Tech & Innovation

The 2010 Australian Innovation Festival celebrates its ninth anniversary by again focusing on the 4Cs of Innovation -- Creativity, Connections, Collaboration and Commercialisation. This year’s Festival theme “Building Sustainable Businesses” highlights the importance of innovation during this period of regeneration from last year’s global economic uncertainty.

They promised us flying cars, back in the day, and I don't know about you but mine hasn't been delivered yet. Never mind. For the time being I'll settle for one of these. The Martin Jetpack shows just how far jetpack technology has come since Rocketman ignited the imaginations of little (and big) boys with his demonstration at the '84 Olympics in Los Angeles.

So many iPhone apps are designed to enrich your life. Here's one that could one day save it. The Silent Bodyguard is a personal security app that sends an discreet SOS distress signal, with GPS coordinates, to pre-programmed rescuers via a panic button.

“All humans want is to touch and own shiny objects. I am pretty sure it is hard-wired into our brains right alongside breathing, pumping blood, sex and sleeping. You might think you’re above all that, but you’re not.

As founder of Oracle, one of the pre-internet powerhouse technology companies, you might expect Larry Ellison to be cynical of all this talk about cloud computing. He is.

As founder of Oracle, one of the pre-internet powerhouse technology companies, you might expect Larry Ellison to be cynical of all this talk about cloud computing. He is.

Much of the discussion about business innovation and commercialisation in this country focuses on technology transfer and public R&D. However, it’s worth reminding ourselves that agriculture and primary industries still constitute a large proportion of Australia’s GDP. And these sectors are crying out for innovation reform too. Brian Ramsay explains the significance of the upcoming Productivity Commission inquiry into rural R&D corporations.

Much of the discussion about business innovation and commercialisation in this country focuses on technology transfer and public R&D. However, it’s worth reminding ourselves that agriculture and primary industries still constitute a large proportion of Australia’s GDP. And these sectors are crying out for innovation reform too. Brian Ramsay explains the significance of the upcoming Productivity Commission inquiry into rural R&D corporations.

While in Copenhagen for last year’s climate change summit, Anthill contributor Dave Sag had an opportunity to test drive the Fluence, Renaut’s 100 percent electric car. As Sag reports, the loudest thing about the Fluence is its indicator. But is it a game-changer?

The award winning W+W is an L-shaped single unit toilet sink all-in-one system with a stunning minimalist design. Developed by the Roca Innovation Lab and designed by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti.

This spoof of "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys has been climbing up the viral charts. Produced by Pantless Knights, it's a tribute to The New Dork ruling the roost in today's tech world. It's catchy, and you can even download the free MP3.

There are numerous programs and indexes launched each year to assess a country's innovation capabilities. Among the most comprehensive and credible is the Global Innovation Index prepared by INSEAD, which last week released its 2009-2010 report, revealing some unexpected outcomes. According to the report, Australia is losing its way as a country supportive of innovation. However, its innovation outputs are on the rise.

There are numerous programs and indexes launched each year to assess a country's innovation capabilities. Among the most comprehensive and credible is the Global Innovation Index prepared by INSEAD, which last week released its 2009-2010 report, revealing some unexpected outcomes. According to the report, Australia is losing its way as a country supportive of innovation. However, its innovation outputs are on the rise.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards is one of the most prestigious awards for business in Australia. The purpose of the Entrepreneur of the Year award is to recognize excellence in entrepreneurial achievement and business leadership. Established internationally twenty-four years ago, The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year contest is currently held in over 50 different countries.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards is one of the most prestigious awards for business in Australia. The purpose of the Entrepreneur of the Year award is to recognize excellence in entrepreneurial achievement and business leadership. Established internationally twenty-four years ago, The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year contest is currently held in over 50 different countries.

Picture this. You are at a party. You casually mention a problem you’ve had with your computer. Before you know it, someone you barely know creeps up and whispers the words “you need a server” and then disappears before they ever really showed up. You are left confused and on your own with those words ringing in your ear.

Sure, they may have the coordination of an engineer in O-week and the optical capabilities of Arthur Dent after three Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters but that didn't stop Australia's web glitterati (Or is that 'clickerati'?) from donning their best converse sneakers, their thickest of black horn rimmed glasses and their favourite irony fuelled Threadless tees to party hard at the Peninsula Function Centre in Melbourne's Docklands.

Sure, they may have the coordination of an engineer in O-week and the optical capabilities of Arthur Dent after three Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters but that didn't stop Australia's web glitterati (Or is that 'clickerati'?) from donning their best converse sneakers, their thickest of black horn rimmed glasses and their favourite irony fuelled Threadless tees to party hard at the Peninsula Function Centre in Melbourne's Docklands.

The Australian Packaging Awards is an industry sponsored contest that is organised by the Packaging Council of Australia (www.pca.org.au) that invites Australian package designers to showcase their work and compete for top national recognition. This contest allows Australian designers and manufacturers to showcase their talent, people and products both nationally and internationally.

According to a report in the New York Times, Swedish entrepreneur Anders Wilhelmson has developed and tested a biodegradable plastic bag that acts as a single-use toilet for urban slums in the developing world. The Peepoo can be buried after use, where a layer of urea crystals kills off pathogens that produce disease and converts the waste into fertilizer.