SM), cited reference searching, and the Analyze Tool help you search, sort, and analyze the data the way that works best for you.
If you research –You’ll be able to easily explore multidisciplinary information and follow links to additional data; gaining speed with no compromise in the quality or accuracy of results.
If you publish – You’ll easily find high impact articles upon which to base your articles – increasing the quality and credibility of your published work, resulting in more publication in more prestigious sources.
If you teach – Your students will be assured of using the highest quality resources – finding valuable information in sources they may not have the knowledge and experience to seek on their own. They can begin with basic methods of searching, and move on to more precise methods as their experience grows.
For more information see website here, or contact Thomson Scientific directly via email or +61 2 8587 7948 or 1 800 007 214 (from Australia) Back to Headlines>>
|
Spruson&Ferguson: patent and trade mark attorneys
With over 115 years experience, Spruson&Ferguson is a leading intellectual property firm in Australia which provides a fully integrated service for the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of your intellectual property.
Spruson&Ferguson is one of the largest intellectual property firms in Australia, with a team of over 220. Our 60 plus patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers work in specialised practice areas; Chemical/Life Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical/Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) and Trade Marks, together with Spruson&Ferguson Lawyers which provides intellectual property commercialisation, enforcement and dispute resolution services.
Spruson&Ferguson’s patent and trade mark attorneys and lawyers have extensive intellectual property and industry experience in science and engineering including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, phototonics, transport, telecommunications, mining, publishing, consumer products, ceramics, chemistry and mechanical/medical technologies.
The depth of our industry experience is an attribute that many of our clients hold in high regard. Spruson&Ferguson is a recognised as a market leader with multinationals and many of Australia’s foremost research institutions entrusting to us to protect and assisting with the maximisation of returns on their intellectual property assets.
Our comprehensive range of services includes patents, trademarks, designs, domain names, IP audits, due diligence, dispute resolution and litigation and intellectual property commercialisation services including licensing, joint ventures and research and development collaborations.
For more information about our comprehensive range of intellectual property services, please contact one of the following relationship principals:
Chemical: Dr John McCann BSc (Hons) PhD FIPTA
Life Sciences: Dr Andrew Blattman BScAgr (Hons) PhD GDipIP FIPTA
Electrical: Robert Miller BE BLegS FIPTA
ICT: Scott Berggren BSEE MSEE LLB FIPTA
Mechanical: Greg Turner BE FIPTA
Trade Marks: Annette Freeman BA LLB (ANU) LLM (UTS)
IP Commercialisation: Rob McInnes BSc (Hons) LLB (Syd)
IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Simon Williams BA LLB (Syd) LLM (Lond)
Managing Principal: David Griffith BE (Hons) FIPTA
Telephone: (02) 9207 0777
Fax: (02) 9261 5486
Email mail@sprusons.com.au
www.sprusons.com.au
Back to Headlines>>
|
Ernst & Young R&D Services
Would you like to receive a tax break or grant from the government to help your R&D investment stretch further? Do you need government R&D assistance but you are too busy to pursue it? We can help you. Ernst & Young helps hundreds of Australian companies to access substantial R&D benefits each year. We have extensive experience helping companies to access:
- R&D Tax Concession and R&D Tax Offset (cash rebate),
- R&D grants,
- Export incentives, and
- other State and Commonwealth grants.
Ernst & Young Australia boasts one of the most experienced and multi-disciplined Innovation & Incentives practices in Australia. Comprising specialists with hands-on expertise in developing technology and leveraging government assistance, Ernst & Young’s team is dedicated to helping clients gain maximum value from their R&D investments. Ernst & Young can help you to select the type of R&D assistance that best suits your company, considering your circumstances, your industry and your R&D projects.
For more information on how Ernst & Young can help, please contact an office near you or visit our website at http://www.ey.com.au
Perth: Robin Parsons (08) 9429 2251 Melbourne: Steven Batrouney (03) 8650 7571 Melbourne: Alun Needham (03) 9288 8099 Sydney: Mark Tafft (02) 8295 6987 Brisbane: Murray Graham (07) 3011 3264 Adelaide: Chris Sharpley (08) 8233 1685 Back to Headlines>>
|
Looking for environmental news?
Want more information about what’s happening in the environment sector? The publishers of R&DInfo also provide an in-depth fortnightly newsletter about environmental news and policy.
Each issue of Environment Business (22 editions per year) comprehensively reports on Federal and State government legislation and programs, and their impact on local government, business and the community. The newsletter also examines innovative environmental research and technology deriving from research agencies, universities and the private sector.
Regular columns discuss:
- Federal and State government policies and initiatives
- Greenhouse and climate change
- Natural Resource Management
- State news
- Business news
- Local government responsibilities and initiatives
- Renewable energy technologies
- Research and development within the environmental field
- Water technologies
- Waste.
To view a sample issue of Environment Business, please go to http://news.envirocentre.com.au/eb/sample.php
For subscription information, please go here
Further information is available from the Editor, Emma Stirling, at emma.stirling@halledit.com.au Back to Headlines>>
|
Innovation
|
The SPI Elite monitoring device uses GPS technology
The SPI Elite is a monitoring device the size of a mobile telephone and uses global positioning system technology to log an athlete’s speed, heart rate and acceleration.
Developed by Canberra-based company GPSports, the SPI Elite is being used by 14 AFL clubs, as well as national sporting institutions in 10 countries. Customers also include four major rugby teams, including the Wallabies, and the Manly rugby league team.
The SPI Elite allows a coach to monitor a player’s heart rate and acceleration, preventing injury by being able to detect when a player is under pressure.
The technology was developed with help of a $320,000 AusIndustry innovation grant in 2005.
The grant was also used to develop an online sports training diary so that members of a squad or team, can track their training paths over the net using positioning technology and share sessions and compare themselves. In 2006, the company was awarded a $64,000 AusIndustry grant through the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program to help commercialise the SPI Elite.
In the future, sports journalists could be able to view players’ heart rates and other information, adding another dimension to their commentary.
For further information on AusIndustry products visit the website here or call the hotline 13 28 46. Back to Headlines>>
|
|