i3net executive officer Tony Green organised the event in less than five weeks, and manufacturing and engineering firms heard about a number of opportunities.

An industry breakfast was well attended and heard Lend Lease Engineering business development manager Stephen Harmer speak about projects inside and outside the region that could provide opportunities for Illawarra business.

Heron Resources chief executive officer and managing director Wayne Taylor spoke about developments at the Woodlawn zinc-copper mine.

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) business development leader Dr Timothy Boyle highlighted several projects underway at the Lucas Heights facility that delivers more than 10,000 doses of nuclear medicine to 224 hospitals and clinics in Australia every week.

Molybdenum-99 for example accounts for 80 per cent of all nuclear medicine procedures and is a key to diagnosing heart disease, cancer, neurological disorders and other conditions.

It helps treat 40 million patients a year.

‘’One in two Australians will require an ANSTO nuclear medicine during their lifetime,’’ Dr Boyle said.

ANSTO is becoming more globally important as some of the biggest producers of nucleur medicine in the world reach the end of their life.

Navantia Australia Through Life support manager Vincent Capizzi spoke of how the ship building company was bidding for more projects and maintenance contracts for the Navy.

Delegates from from The Bragg Institute, NSW Public Works and TQ Holdings also attended.

i3net chair Emilio Salucci said Mr Green had done a great job with the showcase that included a tour of Wollongong Innovation Campus, WGE, Ringway, Thomas & Coffey, R.Stahl and Fibre Optics Design and Construct.

New branding, website and video were launched at http://i3net.com.au/dev/.