Australian government at all levels is committed to supporting and assisting innovative Australian high-tech companies in their export endeavours. This page is intended to help you navigate the various programs and agencies that are available to assist your business.
Backing Australia's Ability
The Australian Government is committed to supporting the Australian technology industry through its innovation strategy, Backing Australia's Ability. The strategy, developed with assistance from the business, education and scientific communities, is a significant step in harnessing the collective talent, energy and resources of all those dedicated to securing Australia's economic future. It represents a commitment to pursue excellence in research, science and technology, to build an even more highly skilled workforce and increase opportunities for taking new ideas to market.
Australian Technology Showcase
The Australian Showcase (ATS) is an international web-based campaign to promote leading-edge Australian technology and the skills of local hi-tech companies.
ATS has a rigorous selection process for potential showcase technologies, including references and evaluation by the ATS secretariat according to objective criteria concerning innovation, market appeal, export potential and commercial feasibility. Applications are accepted from companies in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
ATS was originally an initiative of the Olympics Business Round Table, established by the NSW Government to maximise the economic benefits associated with the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The Commonwealth Government has been a keen supporter of the ATS since its inception in April 1997, and continues to support the initiative as part of the Innovation Access Program announced as part of the Backing Australia's Ability policy statement.
ATS selection is regarded highly by customers in Australia and overseas. Innovative Australian technology companies are strongly encouraged to apply to join ATS to benefit from the networking, business advice and support, and international profile granted to members.
Secrets of IT Innovation
The Secrets of IT Innovation is a government and industry-sponsored competition aimed at Australian-based companies, research organisations, universities and individuals undertaking ground-breaking IT research and development. Winners of the competition receive the opportunity to participate in major IT industry events both nationally and internationally, and present their technologies to a global audience. Winners are also profiled in material used to promote Australia as an innovative nation.
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Federal Government agency that helps Australian companies win overseas business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets.
Austrade's mission is to contribute to community wealth by helping more Australians succeed in export and international business.
Austrade administers the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme and, through TradeStart, delivers a range of programs to new exporters:
- Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme
The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme is the Australian Government’s principal financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. It aims to encourage small and medium-sized Australian businesses to develop export markets.
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Programs for new exporters
Austrade and TradeStart offer a package of free services to assist small and medium-sized Australian companies develop their businesses overseas and make their first export sale. The program is designed to give Australian businesses the best possible start to exporting. Services include information and advice about getting into exporting, export coaching and assistance on the ground in foreign markets.
Austrade services
Austrade provides a range of information and advisory services to Australian IT companies to help them select, enter and expand their overseas markets. Learn more about Austrade’s services to Australian ICT companies.
Australian government at every level – federal, state and local – is an enthusiastic partner in the development of the national capacity in ICT.
Australian government is a major user of ICT enabling technologies. Similarly, government policy is attuned to fostering the development of a robust, internationally competitive and export-oriented ICT industry in Australia.
This section provides links to the most important policy documents, agencies and resources covering the ICT sector in Australia:
Commonwealth Government
Download this handy booklet from the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts on Australian Government support for the ICT sector.
Australian Capital Territory Government
New South Wales Government
Northern Territory
Queensland Government
South Australian Government
Tasmanian Government
Victorian Government
Western Australian Government