Joint media release with NBN Co
Applications are now open for the new Innovate with nbn Grants Program, offering technology-led businesses based in regional Australia the opportunity to share in $95 000 in funding to support the development of their innovative, digitally led idea.
The program – delivered in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) – is focused on unearthing and supporting businesses that are harnessing the benefits of the nbn™ network to develop products or solutions that improve productivity or social outcomes for regional and remote Australians.
With a focus on organisations which are lifting digital participation and stimulating regional economies, the program is looking to support champions of digital adoption for regional Australia by providing funding to assist with the development of their idea.
Eligible businesses* are encouraged to apply for one of the seven categories including: Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Arts, Education, Indigenous Business and Women in Business. The winner of each category will receive a $10 000 grant, with the overall Innovate with nbnmajor grant of up to $25 000 to be awarded to the most outstanding application across all categories.
The program will also track the progress of the winning submissions and look to showcase how regional businesses took their ideas from concept to reality, the challenges they faced, and the benefits achieved from the development and execution of their idea.
Innovate with nbn is part of NBN Co’s commitment to regional and remote Australia to continue to help meet the needs of customers in regional and remote areas. This commitment includes more than $2 billion in network investments over the next three years, improving connectivity and speeds for those living and working in regional areas of Australia.
Applications are accepted online. For more information and selection criteria, visit nbnco.com.au/innovatewithnbn and follow the link to complete an online form. Applications close 30 November 2020, with the winners to be announced in 2021.
NBN Co Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote, Gavin Williams, said:
“nbn™ connectivity has gone a long way in digitally transforming businesses across regional Australia, and we know that people are using the network to innovate and explore new ways to do great things for the community or their business.
Through Innovate with nbn, we are looking for these new and exciting innovations that need a little bit of help to bring their idea to life.
I encourage eligible businesses of all sizes to apply and I am excited to see the depth and range of digitally-led solutions that are being developed in regional Australia for regional Australians.”
Regional Australia Institute (RAI) Chief Executive Officer, Liz Ritchie, said:
“High quality broadband services are now a critical part of service delivery and business competitiveness in Regional Australia. They help boost the prosperity, creativity and sustainability of regions and the livelihoods of their people.
Demand for high skilled trades and professionals continues to rise in Regional Australia, and digital technologies are fundamental in creating the regional workforce of the future.
The RAI is delighted to be involved with the Innovate with nbn™ Grants Program, that will help showcase not only innovation in regions, but provide valuable learnings for the benefit of Regional Australia moving forward.”
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Dominique Schwartz
M: 0411 485 747
E: [email protected]
*To be eligible, entrants must be connected to the nbn™ network, located in regional Australia, have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and an Australian bank account (corresponding to the ABN) and can only apply for one category.