Finalists from a national competition to find the next big innovation will have their products on show in a free exhibition at the Melbourne Museum from 14 May.
Organised by Innovic, the Next Big Thing Award 2008 has resulted in innovators from around the country putting forward their ideas about how to solve some of Australia’s most pressing problems.
Innovic chief executive, Joss Evans, says this year's entries "reflect the big medical, environmental, social, economic and other challenges we face as a nation".
These include a surgical drilling simulator to help clinicians practice sensitive and potentially dangerous medical drilling techniques on the skull; a robotic golf caddy that follows the golfer using radio frequency and computer processors; a shock absorbing foam liner for helmets and a portable machine that facilitates the recycling of fluorescent tubes.
Evans says the calibre of the applications highlights the huge pool of creativity and ingenuity in the wider community.
"The award brings these ideas out of hiding. Previous finalists are already making sales of over $85.8 million per annum and are exporting to 42 countries,” she says.
Visitors will be able to vote in the People's Choice award via SMS and online and will be in the draw to win an iPod. The winner will be presented with a cheque for $5,000 plus prizes and a trophy.