Australia chosen for IBM’s newest R&D laboratory
25 October 2011
Australia is now home to the first IBM laboratory to combine the US-based company’s world-class research and development (R&D) in a single location.
IBM Research and Development – Australia was officially opened in Melbourne on 14 October 2011 after commencing operations earlier this year. The new R&D laboratory will focus on creating new innovation in response to a range of global problems.
In partnership with Australian research institutions – such as the University of Melbourne – IBM Research and Development – Australia will focus on three key areas: Smarter Natural Resource Management; Smarter Natural Disaster Management; and Smarter Healthcare and Life Sciences.
Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, Dr John E. Kelly III says the lab will bring Australia’s top scientists together with industry experts and government to extend IBM’s global R&D footprint and accelerate world-class innovation.
“Research and development plays a vital role in IBM’s strategy for growth,” says Dr Kelly.
“We look forward to working with the Australian technical and scientific community on some of the most pressing problems and greatest opportunities of our time.”
IBM considered a number of possibilities as locations for a new lab. Australia was shortlisted in late 2009 with the assistance of the Australian Trade Commission and the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR).
IBM said it chose Australia because of its world-class talent, its robust economy, and the opportunities presented by its investment in a high-speed broadband network.
By 2015, the new facility is expected to employ 150 people and already IBM has begun recruiting world-class researchers from Australia and abroad.
Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said: “This is a strategic win for Australia and recognition that Australia is able to compete for global investment opportunities and help create high-skill, high-wage, sustainable jobs for the future.”
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