NSW Government uses CeBIT to flag $1 million for mobile technology projects

The NSW Government will pour almost $1 million into seven mobile technology projects, it announced at CeBIT Australia 2012, in its latest bid to position the state as a technology hotspot.

CeBIT Australia, held in Sydney from May 22-24, is the combination of a business technology exhibition, global conferences and networking events.

The NSW Government has used CeBIT as a platform to flag government initiatives, namely its intention to provide nearly $1 million to help seven consortiums develop new mobile solutions.

The solutions, which will be developed for the public sector under the government’s Mobile Government initiative, will be trialled with NSW Trade & Investment.

According to NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, NSW Trade & Investment received a total of 20 consortium submissions for its Mobile Government program.

“[NSW Trade & Investment] will support up to 30% of project costs to a maximum of $200,000,” Stoner said in a statement.

“Collectively, the seven successful consortiums announced today expect to invest a total of $4 million in their projects.”

“Over the next three years, [they will] create over 200 jobs and $80 million dollars in revenue, including $50 million in exports.”

Stoner said while all seven projects are by small- to medium-sized ICT companies, many are supported by multinationals, with one supported by the University of Technology in Sydney.

“These projects will provide a range of technology improvements – digital services to enhance the 21^st century visitor experience at cultural institutions [and] smart camera mobile technology to tackle exhibit theft,” Stoner said.

“[Other projects provide] mobile technology to help streamline trade missions, and a highly scalable infrastructure platform to support development of mobile applications for government.”

The news comes as Stoner announced the appointment of NSW’s senior businesses representative in the United States, charged with the task of spearheading the government’s efforts to secure a slice of the technology boom in Silicon Valley.

Stoner said Jason Seed will take up the position of director of trade and investment in the NSW Government’s business office in Redwood City in California next month.

According to Stoner, Seed brings “considerable” business experience in the US and Australia, and strong business networks to his new role.

“Through his recent employment with international software solutions companies, Mr Seed has developed a thorough understanding of Silicon Valley, the American IT sector, the challenges faced by start-ups, and the venture capital environment,” Stoner said.

“Mr Seed will be working to build local partnerships with government, business and industry associations to enhance awareness of NSW’s capabilities, and the state’s attractiveness as a destination for business, education and tourism.”

Meanwhile, more than 60 of Sydney’s digital entrepreneurs and chief executives gathered last night for the official launch of DigiSyd, an event that brings together Australia’s digital leaders.

Hosted by brandsExclusive, StyleTread and Amaysim, regular networking events will be held for the founders, senior executives and chief technology officers of online and mobile companies.

Last night’s event was attended by the likes of eBay, PayPal, Spreets, Grays Online, Deals Direct, Gumtree, Shoes of Prey, Shopping.com, LinkMe, Getprice and Airbnb.

“DigiSyd is like a family reunion for senior decision-makers and pioneers,” brandsExclusive co-founder Daniel Jarosch says.

“No lengthy presentations, no sales pitches – only inspired conversation amongst friends.”