• University research is the key source of technology and innovation for new hi-tech firms;
• Venture capital is the primary source of finance;
• The best way for Government to support technology development in companies is by funding multi-partner research collaborations between universities and private sector firms.

This article was written for Australian entrepreneurs approaching the US market.....however, all the points made are just as relevant to SIA member companies exhibiting locally.

The natural inclination is to try and sell to everyone within earshot. Here’s the bad news: attendees do not go to trade shows to buy products or services from vendors that they have never met or spoken with. Their goals are, in most cases, primarily professional development. However, trade shows can form an important part of a demand-generation system.

Read the article here.....

On 21 October 2009, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research issued a media release announcing details of Commercialisation Australia’s funding elements and calling for nominations to the Commercialisation Australia board.

This was also advertised in the national press and on the department’s website. Nominees were invited to submit an expression of interest and their CV.

Nominations closed on 3 November 2009, and a total 234 expressions of interest were received.

On 9 February 2009 the Minister announced the membership of the board. The six members were chosen for their extensive skills, experience, knowledge and grasp of Commercialisation Australia’s goals.

Three of the six board members are women.

Three are from NSW, two from Victoria and one (the chair) is from Queensland. This reflects the general geographical spread of the expressions of interest received.

Members bring a breadth of commercialisation experience and industry knowledge to the board:

• The biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries are well represented. Dr Susan Pond is the chairman and managing director of Johnson and Johnson Research Pty Ltd. Dr Pond has a distinguished medical and research career.
• The board’s chair, Dr Laurie Hammond has a background in ICT and is actively involved in investing in new ideas and technology through his incubator and investment companies.
• Bruce Whan has a background in engineering and technology innovation and is currently the director of Swinburne Knowledge and the chair of INNOVIC.
• Ms Jan Bingley has a finance and accounting background and has strong experience in research commercialisation as the head of CSIRO’s Commercialisation and Equity Portfolio.
• Dr Katherine Woodthorpe is highly experienced in the venture capital industry and is the chief executive of AVCAL.
• Mr Nixon Apple has 25 years’ experience in investment, manufacturing and innovation through his membership of various boards, including those of Austrade (to which he was reappointed by both Coalition and Labor governments), AusIndustry, the Develop Australia Fund, the Superannuation Trust of Australia and Australian Super.

Functions of the Board

Board members will review funding applications, provide advice to the department, and monitor the progress and efficiency of the Commercialisation Australia program.

Applications for assistance under the COMET program closed on 1 January 2010.

People seeking COMET-type support are now be able to apply for the Skills and Knowledge component of Commercialisation Australia.

In addition, they will have access to increased levels of funding for proof of concept and early stage commercialisation activities as well as being partnered with case managers who will guide applicants through the commercialisation process and link them with appropriate volunteer business mentors and specialist advice.

As COMET funding continues until 30 June 2011, there will be no change to entitlements to approved businesses already receiving COMET assistance, including requests for funding variations available under Tier 2 of the program.

Applications for COMET assistance received up until 31 December 2009 and subsequently approved for support will be funded through until 30 June 2011.

This means all COMET customers will receive assistance for activities completed before 30 June 2011.

Employees

• What do I need to know for 1 January 2010?
• I'd like to work flexible hours - what do I need to do?
• What should I be paid?
• What can I do if my take-home pay is lower under a
  modern award?
• What are the minimum conditions I'm entitled to?
• Which workplace system am I covered by?

  Employers

  
• What do I need to know for 1 January 2010?
• My employee has asked to work flexible hours - what do I
  need to do?
• What are the minimum pay & conditions for my employees?
• What do I need to know about agreements?
• I'm downsizing - what do I need to know?
• Who can enter my premises?