January 22, 2015
Cutting-edge research and innovation showcased during Premier’s visit
NSW Premier meets emerging entrepreneurs and discovers latest 3D printing and medical bionics research.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings welcomes NSW Premier The Hon Mike Baird MP to the Innovation Campus
The Premier of New South Wales, The Hon Mike Baird MP, toured UOW’s Innovation Campus today, where he met the emerging entrepreneurs and saw the latest developments in 3D printing and medical bionics research.
The State Government delegation to UOW included the Premier, The Hon John Ajaka MLC, Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Minister for the Illawarra; Mr Lee Evans MP, Member for Heathcote; and Mr Gareth Ward MP, Member for Kiama.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings gave the delegation an overview of the University’s recent and planned major initiatives, including the agreement with the City University of Hong Kong to assume stewardship of the Community College of City University, strengthening UOW’s position as a global higher education provider in North-East Asia.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined the economic contribution made by the Innovation Campus, a $500 million, 33-hectare research and commercial precinct that currently employs around 1,500 people.
The Premier also met with entrepreneurs during a tour of iAccelerate, a UOW innovation hub to help startup companies grow and thrive, taking the time to discuss the ideas behind projects including social media monitoring software, a portable standing desk and medical devices to improve lymphedema treatment.
Premier Mike Baird talks to ZestDesk founder James Moore (left) and iAccelerate CEO Elizabeth Eastland (Centre).
Mr Baird saw the site where $16.5 million from the NSW State Government’s $100 million Restart Illawarra Infrastructure Fund is being used to build the iAccelerate Centre, the region's first purpose-built high-tech incubator.
The latest developments in 3D printing and biomedical research where demonstrated at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), located at the Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM) facility.
ACES Director Professor Gordon Wallace explained how fundamental research was being accelerated through 3D printing, which has enabled new fabrication techniques and rapid prototyping.
Researchers explained how they have used 3D printing to fabricate a protective sheath for the cochlear implant embedded with anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling for patients who receive and implant.
ACES Director Professor Gordon Wallace (left) shows NSW Premier Mike Baird 3D printed objects.
Professor Paul Wellings thanked the Premier and fellow MPs for visiting the campus.
“We are delighted to showcase UOW’s work on the Innovation Campus, including some of the activities in the iAccelerate facilities,” he said. “These will be enhanced with the construction of the new building, funded by the Restart Illawarra Infrastructure Fund.
“UOW’s ability to provide world-class education, groundbreaking research and novel innovation programs are helping to drive the transformation of the Illawarra. In the past 40 years, as an independent institution, the University has built to an enviable international reputation and is strategically important for the long-term economic and social ambitions of NSW.”
Professor Wellings presented The Premier with a cricket ball signed by UOW ambassador Adam Gilchrist as a memento of his visit.