The EOS observatory at Mt Stromlo. Photo: EOS
Canberra companies are reaching for the stars, with space and defence industry provider EOS Defence Systems named 2018 ACT Exporter of the Year and now having a shot at the national awards taking place in Canberra in November.
EOS Defence Systems develops advanced technologies for the defence and space markets, and according to Chief Minister Andrew Barr, the ACT is home to growing number of research and development companies supporting the Australian aeronautical industry.
“The emergence of this industry is creating more jobs in our city. Approximately one in four Australian space sector jobs are currently located in Canberra,” he said.
Mr Barr is heading up a strong push from ACT universities and businesses for Canberra to be the permanent home of the National Space Agency.
EOS is leading the way against the dangers of space junk. It says on its website that it’s space business is focused on the design, manufacture and delivery of electro-optic systems which enhance and support orbital data services to the space industry, developing new technologies in support of space debris management and asset management in space, including orbit maintenance support.
The award winners are:
- Business Services: ThinkPlace Australia
- Creative Industries: Thylacine Exhibition
- Educations & Training: iSimulate
- Environmental Solutions: Sentinel
- Health & Biotechnology: Aspen Medical
- Digital Technologies: Seeing Machines
- Manufacturing: EOS Defence Systems Pty Ltd
- Minerals & Energy and Exporting to Asia: IT Power
- E-Commerce: GymAware
- Regional Exporter: Telsoft
- Small Business: Biometix
- Emerging Exporter: Instaclustr
- 2018 ACT Exporter of the Year: EOS Defence Systems
ACT Business Chamber CEO Robyn Hendry said the ACT was establishing a reputation as an incubator for world-leading cybersecurity, space and defence firms.
“Canberra businesses are increasingly spreading their wings overseas,” she said. “Our Territory performs well-above its weight in knowledge, technology, innovation and service exports. We are easily outstripping other states and territories on average annual goods and services export growth over the last five years, at 7.6 per cent.”
Mr Barr said the ACT economy continued to perform strongly, supported by the hard work, innovation and success of Canberra businesses reaching new global markets.
“The ACT’s value of exports in goods and services rose from $1.59 billion in 2015 to $1.95 billion in 2018 – an increase of 23 per cent. International education exports have increased by 58 per cent from $555 million in 2014, putting $879 million into the Canberra economy in 2017,” he said.
The ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards served to raise awareness and showcase ACT exporters on the national and international stage, Mr Barr said.
The national category winners now progress to the 56th Australian Export Awards at the National Arboretum Canberra on 27 November 2018.
“The ACT will be very competitive at the Australian Export Awards in all categories,” Ms Hendry said. “We will be cheering on each of the ACT’s entrants.”
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