Enabling innovation

Investing in enabling technologies

Enabling technologies like nanotechnology and biotechnology have applications across a wide range of fields, requiring national coordination to ensure an environment where these technologies can flourish. Through funding of $38.2 million, the Government will establish a coordinating office to ensure public information, health and safety concerns are addressed and to build nanometrology infrastructure, expertise and capabilities.

The Government will also provide $8 million to build a European Molecular Biology Laboratory complex at Monash University to support international engagement on biomolecular research.

Supporting research through ICT

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a pervasive and transforming technology for all industries and will continue to be an important driver of innovation across the economy. The Government will support ICT research through $185.5 million in funding for National ICT Australia, the largest organisation in Australia dedicated to ICT research and commercialisation. Funding for ICT research is complementary to the $43 billion investment in the National Broadband Network.