Skip to content
 The Tasmanian Government has assumed a caretaker role ahead of the election for the Tasmanian House of Assembly. It is important during this time that Tasmanian Government resources are not used to communicate political material. As such, no political or election material will be placed on this site.

Department of State Growth

Science and Technology

Tasmania’s science and technology community is thriving. Many internationally renowned institutions such as the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence in Ore Deposits and Australian Maritime College are located here. Key national research bodies located in Tasmania include Australian Antarctic Division, and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, addressing challenges of local and global significance. The Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway is one example of a Science and Technology cluster that has already achieved unique global significance and will continue to grow our export dollars and numbers of internationally acclaimed scientists to Tasmania.

As the most internet-connected jurisdiction in Australia, Tasmania also has many established and start-up technology and service companies, which are experiencing success in international markets. These are broader than information and communication technology, also incorporating technology and service businesses with a reach into advanced manufacturing, food and agribusiness, consulting, engineering and other sectors.

Case Study

Many Tasmanian businesses provide goods and services that support the complex science undertaken in Antarctic and the Southern Ocean.  These businesses are represented by the industry organisation, the Tasmanian Polar Network.

National Antarctic Programs from Australia, France, Italy, China, the United States, New Zealand, Korea, Russia and Japan buy a wide range of high quality products especially suited for use in Antarctic and Southern Ocean conditions from TPN members.

The Department of State Growth supports the international engagement activities of the TPN across the global Antarctic sector, including attendance at meetings of the key operational managers who purchase logistical support for national Antarctic programs, participation in trade missions, and identification of market opportunities.   As a result of engagement with the Chinese Antarctic Program during a recent trade mission to China, the Chinese announced their intention to schedule two port calls of their icebreaker Xuelong in Hobart this season.  This will deliver an estimated $2.5 million into the Tasmanian economy and provide opportunity for further interaction between Tasmanian businesses, TPN members and the Antarctic scientific community.

Learn more