32 institutions share in over $66.7 million in government grants for 218 projects that will provide solutions for a wealth of Australian issues and offer new opportunities.

The Linkage Projects scheme enables Australian institutions to undertake innovative and cutting-edge research projects in collaboration with industry and other partners.

• The University of New South Wales will receive $270,000 in government grants over three years to examine rock bolt failure in underground coal mines, with results aimed at protecting our miners from injury and death.
• The Queensland University of Technology will receive $216,000 in government grants over three years to develop a new generation high crash energy absorbing barrier that aims to save lives by reducing the severity of accidents involving road barriers.
• Monash University will receive $280,000 in government grants to conduct research that will contribute to the well-being of our ageing population by ensuring their independence, and improving scope for social interaction.

The 218 projects have forged partnerships with 458 national and international government, private and non-profit organisations.

These partners are contributing a total of $128.2 million in cash and in-kind support, on top of the Australian Government’s $66.7 million in government grants.

The Linkage Projects scheme is part of the Australian Research Council’s National Government Grants Program, which nurtures the creative abilities and skills of Australia’s most promising researchers.

The successful Linkage Projects Round 2 proposals by State/Organisation for funding commencing in 2010 is detailed below.

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian National University – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (41kb)
University of Canberra – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)

New South Wales

Macquarie University – PDF Format (45kb) – RTF Format (11kb)
Southern Cross University – PDF Format (43kb) – RTF Format (10kb)
The University of New England – PDF Format (10kb) – RTF Format (185kb)
The University of New South Wales – PDF Format (78kb) – RTF Format (185kb)
The University of Newcastle – PDF Format (50kb) – RTF Format (36kb)
The University of Sydney – PDF Format (61kb) – RTF Format (90kb)
University of Technology, Sydney – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (38kb)
University of Western Sydney – PDF Format (46kb) – RTF Format (16kb)
University of Wollongong – PDF Format (52kb) – RTF Format (38kb)

Northern Territory

Charles Darwin University – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)

Queensland

Griffith University – PDF Format (54kb) – RTF Format (55kb)
James Cook University – PDF Format (46kb) – RTF Format (16kb)
Queensland University of Technology – PDF Format (59kb) – RTF Format (76kb)
The University of Queensland – PDF Format (69kb) – RTF Format (134kb)
University of Southern Queensland – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)

South Australia

The Flinders University of South Australia – PDF Format (50kb) – RTF Format (30kb)
The University of Adelaide – PDF Format (56kb) – RTF Format (62kb)
University of South Australia – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (36kb)

Tasmania

University of Tasmania – PDF Format (46kb) – RTF Format (18kb)

Western Australia

Curtin University of Technology – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (37kb)
Edith Cowan University – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)
Murdoch University – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (36kb)
The University of Western Australia – PDF Format (63kb) – RTF Format (96kb)

Victoria

Deakin University – PDF Format (47kb) – RTF Format (22kb)
La Trobe University – PDF Format (52kb) – RTF Format (43kb)
Monash University – PDF Format (108kb) – RTF Format (64kb)
RMIT University – PDF Format (58kb) – RTF Format (69kb)
Swinburne University of Technology – PDF Format (47kb) – RTF Format (23kb)
The University of Melbourne – PDF Format (74kb) – RTF Format (165kb)
Victoria University – PDF Format (47kb) – RTF Format (17kb)

Australian and French researchers will be working together to fight neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, thanks to government grants through the 2010 French-Australian Science and Technology (FAST) Program.

In total, Australia and France will work together on 14 new cutting-edge projects ranging from screening tools for new generation antibiotics to new water treatment techniques.

“Thanks to this government grant, scientists from Australia and France will work together to examine brain changes in mice who exhibit signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s,” said Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr.

“This project will improve our understanding of the mechanisms of brain cell death in Parkinson’s disease. The research may provide new avenues for the development of treatments to slow or stop the neurodegenerative process.

“This research could have huge benefits for those suffering from, or at risk of suffering from, Parkinson’s disease.”

The work will be undertaken by Neuroscience Research Australia, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Another project will examine the use of carbon nanotube membranes to purify water. Given Australia’s dry climate, this sort of research could have enormous benefits.

Senator Carr recently discussed the collaboration between Australia and France in a meeting with the French Minister for Higher Education and Research, Valérie Pécresse.

“When it comes to science, Australia prides itself on our cooperation and collaboration with our international partners,” Senator Carr said.

“This government grants brings together the best minds from our two research intensive communities and enables our countries to share best practice ideas.

“Since renewing the MOU with the French Government in 2008, our capacity for future joint breakthroughs is limitless. I look forward to seeing the results from these projects.”

The full list of recipients is detailed below:

Collaborative Research Networks is designed as a structural adjustment fund. It will encourage less research-intensive smaller and regional universities to develop their research capacity and adapt to a performance-driven research system by teaming up with other institutions in areas of common interest. The intention is that all participants in a collaborative network will benefit from the partnership, with flow-on effects for the research and innovation system as a whole.

Collaborative Research Networks Guidelines

On 16 July 2010, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr announced the release of the Collaborative Research Networks Guidelines and invited Expressions of Interest in CRN projects from the sixteen eligible institutions.

1. Australian Catholic University
2. University of Ballarat
3. Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
4. Bond University
5. University of Canberra
6. Central Queensland University
7. Charles Darwin University
8. Charles Sturt University
9. Edith Cowan University
10. Melbourne College of Divinity
11. University of New England
12. University of Notre Dame Australia
13. Southern Cross University
14. University of Southern Queensland
15. University of the Sunshine Coast
16. Victoria University

Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) guidelines (131KB)

CRN funding is available for any purpose which supports research capacity building. This could include, but is not limited to:

• staff engaged specifically for or in CRN projects – salaries for the proportion of their time spent on CRN activities;
• teaching relief for academic staff engaged specifically for or in CRN projects – salaries for the proportion of their time spent on CRN activities;
• fellowships for CRN project activities;
• staff and student exchanges;
• joint supervision or staff development arrangements;
• shared research infrastructure;
• access to major Australian research facilities; or
• costs associated with establishing and strengthening collaborations.

Institutions that are eligible for Collaborative Research Networks government grants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest using the following template:

Expression of Interest for CRN funding template ( 274KB)

The closing date for expressions of interest is 16 August 2010.

Want to make your government grant application stand out. Contact us for assistance

Octopus venom research leading to potential new pain and cancer treatments and a study to improve stroke treatments are among 69 overseas research collaborations to share Rudd Government government grants totalling $440,000.

“The Australian Government’s International Science Linkages program enables Australian researchers to participate in work on some of the great global challenges in North America, Europe and Asia,” Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said announcing the grants.

“The government grants help Australian scientists to access the latest technologies and research infrastructure.

“International science collaboration is a key priority for the Australian Government because global challenges require global solutions.”

The projects funded were selected by the Australian Academy of Science as part of the Australian Government’s International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program, which supports Australian collaboration in strategically focused, leading edge, international science and research.

They include work on:

• the molecular causes of stroke, the second leading cause of death in Australia, which may translate into new and effective therapies
• new grape and wine sampling methods to make it easier to identify differences between grapes, which may improve wine quality and add to knowledge for the early detection of medical and agricultural disease
• octopus and cuttlefish venom in rare species that may lead to new drugs to treat pain, allergies and cancer; and
• the ecology of plankton and the use of molecular tools in aquatic ecosystems.

“All the projects selected will deliver benefits to the entire community and demonstrate the excellence and breadth of Australian science,” Senator Carr said.

Successful exchange participants:

Europe

Americas

Korea

Taiwan

China

The Prime Minister announced the first ideas to receive government grants by Commercialisation Australia – the Government’s new body to help Australian inventors, entrepreneurs and researchers turn their ideas into money-making products and services – at an address to Community Cabinet in Sydney’s innovative North West region.

The government grants for Skills and Knowledge, Proof of Concept activities, and Early Stage Commercialisation will be worth $9.6 million for the companies that benefit, and produce jobs and prosperity for the Australian community.

A diverse range of innovations from around the country will be supported including treatments for disease, advanced materials, cutting-edge electronics, new online services, and a host of other innovations in agriculture, the media, manufacturing and beyond.

Commercialisation Australia, which opened for business in January, recognises that Australians have always been creative innovators, but far too often, the rewards generated by our inventions and discoveries have been captured by others.

Commercialisation Australia supports the modernisation of the Australian economy by increasing our focus on entrepreneurship, knowledge-based industries, and new business growth.

If you require assistance with Commercialisation Australia applications or with any other Government grants, please feel free to contact us.

The Commercialisation Australia government grant recipients were:

1. NeuClone $ 748,655

NeuClone is establishing a platform technology for the commercial production of protein therapeutics. The project will contribute to the company’s proprietary processes and technology leading to the generation of industrial organisms producing biopharmaceuticals. The company is building on its international and domestic networks with potential partnering opportunities likely to emerge with other Australian companies and academic institutions all in the support of a flourishing national biopharmaceutical industry. As a global exporter of high-tech products and services, NeuClone is contributing to the country’s trade balance in high- tech, non-resource exports.

2. Highlight Ventures $40,000

Highlight Ventures is creating a world first tourism experience, taking passengers to the edge of space using high altitude helium balloons. Launches will occur in remote areas of central Australia and will use an Australian designed and built pressurised capsule for passenger safety and comfort during the flight.

3. EnGeneIC $ 1,488,181

The development of cGMP-compliant manufacturing of EDV-based anti-cancer therapeutics for commercial licensing. Potential commercial partners need assurance that EDV manufacturing can be scaled-up to cGMP standards, and are cost-effective, prior to agreeing licensing deals. Successful completion of the project will provide benefits to Australia nationally through the establishment of a globally unique manufacturing capability in a novel pharmaceutical delivery technology.

3. Wolf Industrial Innovation $81,000

Development of commercial or pre-commercial prototypes and establishment of a reference site for the Wolf Innovation Coating Control System. The system comprises three main components – a dynamic wet paint application thickness monitor, a paint volume solids instrument, and a dynamic dry paint thickness monitor and control system.

5. Immune System Therapeutics $1,858,349

IST is undertaking a multi-dose phase 2 clinical trial to demonstrate efficacy of its monoclonal antibody therapy in treating multiple myeloma. A successful antibody therapy for this incurable cancer would save hundreds of thousands of lives and generate substantial off-shore income for Australia. The trial is being held at one of Australia’s leading blood cancer hospitals – The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.

6. Global Detection Systems $60,000

Toothed Whale (mainly Dolphin) alert system for the long line tuna fishing industry. Acoustic detection of toothed whales for the Tuna long-line fishing industry.

7. University of Technology Sydney $50,000

Aviator – Single Channel Control System using Electroencephalography (EEG) Signals.

8. NewSouth Innovations $44,000

Photonic device self assembly is a revolutionary manufacturing process with applications in semiconductors, photonics, solid state lighting and photovoltaics. Using a US based (Silicon Valley) consultant, the project will gather market information, identify early-adopter markets, develop a business plan, and forge partnerships with industry players: potential technology licensees.

9. Newcastle Innovation $205,677

This project will determine the commercial viability of a new diagnostic test to predict when a pregnant woman will commence labour. Upon successful completion of the project, the technology will be ready to be licensed to a leading diagnostic company to take the necessary steps to launch the new product on the market.

10. Sienna Cancer Diagnostics $200,000

The project will see the hiring of experienced executive who will accelerate the development of Sienna’s novel telomerase technology for the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer (bladder cancer) and expand the technology for use in prostate cancer, while assisting in negotiating licensing agreements with global partners.

11. Lockbox $410,000

Validate the concept (both locally and in Asia) of a new embeddable security product based on Lockbox’s proven technology platform that enables large, reputable and trusted organisations (banks, postal services) to provide a mass consumer-oriented electronic safety deposit box service which is easy to integrate, deliver, manage and scale.

12. Southern Innovation Trading $300,000

Southern Innovation, through its Commercialisation Australia proof-of-concept project, will develop innovative new detection technology for high resolution semiconductor radiation detectors. In collaboration with our international project partners we will design, simulate, implement and test, advanced signal processing algorithms capable of dramatically improving the performance of high resolution semiconductor based radiation detectors.

13. Ofidium $1,543,742

Ofidium is developing 100 Gbit/s optical transceiver modules, based on unique and patented optical orthogonal frequency-division-multiplexing (oOFDM) technology, for sale to telecommunications equipment manufacturers. This project involves the development, field testing and customer validation of the design for product prototype. On completion, Ofidium will have a prototype design ready for manufacture and sale.

14. TenasiTech $186,559

TenasiTech is a novel materials science company commercialising stronger but flexible thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). TenasiTech will collaborate with a mining equipment supplier and a golf ball manufacturer to improve the manufacturing cost and performance of each company’s products. The additive allows products with improved durability and flexibility.

15. Pressure Fresh Australia $346,480

Pressure Fresh Australia plans to commercialise an exciting and innovative range of value added avocado products to meet consumer demand for fresh, convenient and ready to eat avocado. The range of products will encompass innovative packaging delivery technologies combined with the innovative technology of High Pressure Processing to cold pasteurise the products to give consumers the ultimate taste experience.

16. Faulkner Lab $81,257

Atapa™ is a new predictive media planning tool to help agencies and advertisers forecast the return on investment of their communications campaigns. We are developing a final prototype of this tool that successfully responds to the feedback and interest of the world’s largest media groups. Project activities include proof of concept prototype development and server scalability for a global rollout.

17. Zachary Goss $50,000

Snowboard brake (the brake) and security device. The intended steps to commercialisation are market research, undertaking a risk analysis, establishing an IP strategy, developing a business plan and (potentially) establishing a linkage/partnership with a snowboard manufacturer.

18. Simmersion Holdings $750,000

Commercialisation of Mycosm – a 3D visual Simulation Platform. This project will enable the initial commercial deployment of Mycosm, a unique, real-time, 3D visualisation and simulation (VizSim) platform. The initial focus, on application and solution developers, will enable Simmersion Holdings to generate broad global demand from its key target markets: E-Learning, Sales & Marketing, Decision Support and Entertainment.

19. All Homes $1,060,798

Commercialisation of allhomes.com.au in national and overseas markets. Allhomes is an innovative and information rich portal focused at the wider real estate community. This portal has changed the dynamics of the real estate industry in the ACT. Allhomes has developed a novel data processing system that brings together rich data sets and allows advanced data cross matching to occur, independent of size and complexities. Allhomes pre-generates answers to complex web page requests in real-time, and provides new insights into market trends due to its dense ecosystem of data. Allhomes will be rolling out its technology platform and its supporting business to new markets.

20. Healthy Business Tasmania $65,000

Unlocking life: health and human change online support system. The development of a comprehensive on-line business and client management system that supports the applicant’s core business of providing improved health and well-being services to the corporate sector. The Unlocking Life web system will also enable health program members to have increased relational interaction with the program and achieve sustainable healthy change through a wide range of resources, training challenges and rewards.

21. Vision Instruments $103,980

The purpose of this project is to complete the development of portable retinal camera pre-production prototypes, and to test them in aboriginal health services and a university based clinical research program. The project will also undertake the development of documentation for manufacture, assembly and testing. The project will include the development and testing of processes and facilities for use in manufacturing of the final product.

Download the full list here.

The Commercialisation Australia CEO has also been announced.

Mr Doron Ben-Meir has been appointed inaugural CEO of Commercialisation Australia, which helps researchers and entrepreneurs turn ideas into dollars and jobs.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr announced the appointment in Melbourne while opening Collaborating for Success – the inaugural conference of the Government’s innovation advisory bodies.

“Mr Ben-Meir will play an essential role in building Australia’s innovation capacity and ensuring that great Australian ideas are developed in this country rather than going offshore,” Senator Carr said.

“He has over 20 years’ first-hand experience in the venture capital market, building technology-based companies, assisting early-stage entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, and supporting the efforts of innovators to commercialise their intellectual property.

“Having founded and supported start-up companies, he has an intimate understanding of practical challenges they face and how to overcome them.

“Mr Ben-Meir is the right person for this crucial appointment.”

With funding of $196 million over its first four years, the Rudd Government’s Commercialisation Australia gives businesses access to a range of measures tailored to help them bring their innovations to market.

“Increasing our focus on entrepreneurship, knowledge-based industries, and new business growth is the key to renewing the Australian economy and providing quality jobs.”

]]> http://www.government-grant.com.au/2010/04/commercialisation-australia-round-1-recipients/feed/ 0 http://www.government-grant.com.au/2010/04/commercialisation-australia-proof-of-concept/ http://www.government-grant.com.au/2010/04/commercialisation-australia-proof-of-concept/#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:19:03 +0000 Government Grant Guru http://www.government-grant.com.au/?p=1144 Commercialisation Australia provides Proof of Concept grants to assist researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative companies establish the commercial viability of a new product, process or service.


What funding is available?

Commercialisation Australia Proof of Concept grants are between $50,000 and $250,000 over a 12 month period, to fund eligible activities within the project. Applicants are required to match funding on a 50:50 basis.


What types of activities are funded?

Proof of Concept grants will fund the steps necessary to establish the commercial viability of a new product, process or service.

Projects that focus on basic research aimed at creating the base intellectual property are not eligible. For example, projects that predominantly consist of early investigation and conceptual development will not receive support.

Commercialisation Australia expenditure must be incurred on eligible project activities after an application has been accepted to be considered eligible.

Types of eligible expenditure for Commercialisation Australia are:

• Labour expenditure
• Contract expenditure
• Plant expenditure
• Prototype expenditure
• Intellectual property protection expenditure

For more information regarding eligible expenditure and specific items of expenditure relating to Proof of Concept grants, refer to the Commercialisation Australia Customer Information Guide or contact us to discuss your specific project.


How do I apply?

Commercialisation Australia applicants should read the Customer Information Guide and complete a Pre-Application Form as the first step in applying for Commercialisation Australia assistance.

Once a Pre-Application Form has been completed, applicants will need to submit the form. We can assist with reviewing your application to confirm likelihood of receiving funding. Commercialisation Australia will then contact the applicant to discuss their suitability.


Merit criteria

Commercialisation Australia applicants compete for available funds, based on the merit of their application. Eligible applications will be assessed against the following five merit criteria:

• need for funding
• commercial plan and potential
• market opportunity
• management capability
• national benefits

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a Commercialisation Australia Proof of Concept grant, an applicant must be one of the following:

• a non tax-exempt company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001
• a researcher applying through an Australian university or Publicly Funded Research Agency (PFRA) commercialisation office
• an individual or researcher applying through an eligible partner entity
• an individual who warrants to form a non tax-exempt company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 if the application is successful.

Eligible Commercialisation Australia applicants must also:

• satisfy the turnover requirements outlined in the Customer Information Guide
• be able to demonstrate that they will match the grant provided on a dollar for dollar basis over the life of the project
• be able to demonstrate that they have ownership or beneficial use of the intellectual property necessary to carry out the commercialisation project.

How will my application be assessed?

Commercialisation Australia applications for grant funding will be competitively assessed by the Commercialisation Australia Board against the five merit criteria.


Tailored Assistance

All successful applicants will be allocated a Commercialisation Australia Case Manager and will have access to Volunteer Business Mentors.


Case Manager

Case Managers are partnered with successful applicants for the duration of their involvement with Commercialisation Australia, who will guide participants through the commercialisation process. Case Managers have extensive experience in commercialisation. Case managers will assist successful applicants by:

• helping them to identify the skills and knowledge they need
• helping them access specialist advice and services
• identifying and linking them with appropriate Volunteer Business Mentors
• assisting them develop professional networks
• advising them on strategic and operational matters
• monitoring their progress

Commercialisation Australia Case Managers will be based in states and territories across Australia to offer hands-on advice and assistance to successful applicants.


Volunteer Business Mentors

Commercialisation Australia Volunteer Business Mentors will assist successful applicants by offering the knowledge, skills and insights needed to turn their idea into a commercial reality.

Volunteer Business Mentors have extensive experience in management and commercialisation and are well placed to offer insights into the commercialisation process.

Commercialisation Australia Volunteer Business Mentors build on the support provided by Case Managers, giving successful applicants a sounding board to bounce ideas off and suggest options. Case Managers will organise mentoring sessions with Volunteer Business Mentors that have the expertise and skill set to match the applicant’s needs. As these needs change, individual mentors can be changed, ensuring the mix of knowledge and skills available is always tailored to the current needs of the successful applicant.

Proof of Concept grants are only one part of the Commercialisation Australia program. See the drawing below for information regarding other programs on offer.

The government grant will assist with the $5.7 million expansion and upgrade of Turi Foods’ chicken processing facilities at Anakie, Bannockburn and Geelong.

The grant was announced  by the Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, Richard Marles MP and Victorian Member for Geelong, Ian Trezise MP at Turi Foods’ processing plant at Geelong.

“The Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund shows what can be achieved by Government and industry working together to create jobs and investment,” Mr Marles said.

“Through this expansion Turi Foods will become the state’s biggest chicken processor and the third largest in Australia.

“The Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund was created to secure new investments and jobs for the region and has encouraged Geelong companies to become more innovative.

“Clearly, it is working. So far the government grant has provided 18 companies with assistance totalling $14.7 million, resulting in 648 new jobs and an additional $72.5 million invested in building capacity in the Geelong economy,” Mr Marles said.

Mr Trezise said the Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund would not only help individual companies like Turi Foods, but would also have a huge impact on the local community and economy.

“This investment in Turi Foods will help the company, it will help the people of Geelong, and it will help the Victorian economy.

“Turi Foods is an important part of Geelong, and I’m pleased to see their commitment to the region,” Mr Trezise said.

Ford Australia President, Mr Burela also congratulated Turi Foods.

“As longstanding members of the Geelong community, Ford Australia is proud to be involved in the government grant. We congratulate all grant recipients,” Mr Burela said.

The Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund was established by the Australian and Victorian governments and Ford Australia after Ford announced plans to restructure its Geelong operations.

The Australian Space Research Program provides two types of Government grants:

• Stream A - Space Education Development grants support student projects and educational activities, including international education opportunities and the establishment of national space education programs and centres of expertise for space education. Grants of between $200,000 to $1 million are available for projects of up to three years in duration.
• Stream B - Space Science and Innovation Projects grants support collaborative space research and innovation projects involving the development of Australia’s niche space capability in areas of strategic national priority. International collaboration is encouraged. Grants of between $1 million to $5 million are available for projects of up to three years duration.

What is the objective of the program?
The Australian Space Research Program is designed to develop Australia’s niche space capabilities by supporting space-related research, innovation and skills in areas of national significance or excellence.
Stream A projects should:

• have ongoing educational value beyond the grant period;
• aim to produce people with skills relevant to Australian employers;
• include scope for teacher professional development if applicable; and
• include the number of students expected to access the project; and
• consider student recruitment issues, such as where students will come from.

Stream B projects should:

• demonstrate alignment with the strategic directions of the applicant organisation and key consortium members;
• demonstrate that international activity in the area of focus of the application has been considered and where possible link to that activity;
• include meaningful collaboration between researchers and industry;
• identify end users of the project outcomes; and
• consider the full cost of the project and how continuing activities will be funded beyond the grant period.

For both streams of the Australian Space Research Program, the level of risk associated with the project should be considered carefully.



Who is eligible for the Australian Space Research Program?
Under Stream A, applicants must:

• be a university;
• be a member of, and applying on behalf of, a consortium comprising at least one university and one other partner;
• be a constitutional corporation (see separate fact sheet);
• be the lead consortium member; and
• comply with the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999.

Under Stream B, applicants must:

• be a university, research institution, or industry partner;
• be a member of, and applying on behalf of, a consortium comprising at least one university or research institution and at least one industry partner;
• be a constitutional corporation (see separate fact sheet);
• be the lead consortium member; and
• comply with the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999.

What is eligible?
Eligible Australian Space Research Program projects must:

• aim to satisfy the program objective and involve space-related activities;
• be a discrete project and be structured in a manner consistent with each consortium member’s contribution to the project;
• be a new activity and not constitute normal business, research or education activities for the consortium members;
• comply with all relevant legislation; and
• only include expenditure of grant funds which is eligible under the program guidelines.

In addition, the total resources (both cash and in-kind) being contributed by the consortium must at least match the amount of Australian Space Research Program funding being requested.


What is space-related?
Under the Australian Space Research Program, space-related means:

• the designing, building, testing, installation, deployment and/or operation of hardware or systems developed:
  • to be located in space;
  • for the purpose of getting into or returning from space; or
  • for the purpose of getting data or information to or from space;

• the design, development, testing, installation and/or use of applications that require the  operation of hardware or systems listed at (a);

• governance arrangements (such as legal, management and advisory structures) to support space hardware, systems or applications listed at (a) and (b); or
• research into the environment in which space hardware or systems listed at (a) operate.

Not included: For the purposes of the Australian Space Research Program, space-related does not include astronomy,
astrophysics and cosmology.

What are the merit criteria?
Eligible Australian Space Research Program applications are assessed against the following, equally weighted, merit criteria:

• capacity and capability;
• project merit;
• partnerships and collaborations; and
• national benefits.

Final Australian Space Research Program applications, including all attachments must be submtted before 3pm Australian Eastern Standard Time, Thursday 6 May 2010.

For assistance with completing the Australian Space Research Program application form or for any other  Government grant assistance, please contact us.

• One or two day seminars
• Workshops
• Demonstration projects aimed at accelerating technology/knowledge diffusion
• Case studies
• Best practice factory or industry visits
• Networking events
• Bringing overseas industry experts to Australia for any or all of the above.

Many of these types of activities are already offered by a range of public, private and not-for-profit organisations. The WIIN Program intends to build on the good work that already exists, but also identify and address gaps in the needs of firms.

The Enterprise Connect target market consists of small and medium-sized enterprises across a range of industries. Broadly speaking, WIIN activities should target firms with a turnover of between $1 million and $100 million who are operating in any of the following industries: manufacturing; defence; mining technology; clean energy; and / or creative industries (or operating in remote areas).

Project Type

The WIIN proposal must demonstrate how the proposed activity will:

• increase the quality of awareness and education activities available to firms in the Enterprise Connect target market;
• stimulate genuine business interest amongst the target market;
• transfer relevant knowledge to that target market to help firms improve their business and / or educate firms on a topic of relevance to them;
• motivate firms to innovate through improvements in their productivity, competitiveness and / or efficiency;
• provide value-adding networking and high levels of satisfaction for participant firms;
• enable the effective application of new knowledge by a participating firm;
• promote the Enterprise Connect initiative to a wide range of firms that are potentially eligible for Enterprise Connect services; and
• achieve a result which furthers the aims of Enterprise Connect.

Eligibility

WIIN Applications will only be accepted if they include:

• a budget for the proposed activity which outlines the extent, if any, to which the applicant (or its partners) will contribute financial support1;
• an estimate of the labour hours required to organise and conduct the activity;
• an anticipated timeframe in which the activity will take place;
• an explanation of how this activity differs from existing / similar activities (if any); and
• a description of the role (if any) that Enterprise Connect will be expected to play in promoting and / or conducting the activity.

Workshops, Industry Intelligence & Networking (WIIN) Program applications must be received by 12 March 2010.

To discuss eligibility for  Government grants or assistance with applications  please contact us via the webform of call us at 03 9606 3324.

The Automotive Supply Chain Development Program will provide $20 million to 2012 -13 to assist the automotive components sector to enhance its capabilities and to better integrate into local and global supply chains. It will be a competitive grants based program. Funding will commence from 1 July 2009.

The Automotive Supply Chain Development Program will fund work aimed at enhancing the supply chain capabilities of automotive component manufacturers, producers and suppliers currently facing challenges from global competitive pressures, an inadequate capital base, a variable exchange rate and changes in consumer demand away from domestically manufactured vehicles.

The Automotive Supply Chain Development Program will be delivered in three elements running in parallel over the life of the Program:

• Element 1: Funding for a service provider to coordinate assistance for individual firms (across the automotive supply chain, including all tiers of component production and supporting businesses such as tooling and service providers) and implement collaborative strategies to enhance the industry’s competitive advantage. This Element will utilise 50% of the funding available under the Automotive Supply Chain Development Program.
• Element 2: Funding for domestic Motor Vehicle Producers (MVPs) to enhance the capabilities of component suppliers through a program of support and mentoring; and more effectively identify and secure emerging opportunities in international supply chains. This funding will be available on a competitive basis. In total, this Element will utilise 40% of the funding available under the Automotive Supply Chain Development Program.
• Element 3: Competitive grants of capped amounts for Tier 1 suppliers to undertake a program of support and mentoring to enhance the capabilities of their Tier 2 and Tier 3 component suppliers and assist them to more effectively identify and secure emerging opportunities. Individual grants will ordinarily range between $50,000 and $80,000, but there will be scope for the Assessment Panel to consider grants outside this range. This Element will utilise 10% of the funding available under the Automotive Supply Chain Development Program.

What activities will be supported?
Four key areas of improvement for suppliers in the supply chain have been identified:

1. Company management structures and leadership;
2. Manufacturing efficiencies and quality management;
3. Integration into extended supply chains; and
4. Global sourcing and marketing strategies.

Criteria
Applications for the Automotive Supply Chain Development Programwill be assessed against the following criteria:

• the capacity and capability of the applicant to undertake the proposal, including management capability;
• experience delivering similar proposals;
• evidence that the funding will enable activity in addition to what would otherwise have occurred;
• level of financial and in-kind contributions from applicants;
• quality of the Supplier Development Plan;
• the projected benefits relative to the funding sought; and
• other aspects of the proposal deemed relevant by the Panel.

Eligible Activities
Eligible activities are those activities undertaken by Tier 1 businesses that are aimed at improving a product or process of a Tier 2 or Tier 3 component supplier including:

• cost estimating;
• project management;
• quality control;
• production readiness;
• supply chain integration and management;
• financial management (including the design and installation of financial management systems);
• marketing;
• global sourcing strategies;
• operations management;
• strategic planning; and
• other activities determined by the Assessment Panel to directly contribute to the objectives of the program. (Where applicants seek funding for other activities, they should provide a precise explanation as to how the activity will do this).

The focus of Element 3 will be on “Tier 1″ suppliers developing the capabilities of their upstream suppliers. However, applications that include some training or other development activity for the benefit of the applicant company itself will be considered. Any ‘internal’ funding provided will not exceed 25% of the total project funding provided.

Applications close 5.00pm, Friday, 9 October 2009.