"Last night I had the privilege of attending the iAwards, which were held in Victoria this year... I have to say I was very impressed by the fact that there were nearly 800 people present at the awards last night. I understand that that is a record for the AIIA," Minister Theophanous said.

“This industry is really important to Victoria. It is growing at a significant pace. Australia-wide it delivers 6 per cent of gross domestic product... Its economic contribution is bigger than those of the agriculture, defence and education sectors combined. It is almost as big as the mining sector. This is a huge industry and it is important to have these kinds of awards to recognise it."

Minister Theophanous went on to outline the special awards made on the evening by the Victorian Government to national winners who are based in Victoria. During the ceremony the Minister had announced that $10,000 dollars would be given to each of the Victorian companies taking out a major category on the night - a list that ultimately included IP Payments, iCare Solutions and Stop Motion Pro. Caulfield Grammar School, who won the secondary school category, was awarded $5000.

Nominations for the 2009 ATSE Clunies Ross Awards, which recognise pre-eminent Australian scientists and technologists who have bridged the gap between research and the marketplace, will close on 30 June 2008.

The ATSE Clunies Ross Awards are awarded to people who have persisted with their ideas, often against the odds, to the point that their innovations are making a real difference economically, environmentally, and socially.

Bruce Kean, Chairman of the ATSE Clunies Ross Board of Governors, said of the 2008 winners that  'like Sir Ian Clunies Ross, in whose honour the awards are named, this year’s winners are visionary. They each have the rare talent that has made them Australia’s top commercially successful scientists and innovators by being able to marry technological and business expertise to create true success. Each of these winners lead innovation in their field and their successful commercialisation of science is not only inspirational but provides Australia with a competitive edge in the world marketplace.”

You can participate in this aspect of ATSE’s mission – acclaiming success – by nominating successful colleagues who meet the nomination criteria, which can be reviewed on the ATSE website – link to ATSE Clunies Ross website at bottom of homepage.

Nominations forms are available online, or contact Cathryn Little on (03) 9340 1209 for further information.