UOW student named NSW Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the Year

Nov 14, 2005

A PhD student in the University of Wollongong's Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences has been named NSW Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the Year and received her prize at the Young Achievement Australia (YAA) awards in Sydney last week (10 November 2005).

Karen Walton is working at UOW's SMART Food Centre and completing research into hospital food service systems and the quality of nutrition support for rehabilitating patients.

She is the Human Relations Director for the company 'Industrya' which is part of the YAA biotechnology entrepreneur program and was created this year by a group of UOW postgraduate students with the aim to produce fun-filled books to teach children about biotechnology. YAA provides unique opportunities for young Australians to actively participate in enterprise programs.

Industrya recently launched its first children's book which allows 8 to 12-year-olds to learn about the science behind biotechnology through a series of experiments, fun facts and puzzles. All proceeds from the book are donated to the Children's Ward at Wollongong Hospital.

The competition for the NSW Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the Year involved a self-nomination and the completion of a 2-hour business theory exam in which Karen gained first place. The award, which was sponsored by the Department of State and Regional Development, will involve attendance at the AusBiotech 2005 conference in Perth later this month.

“To receive this award is very exciting and I am particularly looking forward to participating in the AusBiotech conference which is very relevant to my background in dietetics,” said Karen.

”Working with Industrya has been a wonderful chance to get hands on experience and learn how to effectively establish, run and liquidate a company.”