In an effort to rally global support for Eclipse development, IBM has awarded to four professors in the Australia and New Zealand region individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $65,000. Part of IBMs Eclipse Innovation Grants Program, the awards are in recognition of individuals who have made innovative and creative contributions to Eclipse development.

The Eclipse Grants Program awarded, or is due to award, 70 such grants world-wide. Unlike initiatives that provide rewards for the creation of usable applications, IBM's support is geared at propagating 'innovation' in developmental technology. Most especially on the academic level.

IBM's general manager in Australia, Tony Best, elaborated on the company's special emphasis on education. "Developers must be given the support and latitude to learn from trial and error. By providing ongoing investment in open source software development, IBM is ensuring Australia plays a substantial part in shaping the future of global software development," he said. 

In October 2004, IBM is sponsoring an Eclipse Innovation Workshop where the four teachers will be able to present their work.

The award recipients were as follows:

• Professor Anthony Sloan, Macquarie University
• Professor Stephen Blackburn, Australian National University
• Professor James Noble, Professor Robert Biddle from Victoria University of Wellington