Entrepreneurs' Programme - Innovation Connections Grant

Overview

Innovation Connections assists businesses to understand their research needs, connect with the research sector and fund collaborative research projects. It is done in 2 stages. Stage 1 – Innovation Connections Facilitation You must complete stage 1 before stage 2. The Innovation Connections Facilitation service is free and includes access to a highly-skilled facilitator, who will work with your business to understand your research needs. You might: discuss strategic research opportunities in new or existing markets identify critical research areas for improving your products, processes and services find ways for your business to work with the research sector At the end of the engagement, you will receive a Service Report that outlines your business’s research needs and opportunities. Stage 2 – Innovation Connections Grant If your facilitator recommends it, you can apply for an Innovation Connections Grant to undertake a research project that addresses the recommendations made in the Service Report. Research projects must be in collaboration with a Publicly Funded Research Organisation (PFRO) and should develop a new idea with commercial potential. Your facilitator will help you decide which of the 3 available grants will suit your business's needs: Researcher Placement – places a PFRO researcher in your business to work on a specific research project (up to $50,000) Business Researcher Placement – places a researcher from your business into a PFRO to work on a specific research project (up to $50,000) Graduate Placement – helps employ a graduate or post-graduate with a relevant degree into your business to work on a specific research project (up to $30,000) See the Customer Information Guide for more information.