Western Sydney manufacturing set for ‘BiG’ digital transformation

Innovation is on the agenda as Western Sydney University's Launch Pad hosts the second 'Bridging the Innovation Gap' (BiG) event,(opens in a new window) in partnership with the NSW Department of Industry.

To be held on Friday 16 June 2017 at the Werrington Park Corporate Centre, the 'BiG' event is bringing leading edge advanced digital technology to Western Sydney.

Don Wright, Manager of the Launch Pad Technology Business Incubator, says the manufacturing industry is being transformed by digital technologies.

"The Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) presents unlimited opportunities for manufacturing. By harnessing digital technologies, it is possible for businesses to generate whole new services and revenue streams," says Mr Wright.

"The aim of this event is to broaden the horizons of manufacturing businesses in Western Sydney. By improving their understanding of digital technologies, we can open new avenues for their businesses and work to ensure their future competitiveness and sustainability."

Western Sydney SMEs and entrepreneurs will attend the event to hear presentations from world-leading experts in digital transformation, including:

• David Chuter, CEO, Innovative Manufacturing Coop Research Centre
• Duncan Challen, Executive Director of Industry Development, NSW Department of Industry
• Belinda Vassallo, GE Digital A&NZ, Country Leader
• Venkat Sarma, Head of IoT, L&T Infotech
• Paul Francis, Director, IoT KPMG Australia
• Professor Andre van Schaik, Research Professor, MARCS Institute
• Dr Andy Marks, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Strategy and Projects, Western Sydney University
• Dr Nico Adams, Manager IoT/Industrial Internet DATA61 | CSIRO
• Michael O'Keefe, IoT and Advanced Analytics Lead, Microsoft
• James Bligh, Senior Manager, Commercial Feasibility at NAB

The event will also highlight the outcomes of Launch Pad's "Smart Manufacturing Accelerator" program – an initiative that supports Western Sydney manufacturing SME's to scale-up, collaborate and innovate through exposure to leading edge technologies.

The Accelerator Program is funded by the NSW Government's Boosting Business Innovation program and supported by delivery partners including KPMG, NAB, LTI, GE Digital and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.