Eyes on the cleantech prize

Clean technology innovation is changing the way we do business. Companies around the country are improving their productivity, profitability and competitiveness by investing in new energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

This is the way of the future – driving productivity through processes enhanced by clean technology.

Australian cleantech companies can help provide these productivity solutions, whether it’s renewable energy, water, waste, recycling, energy efficiency, energy storage, building products, transport technologies and environmental services.

While there are tremendous opportunities to grow a strong clean technology supply network in Australia, we have to accept that our clean technology manufacturers and small- and medium-sized businesses can struggle to get a foot in the door when dealing with large companies.

To assist Australian firms win more work, it is necessary to ensure they have the capability and capacity to understand and meet the market need. A series of platforms are available to strengthen Australian clean technology companies and help them develop their business plans and marketing capability to best position themselves for customer needs in a competitive environment.

One of these platforms is the 2012 Australian Clean Technologies Competition, which is now open for entries from aspiring clean technology companies wanting national or global success. It is a valuable experience for up to 30 semi-finalists, providing rigorous training, mentoring and development on how to take their business to the next level.

The Australian Clean Technologies Competition helps small clean technology companies get that foot in the door – raising their profile, promoting their product and explaining their value proposition.

Winning the Australian Clean Technologies Competition last year was a definite game-changer for Adelaide-based SMAC Technologies who are deploying their energy-saving temperature control technology in office buildings, museums and art galleries, libraries and hospitals in Australia, Asia and North America.

The competition not only raised the profile for the business and their technology. It has also provided valuable business planning and mentoring opportunities.

To support the growth of the cleantech sector, Clean Technology Capability Teams are groups of Australian cleantechs working together to provide solutions to key sectors including Manufacturing, Food and Beverages, Mining and Processing, and the Built Environment and Infrastructure. A team is also focused on developing countries. The Capability Teams provide a mechanism for clean technology companies to collaborate in their dealings with customer groups and collectively enhance customer operations.

Customers will continue to look for sustainable solutions to deliver value and cost savings in their operations, whether a commercial office building or a coal mine, and Australian manufacturers and suppliers are well positioned to take advantage of this growing demand. By strategically focusing their capabilities, our clean technology companies can be an innovative and competitive force into the future.

Entries for the 2012 Australian Clean Technologies Competition will close on 26 June with further information at www.cleantechopen.com.au.

Dr Marc Newson, is a Clean Technologies Supplier Advocate. Appointed by the Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation, Dr Newson is working with Australian cleantechs to grow their businesses and helping to capture opportunities for those firms. The role has a specific focus on small to medium enterprises to develop their capabilities, capacity and access to project opportunities.

Dr Newson has an extensive career in environmental management and product development. He has worked with federal and state governments on improving environmental reporting, negotiating cooperative agreements for emission reduction, designing performance metrics and training teams on environmental management techniques. In senior roles with leading consulting firms like Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers he has led teams supporting businesses developing and deploying carbon market solutions and other aspects of cleantech market growth.