John Ness has been at the forefront of developing innovative designs for microwave components including antennas, amplifiers and filters that are now used in wireless systems such as microwave radios and satellite terminals around the world. He has been the co-founder and head of three start-up companies. Through the mentoring of professional colleagues and staff, a number of other related companies in the electronics and manufacturing industries in Australia have been created. His creative design contributions have demonstrated excellence in technical innovation. His legacy is the creation of a significant Australian industry sector in wireless and microwave systems.