‘Clean technology’ ideas competition finalists announced

Tuesday, 20 September, 2011

Entries for the Australian Clean Technologies Ideas Competition have included innovative solutions tackling pollution, energy efficiency, renewable energies, green buildings, smart electricity grids and new transportation systems.

Announcing 11 finalists, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said all entries highlighted the world-class calibre of Australian business creativity.

“The competition is an initiative of the Gillard Labor government’s Clean Technology Focus for Supply Chains program and part of our $50 million effort to support Australian industry at home and abroad,” Senator Carr said.

“This competition encourages developing high-tech, high-skill businesses to reduce our reliance on carbon and boost energy efficiency.

“More than 25,000 Australians are employed in our clean technology industries, which were worth $22 billion in 2010. The development of clean technology ideas such as those submitted to this competition will grow these industries, creating new jobs, new products and new markets.

Senator Carr said as part of being shortlisted, the finalists were mentored by the department and competition partners during an intensive workshop covering crucial business know-how and skills to help make their ideas a commercial reality.

The competition winner will be announced at an awards dinner in Sydney on 6 October 2011. At the dinner, firms will have the opportunity to network with fellow clean technology innovators, see cutting-edge clean technology solutions and gain an understanding of what Australian innovation can offer to the world.

The winner will represent Australia at the international Cleantech Open Global Ideas Competition in the United States, competing against entrants from 90 countries.

The competition is a key initiative of the government’s Supplier Advocate Program and is supported by Enterprise Connect, Commercialisation Australia, the CSIRO and Austrade. For more information and to register to attend the awards dinner, visit www.cleantechopen.com.au.