Microsoft to co-fund QLD R&D facility

Microsoft Australia has announced a new partnership aimed at helping scientists with their research and development into sustainable resources.

Microsoft Australia has announced a new partnership aimed at helping scientists with their research and development into environmental issues.

In conjunction with the Queensland University of Technology and the Queensland Government, the software company will fund a new eResearch Lab to be built in Brisbane.

The lab – one of 12 labs across the globe – will allow for scientific collaboration on research into the areas of water management, urban planning and climate change.

Microsoft, the Queensland Government and QUT will each contribute $900,000 over three years to reach a total of $2.7 million to fund the lab’s creation.

Craig Foster, Queensland state director for Microsoft Australia, said in a statement that the lab would provide researchers with ways to streamline and accelerate their analysis of data.

Any intellectual property created at the facility would be owned by QUT but Microsoft would be granted a license to commercialise any IP generated, Microsoft said.

To date the company has provided about $6 million in grants and resources over the last four years to Queensland education and government ICT projects.