Tech experts named in King’s Birthday Honours

[L to R]: Peter Rossdeutscher, Kate Smith-Miles, and Thomas Maschmeyer are among the King's Birthday Honours recipients. Photos: LinkedIn, Kate Smith-Miles, University of Sydney

Australian technology pioneers receive recognition.

Read full article by Tom Williams on ACS website here

Recipient calls for greater 'digital inclusion'

Peter Rossdeutscher, a board director and advisor in digital innovation and IT strategies, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) "for significant service to business, to digital inclusion, and to the innovation and technology commercialisation sectors".

Rossdeutscher has worked with companies and startups involved in everything from space exploration to mining, robotics, and quantum and clean energy technologies.

He has also been an adjunct professor in physics and computing at The University of Western Australia since 2021, and worked towards promoting STEM for girls, increasing the presence of women and First Nations people in tech industries, and supporting rural and First Nations entrepreneurs.

In a statement to Information Age, Rossdeutscher said he was "deeply humbled" by his award, which he said highlighted "the importance of our collective work in building empowerment pathways through digital inclusion and entrepreneurship".

"Addressing the significant need for more technology skills in the jobs of most industries is crucial for our nation's future, underpinning economic growth and social inclusion in the digital age," he said.

"Despite rapid technological advancements, disparities persist in education, digital skills, connectivity, and access to opportunities.

"My focus is on leveraging education, digital tools, and entrepreneurship to uplift underrepresented groups, leading to generational change."