The state's brightest thinkers are being urged to take part in the State Government's inaugural WA Inventor of the Year Award, as part of a $2 million program over four years to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
The state's brightest thinkers are being urged to take part in the State Government's inaugural WA Inventor of the Year Award, as part of a $2 million program over four years to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
There will be nearly $300,000 in total prizes available to help entrants in the industry, research and government categories take their innovation to the next stage.
The overall WA Inventor of the Year will receive prizes valued at more than $100,000.
Launching the program today, Premier Alan Carpenter said the award would encourage Western Australia's inventors, innovators and designers, and give them an opportunity to showcase their ideas.
Mr Carpenter said the award was part of a program aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the State's public, private and education sectors.
The award is part of the State Government's $50million InnovateWA2 policy, which focuses on the further development of science and innovation in WA.
The four award categories are:
- industry - open to private sector businesses;
- research organisations - open to universities, co-operative research centres, centres of excellence and private research bodies;
- government - open to State and local government statutory authorities, TAFE Colleges and other government entities; and
- schools - open to primary and secondary students.
"The WA Inventor of the Year Award is more than just recognition and accolades," the Premier said.
"Award winners will receive significant financial assistance and in-kind support such as access to professional services and resources appropriate to their stage of development and commercialisation."
The award will also be promoted through events and information sessions in regional areas throughout April, including Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany and Port Hedland.
The Inventor of the Year Award program is administered by the Department of Industry and Resources through its Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley.
Nominations close on May 31, with winners announced later in the year.
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Thousands up for grabs for WA's brightest inventors
29/03/06
Western Australia's brightest thinkers from schools, universities, business and industry are being urged to take part in the State Government's inaugural WA Inventor of the Year Award.
Launching the program today, Premier Alan Carpenter said the award would encourage Western Australia's inventors, innovators and designers, and give them an opportunity to showcase their ideas.
Mr Carpenter said the award was a $2million election commitment over four years and were aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the State's public, private and education sectors.
The award is part of the State Government's $50million InnovateWA2 policy, which focuses on the further development of science and innovation in WA.
The four award categories are:
- industry - open to private sector businesses;
- research organisations - open to universities, co-operative research centres, centres of excellence and private research bodies;
- government - open to State and local government statutory authorities, TAFE Colleges and other government entities; and
- schools - open to primary and secondary students.
"The WA Inventor of the Year Award is more than just recognition and accolades," the Premier said.
"There will be close to $300,000 in total prize winnings that will help entrants in the industry, research and government categories take their innovation to the next stage.
"Award winners will receive significant financial assistance and in-kind support such as access to professional services and resources appropriate to their stage of development and commercialisation.
"The overall WA Inventor of the Year will receive prizes valued at more than $100,000.
"Prizes for the industry, research organisation and government category winners are valued at close to $40,000 each and for runners-up, more than $24,000 each.
"The two finalists in each of the industry, research and government categories will receive more than $8,000 in in-kind support, including a sponsored place in the UWA Graduate School of Management's Innovation Excellence Program valued at $7,500 each."
The school component will be run jointly by the Department of Industry and Resources, the Science Teachers Association of WA and the Design and Technology Teachers Association of WA. Prizes and judging for the School Award will be separate to that of the other categories.
Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan said the WA Inventor of the Year Award highlighted the State Government's commitment to innovation, emerging technologies and research and development.
"These sectors are some of the fastest-growing and most important industries in the world today and key drivers of the global economy," Mr Logan said.
"The State Government recognises they are vital to ensure continued economic growth and diversification for WA."
Mr Logan said the award was being promoted through events and information sessions in regional areas throughout April, including Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany and Port Hedland.
The Inventor of the Year Award program is administered by the Department of Industry and Resources through its Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley.
Nominations close on May 31, with winners announced later in the year.
For further information go to http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/inventor, phone the Innovation Centre on 9451 0900 or email inventor@doir.wa.gov.au
