Micronanosystems
fabrication facility. This extraordinary tool allows researchers
to conduct leading edge experiments that, in conjunction
with advances in nanotechnology, microtechnology and IT,
will accelerate the development of innovative new products.
The Victorian Government sees investment into the
nanotechnology sector as a high priority and earlier this year,
announced a new developmental Framework for the sector1.
“Nanotechnology holds great promise to improve our
lives and wellbeing and to help deal with challenges such as
climate change and sustainable development,” said Victoria’s
Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings at the opening of the
Issue IV 2009
2008 International Conference on Nanoscience and
square4
Nanotechnology in Melbourne recently. Bionic Ear has now been implanted in more than 50,000
.com
Since 1999, the Victorian Government has invested over people in over 120 countries. Another Victorian invention,
AUD$250 million in nanotechnology and related activities. Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC), is a revolutionary
“We now have a strong core of research activity with eight film that enables users to control light transmission.
universities and supporting infrastructure such as the This provides benefits from glare reduction and UV
Melbourne Centre for NanoFabrication and MiniFAB, a protection as well as energy savings, increased security and
micro-nano-bio company,” the Minister added. privacy. It was developed by Ballarat-based iGlass Projects
One Victorian development in the nanotechnology Pty Ltd. and has had wide impact on the glass, building and
oasiasemiconductor
sector is the bionic ear. The result of pioneering research automotive industries as a switchable glazing system.
.eur
started by Professor Graeme Clark at the University of
rian Government Support
www
Melbourne in the late 1960s, this cochlear implant has Victo
brought hearing to tens of thousands of people unable to Not complacent about its success, the government strives to
47
benefit from standard hearing aids. Developed and patented make it easy for foreign companies to thrive and there is
in Victoria, the manufacturing of the implant takes plenty of support for advanced manufacturing companies
place entirely in Australia, with exports making up 95% of seeking to establish operations in Victoria.
sales. Invest Victoria is the State Government’s inward
The implant was approved by the US Food and Drug investment agency which helps international companies build
Administration (FDA) in 1990 for use for children born deaf or their business in Victoria and offers investors a free,
developing hearing problems early in life. The Australian comprehensive and confidential service.
Quick facts about Victoria
ring6 A state in Australia’s south east, Victoria has a population ring6 While exports to the Asia-Pacific region are growing fast,
of approximately 5.3 million (capital city Melbourne 3.75m). exports to North America, Europe and the Middle East
continue to be strong.
ring6 Victoria offers a culturally rich and diverse population
including people from over 233 countries speaking over ring6 Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s
150 different languages and dialects. most liveable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
– with near perfect scores based on outstanding ratings for
ring6 Victoria has a favourable time zone, operating within the safety, culture and environment, education, recreation and
Asian time zone with the benefit of bridging the American infrastructure.
and European business hours.
ring6 In 2007, demographer Bernard Salt predicted that if
ring6 A recent study by IBM-PLI Benchmarking Victoria current trends continue, Melbourne will again be the
compares the State with similar locations in Europe and most populous city in Australia by 2028 (Melbourne’s
North America and makes a compelling case for the state population has doubled in the last ten years and the
as a preferred business location, citing advantages in cost, population of inner Melbourne is continuing to expand at
quality and innovation. 3-5000 people a year, which is double the state average).
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