Released 14/09/2016
The ACT already performs higher than all other Australian states or territories in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship and Information Technology per capita, and two significant new ACT Government funding commitments will further boost Canberra’s reputation as a leader in research and innovation in Australia.
ACT Government representatives joined Data61 CEO Adrian Turner this week to sign a new $5 million, two-year funding agreement which will position Canberra as a leader in cyber-security and smart city research.
“The new funding agreement commits Data61 to maintaining its research excellence and links with Canberra’s universities and the local innovation ecosystem, and to expanding its presence in Canberra and supporting the establishment of a Canberra cyber-security node,” Ian Cox, Executive Director of Innovate Canberra said.
“Under the agreement, Data61 and the ACT Government will jointly agree to a number of collaborative activities and projects across the next two years, such as establishing a dedicated Centre for Digital Government in Canberra, undertaking a program of smart cities-focused demonstration projects and pursuing research and development projects in support of the ACT Government’s health and transport reform agendas.
“The agreement with Data61, along with new funding of $1.45 million for projects supported by the CBR Innovation Development Fund (CBRIDF), which aims to accelerate innovation to create wealth and jobs in Canberra, are both an important boost for the innovation sector in Canberra.
“We are always pleased to nurture and support Canberra’s outstanding innovators and entrepreneurs, and this new funding will play a key role in ensuring our city continues to be recognised as a leader in these fields.”
Mr Turner said Data61 is investing to grow Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
“Our new funding agreement and collaboration with the ACT Government is focused on supporting government, industry and start-ups to work deeply together, think bigger and move faster to capture the enormous global opportunities emerging in an increasingly data driven world,” Mr Turner said.
A list of the funded CBRIDF projects, which include a range of initiatives that develop the capability of and investment in the ACT’s innovation ecosystem, as well as support collaboration and improve access to services and resources, can be found here.
The CBRIDF was established following the release of the ACT Government’s business development strategy, Confident & Business Ready: Building on Our Strengths, in May 2015.
More information on Confident & Business Ready: Building on Our Strengths is available on the Innovate Canberra website.
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