The Turnbull Government today launched a new pilot programme to help drive innovation within Australian small and medium businesses whilst addressing Government service delivery challenges.
The Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) selected five challenges set by different Government agencies, ranging across biosecurity, child protection, water markets and policy design.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants to develop ideas that address the five challenges and commercialise products that the Government may then buy and use to improve its services.
As well as creating jobs and commercialising ideas in Australian businesses, the BRII programme will change the nature of Government procurement through sourcing the most innovative solutions possible.
Under a two-step process, businesses can submit proposals for ideas that address the challenges. Successful applicants will receive grants of up to $100,000 to develop ideas and test feasibility over three months.
The most successful ideas may then be eligible for a further grant of up to $1 million to develop a prototype or proof of concept over the following 18 months.
The BRII programme provides critical early stage support for testing new ideas, developing pathways to market, and helps small and medium businesses establish a track record of providing products and services to Government.
Importantly, the small and medium businesses will retain the IP and the right to commercialise their ideas in Australia and overseas
The first challenges are:
• On-the-spot technology for measuring pyrethroid surface residue
• Tracking the effect and value of information products
• Digitally enabled community engagement in policy and programme design
• Improve transparency and reliability of water market information
• Sharing information nationally to ensure child safety
Applications close on Wednesday 30 November 2016. To find out more on the BRII Programme, including how to apply for a grant, visit www.business.gov.au/BRII or call 13 28 46.