1. Research Infrastructure Strategy Advisory Committee meets

An advisory committee has been appointed that will develop the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), announced with funding of $542 million under Backing Australia’s Ability: Building Our Future through Science and Innovation.

The Strategy will aim to foster greater collaboration in research and provide Australian researchers with greater access to major research infrastructure.

The 11-member Committee, chaired by Professor Rory Hume, former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of New South Wales, held its inaugural meeting last Friday and will begin a consultation process with universities, publicly-funded research agencies and state and territory governments.

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2. Australia behind on output from research commercialization

A national survey of research commercialisation activities in universities and publicly funded research agencies for the years 2001 and 2002 has found that, compared with the United States, Canada and the UK, Australian publicly funded research agencies are lagging in their generation of licences and patents.

However, the survey, conducted by the Australian Institute of Commercialisation on behalf of the Department of Education, Science and Training, found that Australian universities earn income from licences at a rate which is greater than the United Kingdom, roughly comparable to Canada but less than the United States; and they form more start-up companies than the United States, but fewer than Canada or the United Kingdom.
The report is available at
http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/commercialisation/default.htm

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3. BIF grants

The final round of the Biotechnology Innovation Fund (BIF) has awarded $12 million to 51 projects.
The BIF, which has been replaced by the new Commercial Ready program, has provided a total of $47.7 million to 111 projects since July 2001.
Information about the grant offers for this round is available at
www.ausindustry.gov.au.

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4. WA Biotechnology Strategy

The Western Australian government is developing a policy framework for the growth of WA's biotechnology industry.
A draft program has identified a range of issues for the industry, including access to capital, research and development skills, managerial expertise, support for commercialisation and promotion of Australia as a source of innovation and scientific endeavour. Proposed initiatives are: support for inventors, entrepreneurs and start-ups in the biotechnology areas of medical, environmental and agricultural technologies to provide the next generation of significant technology-based companies in WA; support for established biotechnology companies to remain in WA rather than relocate interstate and overseas; and increasing awareness of Western Australian capabilities to assist in ‘deal flow’.
The Biotechnology Industry Initiatives Program 2004 is available for public comment and can be obtained from http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/businessandindustry.

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5. Technology road map for the building-construction industry

A technology roadmap for the building construction industry has been developed by the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering, identifying 80 technology trends which will bring about some fundamental changes in the homes and living conditions of people by 2025.

The Building Construction Technology Roadmap, produced on behalf of an industry consortium headed by the Copper Development Centre Australia and supported by AusIndustry, is claimed to be the first attempt in Australia, and internationally, to systematically plot the house of the future and the technologies that will underpin it.
It can be downloaded at http://www.copper.com.au/technology_roadmap/index.html

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6. Call for research bodies to nominate R&D suitable for transfer into small business

The Australian Institute for Commercialisation is calling on universities, CRCs and other public research organisations across Australia to nominate innovative R&D and know-how suitable for transfer into high-growth SMEs. The call comes after a $2.5M commitment from the Federal Government to take the AIC TechFast Pilot Program national. The Australian Industry Group is working with the AIC on this initiative.

TechFast is an accelerated technology transfer program that brokers partnerships between research bodies and small business to commercialise innovative R&D. The program locates technology and know-how within research organisations and then provides researchers and their small business partners with the 'hands on' assistance needed to develop its full commercial potential. The program covers all sectors - from biotechnology, manufacturing and IC&T to the creative industries and social sciences.
 
TechFast helps successful small businesses to grow - and gain a competitive advantage - by 'infusing' innovative technology into their operations, services and products. It helps research organisations by providing them with ‘de-risked’ opportunities to apply and commercialise their innovative R&D within pre-established small businesses.

The AIC is seeking expressions of interest from universities, CRCs, and medical research institutes to nominate innovative R&D ready for transfer into small business. For more information contact Tara Young, Client Services Executive on (07) 3853 5225 or tara.young@ausicom.com.

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7. National Innovation Awareness Strategy Grants

Australian Government funding is available on a competitive basis from the National Innovation Awareness Strategy (NIAS) to provide support for projects which raise awareness of the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship to Australia’s future, specifically among SMEs and young Australians.

Individuals or groups wishing to submit an application that seeks financial support under NIAS should request an information package from the e-mail address or contact number below. Applications must meet all of the selection criteria stated in the information package and must address a series of merit criteria contained in the package.
Preference will be given to applications for awareness raising activities that:

• have an Australia-wide impact amongst the target audience; and/or
• are building capacity within the community to help young entrepreneurs; and/or
• extend existing programs into a new area(s); and/or
• are significant initiatives that will lead to substantial long-term outcomes; and/or
• are partnerships that are associated with Australian industry or industry groups.

It is expected that successful projects will be announced early in 2005.

CLOSING DATE for receipt of completed applications is CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2004.
CONTACT FOR INFORMATION, GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORMS:
Telephone: (02) 6213 6483
Email: nias@industry.gov.au
Website: http://www.industry.gov.au/nias

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8. Commercial Ready Program - Information Seminars

Commercial Ready is AusIndustry's new flagship innovation product offering competitive grants from $50,000, up to a limit of $5 million for eligible projects. Commercial Ready will provide up to $200 million a year - for the next seven years - to small and medium size businesses for research and development, proof-of-concept, and early-stage commercialisation.

Commercial Ready is part of the Australian Government's Backing Australia's Ability - Building Our Future through Science and Innovation package. It offers streamlined access to innovation grants aimed at encouraging the growth of innovative Australian businesses, increase business investment in research and development and build Australia's commercialisation outcomes.

AusIndustry is the program delivery division of the Australian Government's Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources. AusIndustry delivers a range of 27 innovation grants, small business services, tax and duty concessions, industry sector support, and venture capital products to more than 10,000 businesses every year.

AusIndustry is offering information seminars across Australia about applying for Commercial Ready at the following locations:

• Friday, 12 November, 9-11.30am, National Convention Centre, Canberra
• Tuesday, 16 November, 2-4.30pm, Seagulls Resort, Townsville
• Wednesday, 17 November, 2-4.30pm, Hilton Hotel, Brisbane
• Friday, 19 November, 9-11.30am, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
• Monday, 22 November, 2-4.30pm, Parmelia Hilton, Perth
• Wednesday, 24 November, 2-4.30pm, Hobart Function and Conference Centre, Hobart
• Thursday, 25 November, 2-4.30pm Ballarat Lodge, Ballarat
• Friday, 26 November, 9-11.30am, The Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
• Monday, 29 November, 2-4.30pm, Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin
• Tuesday, 30 November, 2-4.30pm, Hyatt Regency, Adelaide

Registrations:
Registrations close 2 days before each seminar date.

You can register for the seminars online at www.ausindustry.gov.au under latest news, or call the hotline. Alternatively you can subscribe to email updates to receive the latest news about AusIndustry's products and services.

AusIndustry Hotline 13 28 46

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9. Director of Drug Discovery

• Newly created role
• Competitive remuneration package
• Location Melbourne

This well established organisation enjoys an international reputation for its scientific expertise, and is committed to the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents by means of rational drug design.

Answering to the Business Unit Head, you will be accountable for the implementation of a scientific strategy revolving around research and IP management, with a view to the ultimate commercialisation of your portfolio. You will lead a team of approximately 40 scientific staff and work closely with business development colleagues in building your team’s capability and entering into partnerships on an international scale.

Your expertise in early drug discovery will have exposed you to a range of relevant disciplines, and you will be accustomed to taking projects from target validation, through lead compound discovery phase and beyond.

Please send a CV (Word format, up to 5 pages)
jw@brookerconsulting.com.au or ring
Jeremy Wurm on 03 9602 1666, in confidence.
www.rustonpoole.com

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10. AIRG Conference 2005

AIRG (the Australian Industrial Research Group) will be having its Conference 2005 in Sydney on 20-22 February 2005.  The venue will be Novotel Brighton Beach, Cnr. Grand Parade & Princess Street, Brighton-Le-Sands, NSW.

On this occasion, the theme of the conference will be,

A recent survey of our members has shown a marked change in their business’s innovation environment, from a previous focus on issues relating to the impacts of globalisation and restructuring to more positive issues which reflect greater knowledge and comfort with today’s business structures and outlook.

This has been reflected in the conference program, which focuses on managing staff, teams and outsourcing operations, and looking for breakthrough technologies to significantly enhance the business.  These concepts are reflected in the theme chosen for this conference.

We invite those people who are interested in the issues facing improvements in Australia’s business innovation environment to attend this important conference on such issues.  Please contact Dr Allan Clark, Chief Executive Officer – AIRG for any other information (Ph: 61 7 3378 0248, Fx: 61 7 3378 0238, email: airg@zip.com.au)

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11. Innovation & Ideation : Activating a high impact innovation process for commercial and competitive advantage

Australian organisations that activate a high impact innovation process will reap tremendous benefits. This conference is aimed at both organizations with existing innovation programmes as well as those looking to benefit from first-time innovation and ideation rollouts.
Innovation & Ideation (6th & 7th December, Melbourne) provides an excellent forum for an unbiased view of the world of innovation. It will also examine the key issues and fundamental challenges impacting your innovation plan.

Following the success of the "Winning at Product Innovation" training event and "Product Development and Innovation" conference, this conference will bring together a who's who of Australian innovation leaders in a cutting-edge programme. Drawing on a number of successful case studies and keynote presentations, this conference will provide an in-depth look at the key strategies that your organisation needs to harness to become a true leader of innovation.

R&D Info subscribers receive 10% discount; for programme details please see
http://www.marcusevans.com.au/pdf/408.pdf or contact Chris Low at marcus evans on 02 9223 2137

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12. Healthy Opportunities from Small Technologies Forum

9-10 December, 2004, Crown Promenade, Southbank, Melbourne Victoria
 
The "Healthy Opportunities from Small Technologies" forum is designed to address the challenges and opportunities in the commercial development of micro, nano, bio and IT for health. It's all about joining the dots, connecting the cells, bits and molecules with research and development, industry and investment.
 
Small technologies promise tremendous advances and cost reductions for health, addressing a global $7 trillion market (World Health Report 2003). Small technologies will deliver major advances in the areas of drugs, diagnostics, treatments and devices. These applications will become increasingly important as society demands rapid and more effective healthcare.
 
The forum will focus on business development and social implications of the advancement of small technologies into healthcare, as well as providing important opportunities for networking. The event is divided into two sessions: the impact of small technologies on the future of health care and the challenges posed to society by the increasing prevalence of small technologies.
 
Invited speakers from Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific will provide a stimulating multi-disciplinary discussion. Examples will be given from emerging technologies including: bio-materials; devices; diagnostics; and drug delivery.
 
For further information and registration, please visit:
http://www.innovation.vic.gov.au/healthconf/ or email healthconf@iird.vic.gov.au

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13. Technology Value Estimation & Strategic Business Planning

YOU HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY……
BUT CAN YOU TAKE IT TO MARKET SUCCESSFULLY?
MU Private and the AIC offer the following programs:

Technology Value Estimation
A 1 day program where you will:
Work through practical examples to define what represents value and the criteria that influences the cost effective delivery of value.
Learn interdependencies of factors such as customer value, R&D, production and marketing costs, royalty fees and so on
Develop skills using a modelling tool to value technology, recognising the information critical for a robust valuation.
Cost: $695 + GST.
Brisbane November 24th 2005

Strategic Business Planning
A 5 day intensive program where you will:
Learn how to commercialise new products and services
Find out how to secure finance
Polish your business planning and strategic skills
If you apply your skill to the completion of a commercialisation plan for your business, you can gain an accredited award at the same time.
Melbourne February 21st to 25th 2005
Cost $2,700 + GST short course only. Award program $4,200.
For more information go to www.muprivate.edu.au/commercialise or contact Gemma Lane, 03 9810 3174 g.lane@muprivate.edu.au.

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14. Ernst & Young R&D Services

The new R&D grant program, Commercial Ready, is now open for applications. If you would like to discuss the opportunity to seek a Commercial Ready grant for your company, please contact our experts below. Ernst & Young has extensive experience with R&D grants, the R&D Tax Concession, R&D Tax Offset (cash rebate), Export Market Development Grants and other State and Commonwealth grants. We help hundreds of Australian companies to access substantial R&D benefits each year.

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

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15. Spruson&Ferguson – Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, Lawyers

Spruson&Ferguson is one of the few intellectual property firms in Australia committed to providing a fully integrated service for the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of your IP.

We provide IP solutions to help unlock your commercial potential and to enforce and protect your IP. Our comprehensive range of services includes:

• patents, trade marks, designs, domain names, copyright, plant breeders' rights, confidential information and other IP
• IP portfolio management and audits
• IP litigation and dispute resolution
• IP commercialisation services including drafting and negotiation of licenses, joint ventures and R&D collaborations.

Contacts:

• Chemical: Dr John McCann
• Life Sciences: Dr Andrew Blattman
• Electrical: Robert Miller
• Mechanical: Greg Turner
• Trade Marks: Annette Freeman
• IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Simon Williams
• IP Commercialisation: Rob McInnes
• Managing Principal: David Griffith

Telephone: (02) 9207 0777
Fax: (02) 9261 5486
Email mail@sprusons.com.au
URL: www.sprusons.com.au

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