WA Innovator of the Year Awards 2011
Message from the Minister
As the Minister for Science and Innovation in Western Australia, I am privileged to see first-hand the high calibre of innovation that is taking place in a range of industries across the State. Successful innovation brings with it the opportunity for continued social and economic growth which is critical to addressing future challenges.
The basic concept of innovation is a three step process – idea, application and diffusion. Once an innovative solution is developed it is then vital to commercialise that solution, and have it adopted by the market if it is to make a lasting and positive impact on society.
The State Government recognises this process can be challenging and it has developed programs such as the WA Innovator of the Year Awards, that provide support and assistance to Western Australia's increasing number of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The State provides a number of support mechanisms to assist innovators to capitalise on their ideas. One example is the Innovation Centre of Western Australia (ICWA), located within Technology Park Bentley. The Centre assists organisations and innovators seeking to commercialise, establish networks and further develop their business activities.
The Centre is a central meeting point for innovators at all stages of the commercialisation process. It provides services in key areas such as intellectual property and legal services.
The ICWA also supports the WA Innovator of the Year Awards which has helped more than 100 innovators take their ideas through the commercialisation process. These awards are designed to support industry development through a program that provides winners with both financial and tailored in-kind support.
The 2011 WA Innovator of the Year Awards is a valuable initiative which provides support to innovators and entrepreneurs across our State. I endorse this program and strongly encourage all the State's innovators to participate in the program.
John Day
Minister for Science and Innovation