Official launch of AustCyber’s cybersecurity Innovation Node
Last week, Tasmania cybersecurity Innovation Node was jointly launched in Launceston at Enterprize Macquarie House by the Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer MP, and the Hon. Michael Ferguson MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for State Growth, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Science and Technology, Leader of the House.
The node is the latest addition to AustCyber's national network of cybersecurity Innovation Nodes, designed to foster and accelerate cyber capability development and innovation across the country.
It is jointly funded by AustCyber – the Australian cybersecurity Growth Network – and the Tasmanian Government, with Enterprize Tasmania as the delivery partner.
Cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly expanding sectors worldwide.
Global spending on cybersecurity products and services is expected to increase by 88% over the next eight years, from around US$145 billion today to almost US$270 billion in 2026.
In Australia in 2018, external spending on cybersecurity products and services grew by eight per cent to AU$3.9 billion.
This compares with six per cent growth in 2017. While Australia's cybersecurity sector is still developing, there is the potential to capture a significant share of the growing global cybersecurity market.
"AustCyber was established as part of the Australian Government's Industry Growth Centres Initiative and as a non-profit organisation, is focused on growing a globally competitive cybersecurity sector for Australia," says AustCyber CEO Michelle Price.
"As a local presence for AustCyber, the Node will ensure Tasmania benefits from the activities outlined in Australia's cybersecurity Sector Competitiveness Plan, supporting sustained industry growth around servicing domestic cybersecurity needs while exporting capabilities to the world.
"The Tasmania Node will have a particular focus on driving national strategy in the smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT) and marine technology sectors. Growth in the sector locally will attract business investment, create employment opportunities and support Australia's national security through development of advanced cybersecurity capability.
"We are humbled by the industry and community support at the launch today and excited about the opportunities unfolding for the cybersecurity sector in Tasmania," adds Tasmania cybersecurity Innovation Node manager Casey Farrell.
"We're set for a busy year delivering Node activities – including the addition of a cybersecurity stream to the Enterprize incubator, supporting early stage cybersecurity startups, and numerous community-building activities to continue to bring new talent into the sector.
The launch was followed by a panel discussion featuring leading voices in Australia's cybersecurity ecosystem – Fiona Turner (Co-Founder at Bitwise Agronomy, President at Startup Tasmania, Senior Consultant at Nukon), Mike Cruse (Founder and CEO at Definium Technologies), Jeffrey Hawkins (Managing Director at Pivot Maritime International) and Malcolm Layton (Co-Founder at Fortify Edge).
