17 April 2007
$5.6 million of Intelligent Island MAPP funding announced
The Australian Government Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, and Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Economic Development, Paul Lennon, today announced that companies from across Tasmania would share in more than $5.6 million in grants from the first round of funding under the Intelligent Island Market Access and Partnership Program (MAPP).
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the development of the Australian information and communication technology (ICT) sector,” Senator Coonan said.
“This is why we are supporting MAPP, which aims to support the development of ICT product development in Tasmania, encourage partnerships for business development, provide companies with opportunities to access business and management skills and increase access to external markets.”
“The projects that have been offered funding should contribute to the development of an internationally competitive ICT sector in Tasmania.”
All applications for funding under MAPP were assessed by an independent industry-based panel with expertise in technology, finance, management and commercialisation.
Mr Lennon said the successful projects were indicative of the diverse expertise Tasmanian businesses are developing in ICT.
“The projects cover a range of ICT applications, including e-learning, financial services software, web-testing and improved water management.
“Eighty nine companies applied for MAPP funding which is an indication that phase two of the Intelligent Island Program has been embraced positively by the Tasmanian ICT industry.”
MAPP is a competitive, merit-based grant program that supports Tasmanian ICT companies to develop and commercialise products and services for a global market.
MAPP will provide up to $18 million in funding over four funding rounds. Applications for the first two funding rounds closed last year. Funding rounds three and four are expected to be launched later this year.
The $40 million Intelligent Island Program is funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development.
For more information about the Intelligent Island Program, contact the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development’s Business Point on 1800 440 026.
Details on projects that have been offered funding under round one of MAPP are attached.
Media Contact: Fiona Telford - 02 6277 7480
MAPP funding—round one
The following companies have been offered funding and are in funding agreement negotiations.
|
Organisation |
Project |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
AS Consulting |
K2B (Knowledge to Business)—special grant |
K2B is an industry development program that will provide structured marketing training and funded work placements for twelve graduates within Tasmanian ICT companies. |
|
JadeLiquid Software Pty Ltd |
Java software built upon WebRenderer technology |
JadeLiquid is building on its product success with WebRenderer through diversifying its product portfolio with a cutting edge software development based upon its WebRenderer technology. |
|
OnPix |
Point, shoot, print |
OnPix is a Launceston based IT solutions company that develops, markets, distributes and supports online digital print ordering solutions. The ‘Point, shoot, print’ project will involve collaboration with Sony to develop a new software product called OnPix Remote Kiosk Manager. This product will be installed in Sony’s photo kiosks globally. |
|
KPM Pty Ltd |
Development and commercialisation of financial services IT products |
KPM provides a direct equity portfolio modelling tool tailored to meet the specific needs of investment clients. Through the assistance provided by MAPP, KPM aims to further develop and commercialise the tool for the Australian financial services market. |
|
The Learning Edge International |
International expansion project |
The Learning Content Management System enables educators to easily create and deliver tailored online learning material and engage interactively with students. The MAPP funding will assist the Learning Edge International to further market expansion development in North America and the United Kingdom. |
|
Roar Educate |
Tools based e-learning |
Roar Film has diversified from developing content for the e-learning arena, to producing a range of educational activity tools for teachers and students. The MAPP funding will assist the commercialisation of the intellectual property and e-learning products nationally and in the United Kingdom. |
|
Packaged Solutions (Getbusi) |
World class exporter/intelligent agent |
Getbusi is a web access management package that allows schools, businesses and government departments to control and monitor the web access of students and employees. The MAPP funding will develop and expand markets, commercialise new products, and increase management and business skills. |
|
Irrisys |
Commercialisation of remote control devices for irrigation |
Irrisys is a partnership between Irrigation Tasmania and PCT Remote Sensing. Together they have developed programmable control devices for the agricultural sector. The products allow users to remotely control storage, application and measurement of water for irrigation purposes. The MAPP funding will help commercialise the two Irrisys flagship products, Remote Start and PumpGuard, in national and international markets. |