A broad cross-section of Western Australian companies were recognised for their innovative work in the fields of medical research, technology design and environmental sustainability science, information technology and the environment last year.
Building on the ongoing success of the state’s medical science industry, the premier’s prize for achievement in science was awarded to neurologist Professor Graeme Hankey for his work in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of strokes.
Professor Hankey is currently undertaking a research project called VITATOPS.
The project spans 20 countries and 100 medical centres, and aims to determine the effectiveness of B-vitamin supplements in preventing a recurrence of stroke.
The state’s inventor of the year was Live Technologies managing director Roland Butcher, recognised for his LiveLens invention – an electro-optical technology used to prevent photographic image loss through poor exposure.
The liquid crystal technology increases exposure latitude in all types of cameras and improves the technical quality of images, having applications in commercial and industrial photography, as well as surveillance systems and CCTV.
Also within the technology field, CommtechWireless director Nathan Buzza was the winner of the WA information technology and telecommunications achiever award in acknowledgment of the success of his wireless messaging technology company.
CommtechWireless has an international client list and develops communications and messaging infrastructure for companies in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, industrial, emergency services.
Sons of Gwalia’s Greenbushes mine rehabilitation project, and Wangara-based Jo Jo Plastics and Ruggies Recycling partnership won the Golden Gecko award for environmental excellence in the mineral and petroleum industries.
The state government’s WA environment awards for overall winner and outstanding achiever went to National Lifestyle Villages, in recognition of the company’s environmentally sustainable practices.
