092/05
5 August 2005
Launching Australia’s best IT Secrets
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced the launch of the 2005 Secrets of Australian IT Innovation competition.
The competition, now in its fourth year, recognises and fosters technology innovators across the nation to ensure Australia continues as a producer and an early and widespread adopter of the Information Communications Technologies (ICT) that are transforming businesses and enhancing the nation’s overall competitiveness.
“The Australian Government is proud to support the Secrets competition because it celebrates and recognises the vast pool of talent in Australian ICT firms,” Senator Coonan said.
The competition attracts nearly 200 applications from across Australia to compete for prizes in seven categories—business industrial software solutions, communication applications, commerce, health, security, learning and entertainment.
The 2004 winners were given the opportunity to showcase their innovation both nationally and internationally to a global audience. Five winners were invited to visit the United Kingdom this year to attend conferences and discuss business opportunities with local companies.
The competition is an initiative of the Committee Marketing ICT of Australia which is made up of representatives of the Australian Government, state and territory governments, industry associations and research bodies.
Cisco Systems, Dell and Centric Minds are major sponsors of the competition with assistance also provided by state and territory governments.
“I would encourage the industry to get behind this competition, either as an applicant or a sponsor. The competition is achieving much in profiling Australia as a producer of truly innovative ICT solutions for a broad range of sectors,” Senator Coonan said.
“The benefits of the competition are clear. Previous winners have reported new business in excess of $7 million after their involvement in the competition and participation in international showcase events.”
Applications close 23 September 2005. For full details on the competition visit the competition website www.itsecrets.com.au or you can contact the competition director by calling 02 6271 1749 or emailing itsecrets@dcita.gov.au.