The Minister for Economic Development, Michael Aird, today congratulated Tasmanian company AQ1 Systems for securing $1.85 million in funding to develop cutting-edge technology for the global prawn farming industry.
Mr Aird said funding from the CSIRO’s Australian Growth Partnerships program will allow AQ1 Systems to work with the world class Tasmanian ICT Centre (TasICTC) on smart sensor systems for prawn aquaculture.
“This collaboration is predicted to provide $15 million in extra revenue for Australian prawn farmers and open global markets in excess of $500m for AQ1 Systems. This initiative should generate high tech jobs and export earnings in a significant outcome for Tasmania,” he said.
“The project aims to reduce feed wastage and improve feed utilisation to improve the growth rate of farmed prawns.
“This will mean more prawns per pond and larger prawns with higher market value.
“Aquaculture and marine science are areas where Tasmania has a natural, economic and scientific advantage.
“It is important to maximise our competitive advantage in these areas through the collaboration of business with best practice research in science and technology.”
Mr Aird said Ross Dodd and his team from AQ1 Systems are internationally recognised for their knowledge and skills in acoustic and optical sensing technology for fisheries and aquaculture.
“Together with sister company Myriax Software, they work with over 250 marine research institutes globally and major aquaculture industries in 18 countries,” he said.
Mr Aird also congratulated TasICTC CEO, Dr Steve Giugni, on the partnership and recognised the world class research and jobs the centre is generating for Tasmania.
“The TasICTC has employed 31 highly qualified research staff and seven PhD students in a joint program with the University of Tasmania.
“The research sector in Tasmania generates employment and postgraduate positions for around 3000 people and brings $210 million dollars into the state each year.”
TasICTC conducts innovative applied research in the areas of sensor networks, data management and robotics and seeks to commercialise outcomes from this research.
The $30 million Centre is jointly funded through CSIRO and the Intelligent Island program.
Intelligent Island is funded through the Australian Government and managed by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts.
