Funding boost to market enviro innovations

A laundry wash that produces brighter, cleaner, disinfected linen while saving 40% water, 90% energy and 20% gas, and a greener way to produce bricks feature among 11 bright ideas in the environment sector to benefit from Australian government support to bring them to market.

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced more than $2.4m in Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) grants with 38 innovations each receiving $64,000.

Ozone Technologies has developed its OTEK ozone system that gives a brighter wash while using less water, energy, chemicals and gas. The system uses UV light, shortens wash cycles, extends the operating life of machinery and saves the environment with reduction of greenhouse gases.

Geo Brick has developed a process for brickmaking that emits much less carbon dioxide than the current method and gives builders a greener type of house brick.

Other innovations in the environment sector to receive COMET funding include:

• Altaus’s inaudible micro wind turbine which stands 2 m tall and can generate electricity with winds of just 5.5 m/s.
• A multiple-unit liquid delivery system by Morse Technologies that limits dust in open site mining and loading facilities.
• Environmentally friendly aquaculture technology developed by Occoculture, to grow octopus suitable for the national and international market.

During the worst global recession in 75 years, COMET is helping great Australian innovations into the marketplace, boosting the economy and supporting high-wage, high-skill jobs.

A COMET business adviser will assist the companies with market research and developing strategic business plans, IP strategies and working prototypes to bring their products to market. For more information, visit the AusIndustry website, call the hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.

The COMET Program complements the government’s Enterprise Connect initiative which provides eligible established SMEs in the manufacturing sector with business assessments at no cost to firms and support to implement business improvement measures.

For more information about the Enterprise Connect initiative, contact the hotline on 13 17 91 or visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au.