So what’s innovation doing for us anyway?

How many times have you been at a conference or event and heard something like Australian research and innovation is world-class, but as a nation, we lag behind on commercialising new knowledge and technology… or words to that effect.

 Bad news may sell more papers, but I’m tired of negativity that fails to inspire change. It’s time to switch focus.

 It’s time to celebrate the Australian researchers and innovators that are working hard every day to improve our lives, create new industries and jobs, and make the world a safer place. This is why we created #AUSinnovates.

 #AUSinnovates is a campaign that aims to change the conversation about Australia’s R&D Commercialisation by sharing success stories, rewarding each innovation with some free publicity and showing the Australian public how Australian innovation is impacting their everyday lives. I also hope that these success stories and the lessons learnt along the way will inspire other Aussie innovators to persist in developing their bright ideas, and help to guide their successful commercialisation, from which we will all benefit.

Some of the first success stories featured are:

iCetana: Artificial intelligence alerts overloaded security guards to danger

Stormseal: A smarter, shrinking tarpaulin protects storm-damaged properties

Indee Labs: Faster, cheaper gene delivery makes cancer treatment more accessible

PERKii: Armour-plated probiotics last longer, taste better, promote gut health

Makinex: Industrial innovation lifts 140kg ‘by hand’

 The ultimate aim of #AUSinnovates is to inspire innovation and grow new and improved industries on which Australia’s future wellbeing depends.

I hope everyone – media, government, industry and the wider community – will help to spread the good news stories from #AUSinnovates far and wide as they come to appreciate the world is a better place because of these innovators. I encourage you to submit Australian innovation success stories (examples that have moved out of research into use) at ausinnovates.com.au/share.

Australia’s future depends on it.

#AUSinnovates is supported by Science and Technology Australia, CRC Association, KCA, MTP Connect, METS Ignited, ANSTO and Refraction Media.

The #AUSinnovates initiative is being driven by gemaker. Learn more at ausinnovates.com.au.