Launch of The Australian Nano Business Forum - Victorian Chapter

A major milestone in Australian Nanotechnology was reached on 16th August, when the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Nano Business Forum was formally launched in Melbourne.  More than 170 people representing nanotechnology interests in the manufacturing, health, research and government sectors attended a gala function.

The Hon. John Brumby, MP, Treasurer and Minister for Innovation (pictured right announcing launch) gave the keynote address outlining the infrastructure and business initiatives that were enabling Victoria’s success in the development and commercialisation of these technologies.  Mr Brumby highlighted leading Victorian nanotechnology companies such as iGlass, Starpharma, and Universal Biosensors.

The Australian Nano Business Forum is a national organisation which was established following the 2nd Australian Nanotechnology Conference, held in Melbourne late September 2005.  Participants at this conference agreed that an organisation, loosely modelled on the Nanobusiness Alliance in the USA, was necessary to further develop and promote the Australian nanotechnology industry.  The Victorian Government has provided seed funding for the establishment of the ANBF, which will sustain its operations through membership fees and events.  A CEO is being recruited, and the ANBF already has over 200 members.

The key activities of the ANBF include:

• providing information to members on nanotechnology developments and issues;
  
• providing a forum for interaction between nanotechnology companies, their suppliers and collaborators;
  
• presenting a collective industry view to political and regulatory decision-makers; and
  
• marketing Australian nanotechnology to other countries and to firms interested in local investment.