How Australia’s largest pharmacy group protects customer medical record and data

Chemist Warehouse is Australia’s largest pharmacy group
employing more than 10,000 people, with an annual revenue approaching A$3
billion. It has also led the move to online pharmacies with five specialist
e-commerce websites, dispatching orders to customers’ homes throughout the
country from a network of distribution centers.

This case
study looks at how Australia’s largest pharmacy group protects
customer medical record and data through
secure and reliable IT solutions.

Challenge

Founded in
2000, Chemist Warehouse is one of Australia’s most remarkable business success
stories, doubling sales and growing its national store network from 100 to more
than 400 stores in just five years.

Through
previous acquisitions, the business had acquired a wide range of legacy IT
systems, software, suppliers and contracts. This means that the organisation is
faced with an inevitably wide variations in both quality and performance of
these IT systems. This environment consumed much of management’s time to deal
with the impact of virus attacks and system downtime.

Requirements

“We were at the start of our current journey and, in a
nutshell, we needed a partner to go with us,” Mr Deni Ilic, IT Systems Manager
at Chemist Warehouse recalled.

As the
family-owned business embarked on its current growth strategy, Chemist
Warehouse was looking for an IT security partner.

“Even at that stage we were a large and complex business
with quite specific requirements.”

With over 400 stores, 5 online pharmacies, some 4,500
licences and 400 virtual servers, the company was looking for a reliable IT
solution that could ensure
complete protection of large quantities of confidential customer medical
records and data, and enable the company to fully comply with its Payment Card
Industry (PCI) requirements.

Solution

After an exhaustive process including reviewing independent
reports, proof of concept demonstrations, trials – and the all-important test
of personal chemistry – Chemist Warehouse selected Kaspersky Endpoint Security
for Business Advanced and Kaspersky Security for Virtualization.

“We trust them to look after our interests and in a
family-owned, family-orientated business, trust is vitally important. They are
a highly-regarded member of our extended family,” said Mr Ilic.

The high level of customer satisfaction and trust is a
result of quality product and service delivery.

“We felt that the Kaspersky Lab team took the time to really
understand us and our business objectives, for the short and the long term, and
that their solution could be shaped very precisely for our needs, then and in
the future. It felt instinctively like a good fit,” he added.

Over the past five years Chemist Warehouse has built up a
portfolio of some 4,500 licences providing multi-layered protection for
workstation and laptop endpoints, including employees’ own devices, supported
by 400 more to protect its virtual server environment. The platform by
Kaspersky Lab helped to provide the foundations and the confidence for a period
of unprecedented growth for the business, with online transactions doubling
year-on-year and 40 new retail stores opening each year.

According to Mr Ilic, the solution became the company’s
“first line of defence”.

“The central management console gives us just the right
level of information and oversight we need and it’s designed with end users in
mind; intuitive, easy to use and with many automated features such as remote
update distribution,” he said.

“It is stable and reliable, it performs extremely well, has
met all of our expectations, and we haven’t had any significant downtime in the
five years we have been using it. We are very happy with it, in particular
because it has been such a solid foundation stone for us during a remarkable
period of growth. Growing at the speed we have has risks attached, and the
Kaspersky Lab platform has helped us to manage some of those risks very
effectively,” he added.

All information in this case
study is provided by Kaspersky Lab.

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is working to address the anticipated shortage of 85,000 digital workers in the region by 2030. In a collaborative effort, government officials, leaders from the digital industry, and education and training providers are joining forces to bridge the looming digital skills gap. The Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, recently officiated the launch of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact at NSW Parliament House, marking a significant milestone in the initiative.

Image adapted from 2023-25 NSW Digital Skills – Compact Action Plan

The collaboration involves 37 compact partners, comprising the highest echelons of industry representation. Together, these partners hold a considerable reach, influencing 1.7 million students and representing over 340,000 digital workers in NSW.

The scope of the compact is extensive, aiming to promote digital careers across the state, with a specific focus on encouraging traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, First Nations people, and individuals in regional and remote areas to pursue tech-related professions.

At its core, the compact seeks to transform the perception of digital careers, fostering diversity in the sector and creating welcoming and productive workspaces. Recognising the urgency of the skills shortage, the partnership is committed to developing and implementing new employment pathways, providing on-the-job training experiences for individuals aspiring to embark on a long-term career in the digital industry.

The ambitious goals of the NSW Digital Compact are outlined in a comprehensive set of milestones. Firstly, the compact aims to alter societal perceptions of tech careers, emphasising diversity and inclusivity within the sector. By collaborating with industry partners, the initiative plans to expand and enhance new pathway programs for tech roles, including traineeships and work experiences. Additionally, efforts will be made to extend the reach of mentoring and networking programs to engage a more diverse audience.

Recognising the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, the compact seeks to provide increased opportunities for the people of NSW to reskill or upskill in tech-related roles. This not only addresses the immediate skills shortage but also positions the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the digital industry.

A crucial component of the collaborative effort is the establishment of a Digital Education Forum. This platform, created in collaboration with universities, TAFE institutions, school curriculum providers, and industry experts, is dedicated to enhancing tech education and fostering stronger industry partnerships. The forum serves as a proactive measure to ensure that educational institutions are aligned with industry needs and that students are equipped with the skills required to thrive in the digital workforce.

The Minister Steve Whan underscores the significance of this landmark agreement, emphasising the commitment of the NSW Government to shape a digitally empowered future for the state. Beyond just bridging the skills gap, the NSW Digital Compact is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital workforce.

The Minister highlights that the compact represents a substantial opportunity for government, industry, and education leaders to work together in changing people’s perceptions of ‘tech’ and expanding the inclusivity of the sector.

The Chair of the NSW Skills Board and CEO of ANZ branch of the partnering tech firm stressed the research commissioned by the NSW Skills Board, projecting a shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030. To address this gap, the compact partners aim to achieve 20% of new hires coming from alternative pathways by the same year. The Chair believes that the compact will play a pivotal role in providing a pipeline of diverse talent to fill high-paying, secure jobs that are being created in NSW’s rapidly growing digital sector.

The NSW Digital Compact Partners include the NSW Government, several major global companies, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, TAFE NSW, Tech Council of Australia, and all NSW/ACT universities. This diverse coalition reflects a collective commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital workforce, ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the years to come.

Western Australia’s AI Initiatives to Empower Educators

The Western Australian government has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, alleviating work burdens, and fostering a conducive environment for educators to focus on teaching. The region’s Education Minister, Dr Tony Buti, spearheading this initiative, took into account the insights from two pivotal reports and explored the potential of AI tools to revamp policies and processes.

In the wake of an in-depth review into bureaucratic complexities earlier this year, Minister Buti carefully considered the outcomes of the Department of Education’s “Understanding and Reducing the Workload of Teachers and Leaders in Western Australian Public Schools” review and the State School Teachers’ Union’s “Facing the Facts” report. Both reports shed light on the escalating intricacies of teaching and the primary factors contributing to workloads for educators, school leaders, and institutions.

Embracing technology as a key driver for change, the government is contemplating the adoption of AI, drawing inspiration from successful trials in other Australian states. The objective is to modernise and enhance the efficiency of professional learning, lesson planning, marking, and assessment development. AI tools also hold promise in automating tasks such as excursion planning, meeting preparations, and general correspondence, thereby mitigating the burden on teachers.

Collaborating with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, as well as the independent and Catholic sectors, the government aims to explore AI applications to streamline curriculum planning and elevate classroom teaching. The integration of AI is envisioned to usher in a new era of educational efficiency.

In consultation with unions, associations, principals, teachers, and administrative staff, the Department of Education has identified a range of strategies to immediately, in the short term, and in the long term, alleviate the workload for public school educators.

Among these strategies, a noteworthy allocation of AU$2.26 million is earmarked for a trial involving 16 Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators. These coordinators will collaborate with public school leaders to tailor educational programs for students with disabilities and learning challenges.

Furthermore, a pioneering pilot project, jointly funded by State and Federal Governments, seeks to digitise paper-based school forms, reducing red tape and providing a consistent, accessible, and efficient method for sharing information online. Each digital submission is anticipated to save 30 minutes of staff time compared to its paper-based counterpart. Additionally, efforts are underway to simplify the process related to the exclusion of public school students while enhancing support to schools.

As part of the broader effort to support schools, the ‘Connect and Respect’ program, outlining expectations for appropriate relationships with teachers, is set to undergo expansion. This expansion includes the creation of out-of-office templates, and establishing boundaries on when it is acceptable to contact staff after working hours. The overarching goal is to minimise misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering a healthier work-life balance for teaching staff.

The Education Minister expressed his commitment to reducing administrative tasks that divert teachers from their core mission of educating students. Acknowledging the pervasive nature of this challenge, the Minister emphasised the government’s determination to create optimal conditions for school staff to focus on their primary roles.

In his remarks, the Minister underscored the significance of these initiatives, emphasising their positive impact in ensuring that teachers can dedicate their time and energy to helping every student succeed. The unveiled measures represent a pivotal step toward realising the government’s vision of a streamlined, technology-enhanced educational landscape that prioritises the well-being of educators and, ultimately, the success of students.

CSIRO Study: Navigating the Complexities of AI

Liming Zhu and Qinghua Lu, leaders in the study of responsible AI at CSIRO and Co-authors of Responsible AI: Best Practices for Creating Trustworthy AI Systems delve into the realm of responsible AI through their extensive work and research.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), currently a major focal point, is revolutionising almost all facets of life, presenting entirely novel methods and approaches. The latest trend, Generative AI, has taken the helm, crafting content from cover letters to campaign strategies and conjuring remarkable visuals from scratch.

Global regulators, leaders, researchers and the tech industry grapple with the substantial risks posed by AI. Ethical concerns loom large due to human biases, which, when embedded in AI training, can exacerbate discrimination. Mismanaged data without diverse representation can lead to real harm, evidenced by instances like biased facial recognition and unfair loan assessments. These underscore the need for thorough checks before deploying AI systems to prevent such harmful consequences.

The looming threat of AI-driven misinformation, including deepfakes and deceptive content, concerning for everyone, raising fears of identity impersonation online. The pivotal question remains: How do we harness AI’s potential for positive impact while effectively mitigating its capacity for harm?

Responsible AI involves the conscientious development and application of AI systems to benefit individuals, communities, and society while mitigating potential negative impacts, Liming Zhu and Qinghua Lu advocate.

These principles emphasise eight key areas for ethical AI practices. Firstly, AI should prioritise human, societal, and environmental well-being throughout its lifecycle, exemplified by its use in healthcare or environmental protection. Secondly, AI systems should uphold human-centred values, respecting rights and diversity. However, reconciling different user needs poses challenges. Ensuring fairness is crucial to prevent discrimination, highlighted by critiques of technologies like Amazon’s Facial Recognition.

Moreover, maintaining privacy protection, reliability, and safety is imperative. Instances like Clearview AI’s privacy breaches underscore the importance of safeguarding personal data and conducting pilot studies to prevent unforeseen harms, as witnessed with the chatbot Tay generating offensive content due to vulnerabilities.

Transparency and explainability in AI use are vital, requiring clear disclosure of AI limitations. Contestability enables people to challenge AI outcomes or usage, while accountability demands identification and responsibility from those involved in AI development and deployment. Upholding these principles can encourage ethical and responsible AI behaviour across industries, ensuring human oversight of AI systems.

Identifying problematic AI behaviour can be challenging, especially when AI algorithms drive high-stakes decisions impacting specific individuals. An alarming instance in the U.S. resulted in a longer prison sentence determined by an algorithm, showcasing the dangers of such applications. Qinghua highlighted the issue with “black box” AI systems, where users and affected parties lack insight into and means to challenge decisions made by these algorithms.

Liming emphasised the inherent complexity and autonomy of AI, making it difficult to ensure complete compliance with responsible AI principles before deployment. Therefore, user monitoring of AI becomes crucial. Users must be vigilant and report any violations or discrepancies to the service provider or authorities.

Holding AI service and product providers accountable is essential in shaping a future where AI operates ethically and responsibly. This call for vigilance and action from users is instrumental in creating a safer and more accountable AI landscape.

Australia is committed to the fair and responsible use of technology, especially artificial intelligence. During discussions held on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, the Australian Prime Minister unveiled the government’s commitment to responsibly harnessing generative artificial intelligence (AI) within the public sector.

The DTA-facilitated collaboration showcases the Australian Government’s proactive investment in preparing citizens for job landscape changes. Starting a six-month trial from January to June 2024, Australia leads globally in deploying advanced AI services. This initiative enables APS staff to innovate using generative AI, aiming to overhaul government services and meet evolving Australian needs.

Australia: UOW’s Drive to Secure UAV Tech

A research initiative spearheaded by the University of Wollongong (UOW) has secured a substantial grant of AU$445,000 under the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects Scheme. The primary focus of this project is to enhance the security protocols for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in the face of potential adversarial machine-learning attacks. The funding underscores the significance of safeguarding critical and emerging technologies, aligning with the strategic vision of the Australian Government.

Heading the project is Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, an internationally recognised authority in the realms of cyber security and cryptography. Professor Susilo, expressing the overarching goal of the research, emphasised the deployment of innovative methodologies to fortify UAV systems against adversarial exploits targeting vulnerabilities within machine learning models.

Collaborating on this ambitious endeavour are distinguished researchers from the UOW Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. The team comprises Associate Professor Jun Yan, Professor Son Lam Phung, Dr Yannan Li, Associate Professor Yang-Wai (Casey) Chow, and Professor Jun Shen. Collectively, their expertise spans various domains essential to the comprehensive understanding and mitigation of cyber threats posed to UAVs.

Highlighting the broader implications of the project, Professor Susilo underscored the pivotal role UAV-related technologies play in contributing to Australia’s economic, environmental, and societal well-being. From facilitating logistics and environmental monitoring to revolutionising smart farming and disaster management, the potential benefits are vast. However, a significant hurdle lies in the vulnerability of machine learning models embedded in UAV systems to adversarial attacks, impeding their widespread adoption across industries.

The project’s core objective revolves around developing robust defences tailored to UAV systems, effectively shielding them from adversarial machine-learning attacks. The research team aims to scrutinise various attack vectors on UAVs and subsequently devise countermeasures to neutralise these threats. By doing so, they anticipate a substantial improvement in the security posture of UAV systems, thus fostering increased reliability in their application for transport and logistics services.

Professor Susilo emphasised that the enhanced security measures resulting from this research would play a pivotal role in bolstering the widespread adoption of UAVs, particularly in supporting both urban and regional communities. This is particularly pertinent given the multifaceted advantages UAVs offer, ranging from efficiency in logistics to rapid response capabilities in disaster management scenarios.

The significance of the project extends beyond academic realms, with Deloitte Access Economics projecting profound economic and employment impacts. The Australian UAV industry is expected to generate a substantial 5,500 new jobs annually, contributing significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product with an estimated increase of AU$14.5 billion by 2040. Additionally, the research outcomes are anticipated to yield cost savings of AU$9.3 billion across various sectors.

The ARC Linkage Program, which serves as the backbone for this collaborative initiative, actively promotes partnerships between higher education institutions and other entities within the research and innovation ecosystem. Noteworthy partners in this venture include Sky Shine Innovation, Hover UAV, Charles Sturt University, and the University of Southern Queensland, collectively contributing to the multidimensional expertise required for the project’s success.

The UOW-led project represents a concerted effort to fortify the foundations of UAV technology by addressing critical vulnerabilities posed by adversarial machine-learning attacks. Beyond the academic realm, the outcomes of this research hold the promise of reshaping Australia’s technological landscape, ushering in an era of increased reliability, economic growth, and job creation within the burgeoning UAV industry.

Australia Redefining Defence Tech

Optical scientists have devised a novel method to significantly enhance the potency of fibre lasers while preserving their beam quality, positioning them as a pivotal defence technology against low-cost drones and other applications such as remote sensing.

The collaborative effort involved researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), the University of Adelaide (UoA), and Yale University, and their achievement is documented in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications.

Dr Linh Nguyen, a co-first author of the research and a researcher at UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, elucidates that the innovative approach demonstrated in the study can amplify the power in fibre lasers by three-to-nine times using multimode optical fibre, all the while maintaining beam quality crucial for focusing on distant targets. This technological breakthrough holds immense potential for various applications, with particular emphasis on its role in the defence industry, where high-power fibre lasers play a vital role.

Dr Nguyen underscores the significance of high-power fibre lasers in manufacturing and defence, particularly in the contemporary landscape marked by the widespread use of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, in modern battle scenarios. He notes that a swarm of inexpensive drones can swiftly deplete missile resources, leaving military assets and vehicles with diminished firing power for missions critical to combat.

In this context, high-power fibre lasers emerge as a strategic solution due to their low cost per shot and the rapidity of light action. This strategic advantage, termed as asymmetric advantage, leverages a cost-effective approach to overpower more expensive, high-tech systems through sheer numerical superiority.

The researcher emphasises the unique role of high-power fibre lasers in providing a viable long-term defence solution, aligning with the concept of asymmetric advantage. This capability not only safeguards against the challenges posed by cheap drones but also aligns with the objectives outlined in the Defence Strategic Review and AUKUS Pillar 2 objectives, offering a deterrent effect that is integral to defence strategies.

Dr Ori Henderson-Sapir, a project investigator at UoA’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, places this achievement in the broader context of Australia’s historical prowess in developing innovative fibre optics technologies. He sees this research as propelling Australia into a world-leading position for the next generation of high-power fibre lasers, with applications extending beyond defence to contribute to new scientific discoveries.

The researchers, having successfully demonstrated their technology in fibre lasers, are poised to share their findings at Photonics West, a premier international conference on photonics technology scheduled for early 2024. This platform will offer a global stage for presenting their advancements, fostering collaboration, and advancing the integration of high-power fibre lasers into diverse fields.

The collaborative efforts of researchers from UniSA, UoA, and Yale University have yielded a transformative breakthrough in the realm of optical science. Their innovative approach to increasing the power of fibre lasers, coupled with maintaining beam quality, opens new frontiers for applications ranging from defence against drones to scientific exploration. The implications of this research extend beyond national boundaries, positioning Australia as a frontrunner in the development of cutting-edge fibre optic technologies with global significance.

Australian researchers’ breakthrough in fibre laser technology, achieving three-to-nine times power increase without compromising beam quality, holds significant implications for national defence. With a focus on countering low-cost drones, this innovation aligns with the Defense Strategic Review and AUKUS Pillar 2 objectives. The development, a collaboration between the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, and Yale University, positions Australia as a global leader in cutting-edge defence technology.

The government’s emphasis on technological advancements, economic implications, and international collaboration underscores the broader impact of this breakthrough on national security and strategic innovation initiatives.

Australia Pioneering Generative AI in Public Service

The Australian Prime Minister, during a meeting with the Chairman and CEO of an American multinational technology corporation in San Francisco on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, announced the government’s commitment to exploring the responsible application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) within the public service.

The collaboration facilitated through the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), represents a strategic move to bolster the Australian Government’s dedication to investing in tools and capabilities that equip Australians for the evolving job landscape.

This initiative involves a six-month trial of a generative AI service, making Australia one of the pioneering governments globally to deploy such a service. Scheduled to run from January to June 2024, this trial allows Australian Public Service (APS) staff to explore novel ways to innovate and enhance productivity. The overarching goal is to deliver improved government services that align with the evolving needs and expectations of the Australian people.

Integral to this collaboration is the tech firm’s commitment to providing digital training, fostering the development of APS staff’s AI skills and literacy. This proactive approach recognises the importance of upskilling the workforce to effectively leverage the capabilities of generative AI. The government’s focus on investing in training aligns with its broader commitment to ensuring that Australians are well-prepared for the jobs and opportunities emerging in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Australia’s position as a global leader in adopting artificial intelligence for increased productivity, functionality, and fitness for purpose is solidified through this trial. By embracing generative AI, the government aims to revolutionise public service delivery, showcasing its commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to benefit its citizens. The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), which will oversee the trial, is set to evaluate the experiences, feedback, and opportunities arising from this initiative, providing valuable insights for future endeavours in the realm of AI adoption.

This announcement follows the establishment of the AI Taskforce, a collaborative effort led by the DTA and the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources. The trial will adhere to the AI Taskforce guidance, ensuring that the deployment of generative AI in the public service aligns with best practices and ethical considerations.

Furthermore, this development comes on the heels of the Prime Minister’s announcement of Microsoft’s substantial AU$5 billion investment in Australia. This investment encompasses the expansion of hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure, the establishment of the Microsoft Data Centre Academy in partnership with TAFE NSW, and a commitment to train an additional 300,000 Australians through its global skills program. Additionally, collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on Microsoft-ASD Cyber Shield underscores the joint effort to enhance capabilities in identifying, preventing, and responding to cyber threats.

The government’s strategic partnership with the tech firm and its substantial investment underscores a shared vision of positioning Australia as a world-leading digital economy. The emphasis on skills development, infrastructure expansion, and collaboration on cybersecurity initiatives reflects a holistic approach to ensuring the nation is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era.

In parallel, the Australian Government remains committed to leadership in the safe, ethical, and responsible use of technology and data. The commitment extends to meeting community expectations regarding security, fairness, and privacy.

By fostering an innovative culture within the public service and upholding high standards in transparency, risk management, and governance of emerging technologies, the government aims to build trust and confidence in its approach to the responsible use of AI.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the DTA recently released a Request for Information on services and support for generative AI. This proactive step seeks information on generative AI solutions that could serve individual government organisations and contribute to the broader goals of enhancing government services through innovative technologies.

Western Australia Driving Growth with Tech

The Western Australia Government, under the leadership of Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson, has unveiled an initiative aimed at bolstering local innovators in their journey towards commercialisation. This new endeavour, known as the Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) programme, is set to be a game-changer for the tech industry in the region.

The primary objective of the CBG programme, backed by the New Industries Fund, is to provide crucial financial support to Western Australian innovators, helping them traverse the critical bridge between having a commercialised innovation and establishing a sustainable, scalable business model. With a focus on job creation and economic diversification, this programme represents a strategic move by the government to foster innovation in Western Australia.

Under the CBG programme, innovators can apply for grants ranging from AU$ 50,000 to AU$ 200,000, with a requirement for matched funding. A noteworthy feature is that 50% of the grant funding will be made available upfront, streamlining the process for businesses to kickstart their initiatives.

This financial aid can be strategically used for various purposes, including product development, team building, intellectual property initiatives, and enhancing commercialisation readiness, employing both internal and external resources.

The CBG programme complements the already successful Innovation Booster Grant (IBG), which targets early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to develop a minimum viable product. The IBG, offering grants of up to AU$ 40,000 with a minimum 20% matched funds requirement, has been a significant catalyst for innovation since its inception in 2011.

Notably, both the CBG and IBG programmes are now open for applications throughout the year, a departure from the previous annual four-week application window. This change is expected to provide greater flexibility to innovators, allowing them to submit proposals when they are best prepared, rather than being constrained by a rigid deadline.

Since the inception of the IBG programme, over 270 grants, totalling more than AU$ 5 million, have been awarded, reflecting its impact on fostering innovation in the region. The most recent round of IBG grants, announced in July, comprised 43 recipients receiving over AU$ 1.6 million in funding.

Noteworthy success stories include Co-Connect, a startup that developed an app designed to enhance connectivity, safety, and engagement for mine site workers. Having received an IBG last year, Co-Connect’s technology has been successfully implemented on multiple mine sites, and the company has emerged as a finalist in the prestigious WA Innovator of the Year awards. The collective valuation of the 99 most recent IBG recipients currently exceeds AU$400 million, underscoring the programme’s role in nurturing high-value ventures.

In expressing his thoughts on these initiatives, Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting innovators at various stages of development. The shift towards a more flexible application process reflects the government’s recognition of the diverse timelines and readiness levels of innovators, eliminating the stress associated with rigid deadlines. Both the CBG and IBG programmes draw their funding from the New Industries Fund, an AU$25.8 million initiative aimed at propelling new and emerging businesses in Western Australia.

As the tech landscape in Western Australia continues to evolve, these grant programmes stand as pillars of support for the burgeoning community of innovators. The CBG programme, with its emphasis on scaling up businesses, and the IBG programme, catering to early-stage entrepreneurs, together form a comprehensive framework that addresses the diverse needs of the tech ecosystem. The government’s commitment to fostering an innovation-friendly environment is evident in these strategic initiatives, poised to leave a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Western Australia.

The Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) stands as a competitive grant programme by the Western Australian government, backed by the AU$25.8 million New Industries Fund under the jurisdiction of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (JTSI).

Debuting in the fiscal year 2023-24, the CBG is strategically crafted to provide support to innovators in Western Australia, aiding them in overcoming the critical phase often referred to as the ‘Valley of Death.’ This phase denotes the transition from a commercialised innovation to establishing a sustainable, scalable business, with the overarching goal of fostering job creation and economic diversification in Western Australia.

December 3, 2023

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How Australia’s largest pharmacy group protects customer medical record and data

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

Western Australia’s AI Initiatives to Empower Educators

CSIRO Study: Navigating the Complexities of AI

Australia: UOW’s Drive to Secure UAV Tech

Australia Redefining Defence Tech

Australia Pioneering Generative AI in Public Service

Western Australia Driving Growth with Tech

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