The Victorian Government has announced a $10 million spending plan to assist Victorian industry to improve productivity through the use of small technology.

 

"Our vision for the future is to bring together the transformative power of the major technology platforms – biotechnology, ICT and small technologies – to unleash greater innovation and wider economic benefits," State Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips said.

 

"In the future, we expect to see small technologies have an impact on almost every industry in Victoria, improving the functionality of products, improving energy efficiency in manufacturing, reducing costs and enabling more efficient use of resources.

 

One of the key programs of the small technologies plan is the continuation of the Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program, linking industry partners seeking solutions with leading-edge providers of small technologies know-how.

 

The program aims to improve productivity, sustainability and health, by supporting companies exploring innovative solutions using small technologies.

 

Applications for 2012 Small Technologies Trial Vouchers – of up to $250,000 – opened today and will close on 18 November 2011. The Trial Vouchers may be used to trial existing small technology-based innovations, such as developing prototypes or conducting pilot-scale trials, or to improve existing products or processes through the adoption or integration of small technologies.

 

For further information visit www.business.vic.gov.au