Image of a person presenting an Alcolizer testing device to a man in a high vis vest.

Alcolizer Technology’s products keep people safe at work, on the roads and in the community.

The R&D Tax Incentive is really core […] The research simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t have that assistance.
— Shannon Bell, CFO, Alcolizer Technology

Company profile

Company: Alcolizer Pty Ltd

Sector: Biotechnology

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Profile: Alcolizer Technology has been delivering fast, accurate, and reliable alcohol and drug testing solutions for over 35 years. Alcolizer’s products provide real-time testing data analytics, enabling users to make informed, safety-driven decisions.

Why R&D was needed

Founded in Perth in response to the introduction of drink-driving laws, Alcolizer Technology was born from a practical need. For over 3 decades the company has continued to identify new needs in the field of alcohol and drug testing – investing in R&D to find solutions to meet those needs.

The R&DTI has been instrumental in helping Alcolizer diversify its testing technologies. As chief financial officer Shannon Bell explains, “The R&D Tax Incentive has been an integral part of our innovation strategy. It’s enabled us to invest consistently in research and development. Without that support, many of our projects simply wouldn’t have progressed.”

Mr Bell acknowledges the assistance of the R&DTI in supporting research that has no guarantee of success or immediate financial return. “There has been a focus on investing in the R&D area,” says Mr Bell. “Knowing the tax rebate is there is key to that.”

How the R&DTI helps

The R&DTI has supported Alcolizer Technology in developing, refining and diversifying their product range which, in turn, has helped them enter new markets.

“With support from the R&D Tax Incentive, we developed a new calibration method that enabled us to enter the Brazilian market – making us the first company in 20 years to export alcohol detection products there,” says Mr Bell.

The company has also entered the drug testing space. “Alcohol testing remains a core part of our safety strategy,” explains Mr Bell. “But with drug use on the rise, we’ve expanded our focus – investing in innovative drug testing solutions to meet this growing challenge.”

In 2013, Alcolizer launched the Druglizer LE5 at the International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference. The product delivers results in as little as 60 seconds, using advanced linear detector arrays and a patented optical filtering system to eliminate manual interpretation and ensure accuracy.

Mr Bell says that the R&DTI has allowed Alcolizer’s R&D team to take a whole-of-life approach to new products. Starting with wall-mounted breath testers for clubs and pubs, today the company is a trusted supplier to Australian law enforcement, provides onsite testing services nationwide and exports its products internationally.

“Innovation belongs here in Australia–but it doesn’t happen in isolation,” says Mr Bell. “There’s real support available if you’re willing to look for it. My advice? Ask the questions, find the programs, and back your ideas.”