A world-first scanner – manufactured right here in Victoria – will provide four-dimensional respiratory analysis to better diagnose and treat lung conditions.

Visiting Monash University in Clayton today, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan was given a first look at the new technology which will soon be delivered to medical research hospitals around the world.

For the first time, clinicians will be able to capture images that give a highly-detailed look at the motion and airflow within breathing lungs – at a lower cost and at lower radiation levels.

This will provide doctors with a better picture of lung diseases, helping them to intervene earlier and make better decisions.

The Andrews Labor Government’s Sector Growth Program has provided funding support to a consortium – made up of 4Dx Limited, Hydrix and Monash University – to invest in a $2.4 million pre-clinical scanner project.

It will create 56 new jobs – including highly-skilled roles in design, engineering, research and development.

The consortium hopes to unlock new markets for 4Dx technology manufactured in Victoria.

The first two scanners will be delivered to the United States by the end of this year – with a further three units to be supplied to other world-leading hospitals by the end of 2018.

The project is expected to generate at least $6.7 million in export revenue over a two year period.

The Sector Growth Program provides grants of up to $1 million to support Victoria’s future industries. The medical technologies and pharmaceuticals sector alone employs more than 20,000 people and generates $10 billion in revenue.

For more information about these grants, visit www.business.vic.gov.au/sectorgrowth

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“Victorian innovation in medical technologies is well and truly on a global stage.”

“This is a ground-breaking project that will strengthen our advanced manufacturing industry, create jobs and support future medical research.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“We welcome any new technology that will enable our medical professionals to better understand respiratory illnesses and lung conditions.”

“Developments like this can only lead to better diagnoses, better treatments, and better outcomes for patients.”

Quote attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos

“This is an exciting project which will generate dozens of jobs in a growing industry, and support medical research into the future.”