Australian innovators crowned in iAwards

An indoor mobile mapping system and a secure on-premise Dropbox alternative are among the winning projects recognised during the 2013 iAwards.

The ICT innovation and productivity awards were handed out during a ceremony and gala dinner at Crown Melbourne late last week.

The ceremony was attended by Kate Lundy, Minister assisting for Innovation and Industry and Minister Assisting for the Digital Economy; Craig Ondarchie, Victorian Government Parliamentary Secretary; as well as guests from across the business, government and education sectors.

This year’s winners included the CSIRO for Zebedee, a handheld 3D mapping system that uses lasers to create indoor and outdoor maps that do not rely on GPS.

New South Wales’ Avoka won the New Product award for its Avoka Transact transaction experience management platform.

Podzy’s eponymous secure on-premise Dropbox alternative won the Tools award, while Xero and Payroll picked up the Financial award for its Payroll by Xero accounting software.

All told, 45 awards and merits were handed out to companies, public sector groups, government departments, entrepreneurs and students.

Susan Sly, director of information management and technology at VicRoads, won the CIO of the year award. Creative Collective CEO Yvette Adams was meanwhile named ICT Woman of the Year.

University of Melbourne research professor Rod Tucker and honorary fellow Robert Elz were inducted into the Pearcey hall of fame, while DSTO chief scientist Alex Zelinsky won the Pearcey Medal.

The full list of winners and runners-up can be viewed here.

Pictured: CSIRO receiving award, courtesy of iawards.com.au