Funding available to help increase industry's adoption of new technology

23/11/99
Government funding is available to help increase Western Australian industry's adoption of new technology and to strengthen alliances between private sector businesses and science and technology organisations.
Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said businesses, industry associations and institutions could now access funding under the Federal Government's $90 million Technology Diffusion Program (TDP), which will run to 2002.
Mr Cowan said the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources had provided WA's Department of Commerce and Trade with a grant of $271,443 to promote the scheme.
Part of this money is being used to employ a technology diffusion manager, Mr Kumar Peiris, within Commerce and Trade, to help potential applicants access the program.
The department also has grant funds available to assist some initiatives.
Mr Cowan said local organisations had already obtained funds under the scheme.
"The South East Metropolitan College of TAFE - CAD Centre has received a grant to deliver training in computer aided-design techniques to textile, clothing and footwear businesses," he said.
"The Welding Technology Institute of Australia has used part of its grant to fund a WA-based manager to help small and medium-sized businesses access and apply new welding technologies.
"In addition, Austep Strategic Partnering Pty Ltd will receive funding over a three-year period to establish technology-based networks around the world providing local organisations with an opportunity to assess new technologies and also to help expose local technology to overseas markets, potential partners and investors.
"These are important projects with valuable spin-offs to other local industries."
Mr Cowan said the manager for technology diffusion would work with private companies, industry associations, university-based Centres of Excellence in industry-focussed research and development and other research institutions.
"He will assist them to assess opportunities for funding and to run workshops and other activities to promote the technologies they have developed to a wider audience."
Information about TDP funding can be sought through the Business Assistance Gateway on 9481 2525, or freecall from the country 1800 199 251, or e-mail gatewaywa@commerce.wa.gov.au
Media contact Peter Jackson 9222 9595