Multimedia Victoria - Victoria's ICT Industry Finest Recognised at Awards

Victoria's ICT Industry Finest Recognised at Awards Media release - 16 April 2008 Victoria's best information and communication technology (ICT) innovators were on show at the 2008 Victorian iAwards today, being recognised for their terrific contributions to the industry. Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Theo Theophanous, who attended the awards at the Victorian Arts Centre, congratulated the winners and praised the outstanding talent on display. "These awards are fantastic for our ICT industry and showcase the enormous talent that is attracting businesses and jobs to Victorian now and into the future," Mr Theophanous said. "This week's announcement that major Indian ICT company Satyam is setting up a new base in Geelong is recognition of the level of talent we have in Victoria's ICT industry. "Each of today's winners has an inspiring vision for their industry, from the international leaders in stop motion animation software, to portable video sharing technology and glasses that monitor driver drowsiness – this is certainly an exciting time for ICT." Mr Theophanous said Richmond-based company Sleep Diagnostics won the Industrial Applications award for its 'Optalert' technology, which uses tiny emitters and receivers in sunglass frames to measure eye and eyelid movement to monitor driver drowsiness. "'Sleep Diagnostics' remarkable new technology is an excellent example of how Victorians are leading the way when it comes to innovative technology, nationally and internationally," he said. “We expect this will be further reflected in the National iAwards due to take place in Melbourne for the first time in May this year. "The Brumby Government is committed to ensuring Victoria's ICT industry remains at the forefront through a range of programs designed to build a strong ICT workforce." Mr Theophanous said the state iAwards, which also recognises young achievers at the secondary school and tertiary level, further encouraged the development of ICT courses and training. "Businesses everywhere need people with ICT skills – and this means young people today choosing to study in ICT will have more options, industries and rewarding careers open to them than ever before," he said. Since 1999, the Victorian Government has attracted and facilitated investment worth more than $1.5 billion and over 10,000 jobs in the ICT sector. Since 2004, the ICT industry in Victoria has grown by over 24,000 jobs to more than 84,000 across the state.