Government Grant Guru » Commercialisation Australia

Commercialisation Australia Round 2 Recipients

Government Grant Guru — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:50:40 +0000

A new design for motorcycle safety helmets to reduce the risk of injury and the creation of light therapy glasses for the treatment of insomnia, jet lag and depression are among the bright new ideas to be supported by Commercialisation Australia.

Commercialisation Australia is the Australian Government’s primary source of assistance for businesses transforming their ideas into commercial realities.

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, today announced over $2.2 million in government grants for eleven new projects. This follows the $9.6 million in funding announced in April.

The government grants will support an impressive range of innovations from around Australia, including a new livestock management system, a faster and more accurate sepsis diagnosis test, and an innovative joining system for the manufacturing, building materials and construction industries.

“Increasing our focus on innovation, knowledge-based industries, and new business growth is the key to renewing and growing the Australian economy,” Senator Carr said.

“Commercialisation Australia helps bridge the gap between promising ideas and a commercially viable business, which will provide jobs, skills and prosperity.”

In addition to Commonwealth Australia funding, successful applicants will receive the support of a case manager to steer them through the commercialisation process. Case managers will also provide valuable connections to volunteer business mentors, who have direct experience of bringing new ideas to market and will provide helpful input based on specialist knowledge.

Are you missing out on potential grants for your business? Contact us now to discuss your commercialisation projects and see what grants you are eligible for.

The list of Commercialisation Australia Round 2 Recipients is detailed below:

Applicant	Grant	Project Title	Project Description
Kord Defence	$250,000	Mobile user interface for international defence markets	Kord is developing a weapon-mounted Rifle Input Control (RIC) and body-worn Kord Pad for international markets including defence, paramilitary, homeland security, police, emergency and public safety. The devices will enable users to more quickly and safely access and control electronic devices they carry without taking their hands or eyes off task.
Navisens	$50,000	Self-contained human navigation for indoor and outdoor	Human location estimation using a body-worn sensor and associated algorithms and software to accurately locate a person indoors within a multi-level building or outdoors within a dense urban environment, with minimal or no supporting infrastructure. The technology has implications for the consumer, security, search and rescue, healthcare and military segments.
VOZ Corp	$50,000	Full face helmets with rear access	Voztec Helmet Technology incorporating rear access and safety release system provides users with protection at the point of impact and as importantly, for the first time, reduces the risk of injuries after an incident has occurred.
Kenneth Leslie Forge	$50,000	Revolutionary Wire Fencing System	The Commercialisation Australia Skills and Knowledge grant will be used to develop a commercialisation plan to establish production for the Australian market and secure the intellectual property of Lockpost Pty Ltd’s unique new wire fencing product. The Lockpost fence has the potential to revolutionise the way pastoral fences are erected in Australia and around the world, delivering significant time efficiencies while also reducing cost and improving safety.
Australian BioRefining	$272,261	Acid/ Metal Separation and Recovery Process	The project will establish a pilot plant using ABR’s patented technology, for the recovery and regeneration of acid used in nickel hydrometallurgy, and the concurrent recovery of metal values from the same process stream. The pilot plant will allow proof of commercial feasibilty, and will involve construction, deployment, operation and monitoring over 3 months, of a small pilot plant at an industrial site for the hydrometallurgical recovery of Nickel.
Crucible Carbon Pyrolysis	$685,099	Early Stage Commercialisation of the Crucible Carbon Pyrolysis	Taking the Crucible Carbon Pyrolysis technology to a ‘sales ready’ position, based on a production facility that demonstrates commercial scale operations for the conversion of timber industry biomass residues to gas suitable for generating on-site heat and power at wood processing plants.
Joinlox	$394,625	An innovative, rapid, mechanical joining and sealing system	Joinlox is an innovative, rapid, mechanical joining system gaining strong international acceptance in a range of industries and applications. The Joinlox joint can be designed into a product or application to deliver high-strength, sealed, serviceable joints that are faster and require lower costs and equipment to assemble or disassemble than traditional joining methods. Leading manufacturers adopting the beneficial technology include pipeline and pipe systems manufacturers, mineral processing and mining equipment manufacturers, building materials suppliers and manufacturers of tanks for storage and waste water treatment systems. The project will accelerate market penetration into the manufacturing, building materials and construction industries.
Athlomics	$250,000	Personalised SeptiCyte® monitoring of severe sepsis	Athlomics’ SeptiCyte® Lab product, a molecular biomarker-based sepsis diagnostic test, is faster (<3 hrs) and more accurate (85 to 95% performance) than all competitors. Athlomics now aims to evaluate its use in continuous patient monitoring. This could significantly improve market opportunity, patient surveillance and survival, and reduce antibiotic costs and hospital stays.
Re-Time	$20,200	Re-Time – bright light therapy glasses	The project will assist Re-Time Pty Ltd to commercialise light therapy glasses for the treatment of insomnia and related disorders, including jet lag and depression. The project will involve conducting a business case analysis and developing a commercialisation strategy
Thomas Banhazi	$50,000	Precision Livestock Management Systems	The project will help prepare an innovative animal production management system for commercialisation. The system will be based on technology developed by Associate Professor Thomas Banhazi through the Pork Cooperative Research Centre. The technology consists of software and hardware to automatically collect and analyse key production data, enabling optimal animal management. Use of the system will lead to production cost savings, with concurrent benefits of improved animal welfare and operator safety, as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Virtual Observer	$130,700	API Development for Mobile Video Data POC	Virtual Observer’s core technology allows users to search by time and location to access video data captured by cameras on vehicles in a network. The software has application in public transit, security, asset monitoring applications and geospatial arenas. The project will see the addition of an experienced executive to assist with the company’s product development and commercialisation captured by cameras on vehicles in a network. The software has application in public transit, security, asset monitoring applications and geospatial arenas. The project will see the addition of an experienced executive to assist with the company’s product development and commercialisation.
TOTAL	$2,202,885

Commercialisation Grant Recipients

Government Grant Guru — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:27:27 +0000

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, announced 48 COMET government grants totalling almost $3.4 million to commercialise innovative Australian projects. The government grant recipients, who each receive $70,400 in COMET funds, include:

BiVacor, of Queensland, which is commercialising the BiVacor artificial heart. This device can take over the work of a failing heart for up to 10 years, prolonging and improving the quality of life for patients with severe heart failure, who cannot have a transplant due to the scarcity of organ donors. [Contact: John Fraser 0407 128 039]
Extron Design Services, of Victoria, which has developed ‘Smartbrake’, an advanced electronic control system that will automatically activate a vehicle’s park brake in the event that the driver exits the vehicle and neglects to apply the park brake. [Contact: Mark Barber 0414 993 293]
Aerofloat, of NSW, which has developed a product to treat grey water using a process known as dissolved air floatation (or DAF) which automatically separates fats, oils, food scraps, household chemicals, soaps, detergents, bacteria and viruses and allows the discharge or re-use of high-quality water. [Contact: Ray Anderson 0419 223 293]
Delta Development, of Queensland, which is marketing a lightweight, diesel-powered, two-seater utility helicopter (called Delta D2) specifically designed for remote conditions such as regional Australia. This will be the world’s first diesel engine helicopter. [Contact: Graeme Smith 0412 741 742]

COMET is now closed for applications. Government grant applications for commercialisation are now being sought under the new, $196 million Commercialisation Australia.

Commercialisation Australia is providing hands-on assistance to help innovative businesses and researchers turn their ideas into dollars through a range of tailored assistance measures. These measures include funding to access specialised advice and services.

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

The full list of COMET government grant recipients are detailed below:

Applicant organisation	Project / Product	Detailed description
Gamma Vaccines	Gamma radiation source that destroys viruses without denaturing the virus cell body.	Gamma Vaccines has developed the gamma irradiation process that preserves the proper structure of the virus and its various proteins. By using the gamma irradiation a destroyed virus preparation can be obtained that is no longer infectious, which can be delivered by different routes of administration, and which induces a potent immunity to different influenza virus strains and subtypes. Live virus samples are frozen and treated with specially metered doses of radiation. The treated virus samples are then used to culture volumes of a vaccine specific to the virus. COMET funds will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Intellectual Property Strategy and Market Research activities.
Aerofloat	Grey Water Filtration System using Small Scale Dissolved Air Flotation.	Aerofloat (Australia) has developed a product for the treatment of grey water. It uses the process known as Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF) and it separates fats, oils, food scraps, household chemicals, soaps, detergents, bacteria and viruses from the water and automatically transfers the waste product into the black water storage tank. Over 97% of the grey water finishes up as clean water which is further treated in a disinfection stage. A small amount of chemical is automatically added before the DAF process to assist in the separation process and to remove harmful nutrients from the water phase. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
Bos Web Systems	Charting business report system dashboard written on the Microsoft Silverlight.	Bos Web Systems has developed a charting reporting system dashboard with a cleaner interface style programmed in Microsoft Silverlight to provide improved user experience with ability to report on internal data from within Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Sharepoint platforms. The software reports on internal data and delivers external (widget) data in a highly visual, dynamic and customisable format. Users can customise their own workspace using ‘point and click’ wizard tools in a drag and drop environment and can ‘drill down’ to expose explanation data. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype activities.
Breseight	Industrial grade dental hand tools with interchangeable jaws.	Breseight has developed a range of industrial hand tools with replaceable and interchangeable heads. Initially developed for dental applications, the hand tools feature an ergonomic handle and replaceable heads which use a connector and cartridge mechanism that provides dentists with many benefits. A range of heads have been developed which provide harder wearing surfaces, thereby extending the life of the pliers. Additionally, these heads are packaged under aseptic clean conditions, thereby dentists can fit the heads in a hygienic, and sterile manner which avoids contamination through hand contact. COMET funds will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Researc, Intellectual Properlty Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
BTOLA	Fire gas turbine system.	BTOLA has developed a technology to expand the fuels available to gas turbine engines to include biomass, waste wood, municipal solid waste, waste greases and oils by using a system of indirect firing and heat exchangers (IFGT). This technology lowers the cost of converting low cost biomass or waste products into usable energy. Once commercialised this technology will lead to significant emission reductions as well as providing cheaper electricity in remote or grid constrained areas with little operational or supervisory input needed. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
BuildingIQ	Supervisory controller of commercial building management systems to optimise energy, emissions, comfort and manage energy demand.	BuildingIQ is commercialising a software based supervisory control system that overlays and can be retrofitted to existing commercial building management systems. It can better control the operation of a building’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems to optimise the desired trade-off across energy cost, emissions and occupant comfort. The BuildingIQ software is also a smart grid technology that intelligently manages demand side response for commercial buildings. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
CIMTECH	Topically applied cell growth accelerants for skin, wound and bone repair.	CIMTECH has developed compounds that when applied to skin, rejuvenate skin cells and accelerate healing of underlying soft tissue and bone. The compounds have both cosmetic and clinical applications (i.e. wounds, fractures, bone grafts). The patented compounds are made from extracts of several types of plants that have been used in traditional medicine by the native people of the Cook Islands for centuries. COMET funds will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research and Intellectual Property Strategies.
Cystemix	A new class of anti-cancer therapeutics.	Cystemix has developed a new class of small molecule anti-cancer therapeutics that target a unique cellular protein that has not previously been explored as a target for chemotherapy. The target is the adenine nucleotide translocase located on the mitochondrial membrane. The anti-metabolites developed by Cystemix are toxic to the mitochondria and cause cancer cell death. The lead molecule, glutathionarsenoxide (GSAO), is currently in Phase 1 clinical trial in the UK, and has potential in treating solid tumours, particularly ovarian and colon cancer. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
Das Werk	Energy-efficient, low-noise, self-balancing fans for computers and other applications.	Das Werk has developed self-balancing, multi-blade fans that provide more airflow and air pressure with less noise and energy than existing fans. Applications include micro-fans for cooling computers and other electronic equipment and ceiling fans. The innovation contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment through significant savings, reduced carbon emissions, quieter and healthier living and working environments and generation of clean energy. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Plan Development, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
eHiive Holdings	Web-based client and task management software for service based companies.	eHiive Holdings , trading as Hiive Systems, has developed Affinity – a web-based client and task management software for service based companies. Affinity brings together electronic communications (email in particular), flexible and easily configurable service tracking/workflow frameworks, and client relationship management to provide a web-based platform that delivers centralised, real time, automated information related to client interaction and service delivery. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
Global Detection Systems	Acoustic whale proximity detector for use by the Tuna fishing industry.	Global Detection Systems has developed a cost effective, environmentally safe, passive acoustic detection technology for wide area detection and monitoring of toothed whale activity for the tuna longline industry. The use of the technology will ensure whales are kept out of harms way, as well as minimising the growing problem of tuna longline depredation. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Guests Behaving Badly	Intelligent profile matching system to identify potential blacklisted hotel patrons to protect hotel staff and property.	Guests Behaving Badly has developed an automatic engine which collects relevant information at the time of booking, to identify guests with a recorded history of anti-social, intimidating or destructive behaviour. The information benefits the hotel industry, and provides operators the opportunity to accept or reject the booking. The product is innovative in that it provides a service not previously available, in a technological and legal manner. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Plan Development, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
NEP Solar	Low system cost solar collectors for process heat applications.	NEP Solar has developed plastic parabolic trough solar collectors for generating process heat in the range 120 to 250oC. The use of composite plastic materials to form a rigid one-piece parabolic structure with a reflecting surface creates efficient and lightweight collectors that are cheaper to transport, install and maintain on-site. The overall result is a low total cost per unit of energy compared with conventional solar trough collectors, and a competitive source of process heat in solar suitable locations. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
Obelix Lifting Systems	Obelix concrete slab lifting system.	Obelix Lifting Systems has developed a new system for safely lifting large concrete slabs, such as those used in tilt-lift construction of buildings, civil engineering projects and traffic barriers. The system provides many benefits, including simplified concrete casting process, higher productivity in pre-casting yards, safer lifting and avoidance of concrete corrosion and cracking that can be caused by redundant steel inserts in the concrete. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Plan Development, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology.
Safety Coupler	A compressed air hose and equipment connector.	Safety Coupler has developed a specialised connector in response to increasing safety requirements and Occupational, Health and Safety practices by integrating a range of features for safety, ease of use and security. It is a multifunction device allowing safe connection through a valve mechanism where the air does not flow until after connection and specialised arms are in place together with flow monitoring and management for more efficient and safe operations. The benefit of the two stage connection (physical connection of tool and hose; then the release of the air flow) is that this reduces the level of noise for operators as well as reducing the level of risk due to faulty operations. The locking mechanism also has a side benefit for asset security. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Salt IT	Mobile phone based ordering and payment system.	Salt IT Pty. Limited has developed a mobile phone based buying system which gives consumers the convenience of being able to remotely place an order with a retailer and pay in advance. They need only visit the store or service counter to collect the order when it is ready, avoiding queues and delays. It is lower cost, more secure and more functional than SMS (text) based methods. For retailers, the system extends the reach of their store and service counter and improves their service capacity and convenience for customers. It reduces queues and crowds in the store or at the service counter. It also provides competitive service differentiation and an interactive platform for running customer loyalty and rewards programs in real time. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype activities.
Zip Innovation	Convertible Steel Pallet.	Zip Innovation has developed a convertible steel pallet. The steel pallet is a ‘delivery platform’ for all types of goods that need to be transported or stored conveniently. It has been designed to meet the specific needs of international trade, namely low weight, low whole of life cost, reuse, recycling and compliance with strict quarantine conditions as specified under International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15 (ISPM15). COMET funds will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
3D Data Guidance	Dozer blade design and push strategy software for mining industry.	3D Data Guidance , in conjunction with Toowoomba-based industry partner Gessner Industries , has developed a spade nosed dozer blade for the mining industry. The blade’s features of high penetration, increased load capacity and reduced fuel consumption make it ideal for dozer operations including cross pit dozing, rehabilitation and bulk earthworks. 3D Data Guidance will develop software which enables dozer operators, particularly GPS-enabled dozers, to move material on site in the most efficient manner possible. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
BiVacor	Biventricular assist device – artificial heart.	BiVacor has developed an artificial heart, V2 Assist, through The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane. V2 Assist is a biventricular assist device that will be surgically implanted and connected to the natural heart of patients with life threatening heart failure, prolonging and improving the quality of life of these patients. The device will be fitted within the body and will mimic the pumping fluctuations of a healthy heart. The titanium device, about the size of a fist, will provide an alternative to heart transplants, as well as providing a solution for those patients over 65 who are considered too old for transplants. The key element of V2 Assist’s revolutionary design is a pump that can duplicate the function of both the left and right sides of the heart in a single, small device. Driven by tiny electromagnets, the pump’s twin rotors can alter speed and position to suit blood flow demands that fluctuate depending on a patient’s activity. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Plan Development, Market Research and Intellectual Property Strategy.
Boreboss	Boreboss portable water bore pumping unit.	Boreboss has developed a remote bore water machine which has a retractable wheel that mechanically raises up and out off the side of the trailer to place a submersible pump high and directly over the bore hole. A lever lowers the pipe and pump down the bore hole. The pump is retrieved and wound back onto the retractable wheel by activating a second lever. It has been designed to make pumping water and depositing and retrieving bore pumps a fast and simple one person operation. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Building Industry Online	Building industry connection system for participants including conception, tender and construction.	Building Industry Online has developed a web based system that connects the construction industry from initial project conception, through tender and live construction as well as offering an archiving system to cover the defects liability period on projects. The central solution facilitates a network and simple linking of industry members, whilst proving a solution incorporating centralised document control to reduce the time and costs involved in project administration and management. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research and Intellectual Property Strategy.
Delta Development Co	Lightweight, two-seater, diesel powered utility helicopter for remote conditions.	Delta Development Co has developed a lightweight, diesel powered, two-seater utility helicopter (called Delta D2) specifically designed for remote conditions such as regional Australia. This will be the world’s first diesel engine helicopter. It will be powered by a 2 cycle diesel engine, with fully articulated rotor head, and carbon composite rotor blades. Delta 2 has a range of design features which are expected to result in superior manoeuvrability, particularly suited to mustering-type jobs in remote areas, with the added bonus of lower purchase, operating and maintenance costs. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Envirotech Holdings	Low energy, retro-fit street and billboard lights.	Envirotech Holdings has developed a light emitting diode (LED) based lighting array designed to retro-fit to billboard lights and street lights. The device includes a retro-fit heat sink which is used to enable the easy replacement of traditional mercury vapour and incandescent bulbs with state of the art lighting utilising the latest LED chip technology. The ‘AC1000 Retro-fit’ captures heat from the LEDs (which are inside the light box housing), and transfers the heat via a carrier device to a heat sink that sits outside the light box housing. The kit is compatible with the shape and design of the mercury vapour or incandescent light housings including electrical interface and controllers so as to render a drop in solution. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
GG Ideas	Water volume shower controller.	GG Ideas has developed the “Aqualim”, a shower controller. The invention is based on measuring water volume whereas traditionally, controlling shower water usage has been based on time measurement. The Aqualim can be easily fitted to an existing shower wall spigot and then the shower arm reattached. Once installed, the Aqualim measures the water volume passing through it when the shower taps are operated. It can be configured to measure a volume of water from 25 litres to 120 litres and when the predetermined volume has passed through, the Aqualim reduces the flow rate to warn the user it is about to turn off before going into dribble mode. The dribble mode is not enough to wash effectively and the user must turn off the shower taps to reset the device. COMET funding will be used for Management Skill Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Joinlox	A simple mechanical joining method.	Joinlox (Joinlox) has developed a mechanical joining and fastening system that replaces welding, bolts, flanges, screws, rivets, adhesives and other traditional forms of joints with a simple, efficient, cost-effective and strong joint suitable to a variety of materials. Joinlox has the ability to provide a stronger, simpler, safer joint whilst also reducing the amount of materials, labour time required for assembly, number of components, tools and training required to fit. By having such a simple joint, the Joinlox technology enables further financial and environmental savings to be achieved with condensed packaging, transport and storage solutions. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Export Strategy, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Kwikkee	Quick release lifting system for the safe raising and/or lowering of heavy objects.	Kwikkee has developed a quick release lifting system that eliminates the risks normally associated with the raising or lowering of heavy beams, girders and pipes. Kwikkee uses a choke system unlike the traditional hammer lock, thereby removing most of the risks associated with the lifting operations. COMET funding will be used for Management Skill Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Oryx Holdings Limited	A pre-surgical ocular compressor to assist preparation for delicate eye surgery.	Oryx Holdings Limited has developed the’ i\|wait’, a pre-surgical ocular compressor to assist preparation for delicate eye surgery. It softens the eye and reduces the accumulation of anaesthetic fluids creating the optimal conditions for cataract, corneal transplant and other eye surgeries. i\|wait offers an efficient means of preparing the eye for surgeries, by improving surface contact and including a timer and reminder alarm. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Perpetuwave Power	Wave energy converter device.	Perpetuwave Power has developed the “Wave Harvester” which is designed to produce economic renewable electricity from ocean waves. It achieves maximum possible output by using a number of large positive displacement elongated floats that float on the water surface and are positioned parallel to the wave fronts. The hulls of the host vessel (catamaran/trimaran) face the waves and extend in the direction of wave travel, with large lightweight elongated floats located in series between the hulls of the vessel. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Powered Handling	Retrofit kit to power manual pallet jacks	Powered Handling has developed a kit for retrofitting manual hand pallet jacks with an electric motor and control system. The device will fit most if not all manual pallet jacks. The technology has been designed to be a hybrid powered device. If the operator uses manpower to pull the pallet jack, then less battery power is required to operate the device. Where the operator is providing 100% of the energy requirements, then there is no drain on the batteries. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
R:Fifteen	A consumer Intent Profiling Engine.	R:Fifteen has developed a highly effective consumer Intent Profiling Engine (IPE) that is able to dynamically profile a user’s intention through their interaction with a software service. It enables services like websites and interactive directory boards to very quickly understand the user’s intention in real-time and provides highly relevant content ranking. The system uses more reliable factors to capture the psychological intent of each user individually. This allows them to display ads that are far more relevant than those displayed by existing systems. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Snoresounds	Screening and Analysis Device for Snoring and Sleep Apnea.	Snoresounds is developing a miniaturised device that incorporates patented processing algorithms for the detection and screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The device would be used by patients whilst they are sleeping at home and would record patient sounds throughout the night for analysis. In the morning the device would provide feedback to the patient or a medical practitioner, giving an indication of the likelihood that the patient may suffer from OSA. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype activities.
Intelligent Software Development	A decision support tool for Behavioural Business Intelligence.	Intelligent Software Development has developed ‘SimulAlt’, an advanced simulation software tool that can predict and influence population behaviour in response to new policies, products and prices, for policy design and strategic planning. SimulAlt enables Behavioural Business Intelligence, by integrating socio-economic modelling and predictive analytics to enable better informed decisions for business, Government and Defence. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Ritemp Technologies	A cooling system for plastic moulding.	Ritemp Technologies has developed a cooling system for injection moulds.The technology uses latent heat of vapourisation to cool the moulds, offering a superior injection moulding process with faster cycle times, improved dimensional stability and lower energy costs.COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Run With Robots	A social game engine and development platform.	Run With Robots is creating a social game building platform and server technology for games to be developed and played on the web, smartphones and social networks. Technology enables developers to design and build social games using simple but powerful building blocks. The platform also provides content management toolsets and integrated social metrics reporting.COMET funding will be used Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Market Validity, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Snap Network Surveillance	Multi camera video fusion technology for large surveillance networks.	Snap Network Surveillance has developed a Video Fusion technology that links thousands of video cameras into a single integrated sensor, allowing surveillance organisations with large camera networks to effectively utilise their video surveillance equipment. Snap uses novel technology to discover how cameras relate to one another, and then uses this information to provide users with the peripheral vision needed to understand what is happening in their network, both to navigate to follow the action efficiently and via the ability to perform virtual walkthroughs from the safety and convenience of their desks. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Additionalview	Software used to create, manage and facilitate online groups to connect with anyone about anything, anywhere, anytime.	Additionalview has developed the GQ Tool™ an on-demand software used to create, manage and facilitate online groups to connect with anyone about anything, anywhere, anytime. The GQ Tool™ brings together a group of people from local and international locations to participate in online focus groups, website usability groups, training tutorials, support groups and group counselling services. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype activities.
3du.be	Website embedded software platform that enables casual ware virtual shopping as an avatar with real personal measurements.	3du.be has developed a web-based tool that allows online shoppers to render themselves as real to life avatars, with accurate size measurements so they may try on size specific clothes with their friends or alone in a simulated 3D retail live action environment. Users will be able to try on different sized clothes, allowing them to see how a particular item of clothing fits, just as if they were in the change room of a shop. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities
Emersion Software Systems	Emersion Umbrella System-Software as a service billing and provisioning software.	Emersion Software Systems has developed the Emersion Umbrella System Software – a new generation billing, provisioning (service activation and management), client management, payment and operational support solution. The software system provides a fully integrated, multi-tier, flexible, pro-rata billing, rating and invoicing solution. It also allows for provisioning and management of packages of a wide variety of products, services and content including credit and customer management. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Export Strategy, Market Research and Intellectual Property Strategy.
Extron Design Services	Automatic handbrake system for heavy vehicles.	Extron Design Services has developed ‘Smartbrake’ an advanced electronic control system that will automatically activate a vehicle’s park brake in the event that the driver exits the vehicle and neglects to apply the park brake. The Smartbrake technology has been developed to reduce the number of accidents and damage associated with driverless runaway vehicles. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Proven Technology activities.
IG Software	Sentinal, software to monitor and analyse the live operational performance of mobile information and communcations systems.	IG Software has developed the igSentinel, a suite of optimised management tools to monitor, diagnose, view and analyse the live operation performance of mobile information and communications systems and the businesses that use them. igSentinel is suited for performance measurement, resource planning, control centre management, and incident/mobile activity analysis and closes the compliance loop, in particular in the Software as a Service (SaaS) model where service guarantees are paramount. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype activities.
Loyaltydeck	Hosted mid-market, multi-channel, enterprise loyalty data hub.	Loyaltydeck has developed a mid-market, multi-channel, loyalty solution built upon a customer data hub. The data hub manages all information relating to a customer’s personal profile, their behaviour, their social influence(rs), and their purchase history. It provides a central management point of co-ordination for all customer interactions, enabling each customer interaction to be optimised. This customer loyalty hub is fully hosted and managed (‘in the cloud’). It is developed using open source technology via a web-services approach to ensure it is readily integrated in whole or in part to enhance customers’ loyalty programs. The integration layer enables ‘real-time’ communications with clients via any means – sms, web, email, mms, social networks, and in-store. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy and Working Prototype activities.
Onyx Systems	StorageExplorer, an image-based/RFID internet tracking system specifically designed for the moving and storage industries.	Onyx Systems has developed a product that involves the use of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology and associated images to record and track items moved and stored in the Furniture Removals & Storage industry. When items bearing RFID labels are passed under an RFID reading pod or through an RFID reading gantry, each item is recorded (or reconciled). Data entry is by way of a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) which records the item with an image and an RFID number. Items in storage can be viewed by a web browser. COMET funding will be used for Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Otifex Therapeutics	Intranasal formulation of betahistimine for the treatment of otitis media.	Otifex Therapeutics has developed therapy for treatment of Otitis Media. Otitis Media is a major world wide health problem and the most common illness for which children receive medical care in the United States and in most of the developed countries in the world. There is currently no pharmacological therapy that is approved for use in treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). The initial prototype, ENDSOM, is a proprietary new form and use of a known pharmaceutical drug (betahistimine). COMET funding will be used for Market Research activities.
Blue Zoo Holdings	Software modelling instrument for governance and management frameworks.	Blue Zoo Holdings has developed Governance Manager, an online self-assessment instrument that allows participants to assess their organisation’s performance against a predetermined framework. In simple terms, the underlying principle is ‘knowing what you need to do, knowing you are doing it, measuring the success of what you are doing and then telling the right people about it’. It is a user friendly, web enabled and self-managed application which provides the ability to benchmark and report on the maturity of an organisation’s capability and measure the business performance now, and where they want to be in the future, against a framework, standard, process or philosophy. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Bright Generation Holdings	Hybrid solar systems for low carbon intensity and zero emissions housing.	Bright Generation Holdings has developed a system that integrates solar electric and solar thermal components into a single solar system, whereby the system sub components are modularised and the solar solution is tailored to different climatic zones. The system is based on the integration of photovoltaic and thermal collectors. This allows a much higher usable energy density than a stand-alone solar electricity or solar thermal solution. This energy density advantage becomes particularly important when Zero Energy Housing is considered, due to housing stock roof space limitations. COMET funding will be used for Market Research, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
iCetana	Anomaly detection system for static cameras.	iCetana has developed a technology that allows multiple video streams with complex motion characteristics to be monitored such that abnormal behaviour is automatically identified in real time. It requires limited set up and will identify any “weird or exceptional” motion on the video stream analysed after learning from a “normal” data set. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Invatec Health	Specialised heart monitor for detecting early onset of depression.	Invatec Health has developed the IHRT (Invatec Heart Rate Test) monitor which is capable of performing a simple patient test to determine the early onset of anxiety and depression, plus other more severe neural disorders. When a medical practitioner suspects that a patient has depression, they will refer them to a pathology centre where they will be tested using the IHRT. The data will be analysed and a report will be made available on the company’s website. COMET funding will be used for Strategic Business Planning, Market Research, Intellectual Property Strategy, Working Prototype and Proven Technology activities.
Orelogy Geotechnical	evORElution software – evolutionary algorithms for Open Pit Mine Scheduling.	ORElogy Geotechnical has developed a range of software services for open pit mine scheduling by employing evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to produce an optimised open pit mine schedule. EAs can cater for multi target, multi-objective scheduling and in turn allows the user to generate a number of feasible schedules, each representing an alternative trade-off to the objectives. COMET funding will be used for Management Skills Development, Strategic Business Planning, Market Research and Intellectual Property Strategy.

Commercialisation Australia Round 1 Recipients

Government Grant Guru — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:06:40 +0000

Commercialisation Australia has announced the first lot of recipients under the new program. They will help 21 new Australian innovations become commercial realities, including new anti-cancer therapeutics and new technology to protect dolphins.

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.”

Commercialisation Australia – Proof of Concept

Government Grant Guru — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:19:03 +0000

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.

Mentoring for Commercialisation (Vic)

Government Grant Guru — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:00:08 +0000

Mentoring for Commercialisation Funding helps companies get early funding to carry their projects forward. This may include government grants (like Commercialisation Australia), debt funding, or early investment (seed funding).
Access to this funding helps companies complete market research, extend business-case development, undertake further technology development, and to prepare for significant investment.

The Mentoring for Commercialisation Program is Funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development and is free to the company if approved to join the program

Who is the Program for?
Mentoring for Commercialisation is designed for businesses which have progressed sufficiently to have credible Business Cases. They will have confirmed their preferred Business Model, understand their Team requirements, secured their Intellectual Property (IP) and have an early Business Plan.

They will also understand their markets and target customers, even if, at this point, they have not conducted the formal Market Research that quantifies markets, and determines why customers buy that type of product or service, together with identifying pricing issues and providing competitor analysis.

What will be delivered?

The Mentoring for Commercialisation Program assesses in detail each participant entering the Program to confirm their likelihood of funding success and the strategy.

Mentoring for Commercialisation Program assists successful applicants to develop a Go-to-Market Strategy that will underpin any applications or proposals for commercialisation funding like Commercialisation Australia.
The Program assists participants put together grant or debt funding applications, or to develop early investment proposals. Services include holding key discussions with likely sources of funding, plus related mentoring.

Entry to the Program

To enter the Mentoring for Commercialisation Program companies will need to be judged likely to succeed commercially.

Entry to the Program is by referral only by regional stakeholders including RDV offices, AusIndustry, members of the Pyksis Victoria Alliance Team and related program deliverers such as the RTCP Pyksis Pioneer Program.

Please contact us if you would like to be considered for this program.

$774,400 for 11 COMET Grants

Government Grant Guru — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:09:40 +0000

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today announced 11 COMET grants totalling $774,400 in national funding to help bring innovative Australian projects to market.

The companies and their projects, each receiving $70,400 in COMET funds, include:

Ultramotive Technologies has developed electric motor technology for motor vehicles that eliminates the need for gear boxes and transmissions. It has an exceptional torque-to-weight ratio and is also a motor option for wind turbines.

Biofiba has developed a biodegradable simulated timber product made of natural renewable resources as an alternative for export shipping pallets.

Elemental Energy Technologies has developed an underwater turbine for electricity generation from ocean currents, ocean tides and flowing rivers. The SeaUrchin operates in the widest range of flow rates and locations, offers multiple deployment options and is about half the cost of its closest competitors to manufacture and install.

iPour has developed an integrated remote bulk storage beverage dispensing and management system. iPOUR provide the hospitality industry with advanced beverage dispensing systems that pay for themselves in 6 – 9 months, from the increased profit on existing sales.

Imallestate has developed a product that services the internet user more efficiently by matching their search terms with a profile of who they are and their behaviour to find what they seek quickly.

Ph.Art Gallery has developed a web based digital image management company. The portal allows large volumes of imagery to be managed with ease in a highly visual manner.

BusinessHQ has developed a Software as a Service (SaaS) web based, hosted, quality management solution with fully integrated modules and defined work flows for controlling many of the quality management processes, detailed in the International Standard ISO9001:2008.

Dog Leg Harrow has developed a product to benefit seed bed preparation allowing primary producers and users to level the field, return crop stubble to the soil following harvest, improving soil health through humus build up and retention of organic carbon leading to microbial nitrogen improvement.

Soils Unlocked has developed the Soil Audit Platform, a software tool used to interpret soil test data and generate recommendations for fertiliser inputs and soil amendments.

With Commercialisation Australia – the Rudd Government’s radical new $196 million support initiative for home-grown innovation – starting on 4 January this year, the COMET program is now closed to new applications.

For Assistance with commercialisation, please feel free to contact us.

Commercialisation Australia launches online and telephone resources

Government Grant Guru — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:16:51 +0000

Commercialisation Australia has launched a range of new online and telephone resources as it gears up to receive applications from early January. Potential Commercialisation Australia applicants can access detailed information about how Commercialisation Australia can help them realise their innovation potential, including a useful pre-application checklist.

Commercialisation Australia will take a hands-on approach to help bring ideas to market offering a range of tailored assistance measures. Measures include: specialist advice and services, financial support to engage experienced executives, and grants for proof of concept and early stage commercialisation activities.

All Commercialisation Australia applications will be assessed through a competitive, merit-based, selection process.

Customer Information Guide

The Customer Information Guide helps customers to:

determine whether they may be eligible to apply for support
understand how to apply for support
understand the requirements and obligations of the funding agreement
Download – Customer information guide

Pre-Application Checklist

Applicants need to fill out and submit a Commercialisation Australia Pre-Application Checklist to help determine whether a project is suitable for Commercialisation Australia funding.

Download – Pre-Application Checklist

Sample Application Form

A sample application form has been provided

Download – Sample application form

Funding Agreement

All successful applicants are required to sign a funding agreement with Commercialisation Australia. A sample of the Commercialisation Australia Funding Agreement is not currently available.

Specialist Advice & Services

Skills and Knowledge support provides participants with access to specialist advice and services to build the skills, knowledge and linkages required to successfully commercialise new ideas.

Skills and Knowledge support is aimed at assisting people new to commercialisation – researchers, entrepreneurs and small companies who know their idea has commercial potential, but don’t know what to do next.

The following support is available:

Up to $50,000 to access specialist advice and services for activities including market research and analysis, business planning and intellectual property management.
Up to $200,000 over two years to assist in the recruitment of experienced executives.

Download – Skills and Knowledge Fact Sheet

Proof of Concept

Proof of Concept support will provide grants from $50,000 to $250,000 to successful applicants to test the commercial viability of the business model for a product, process or service.

Successful Proof of Concept applicants will be assigned a Case Manager to assist them through the commercialisation process and facilitate access to Volunteer Business Mentors.

Download – Proof of Concept Fact Sheet

Early Stage Commercialisation

Early Stage Commercialisation support will provide funding for activities that develop a new product, process or service to the stage where it can be taken to market. Repayable grants from $250,000 to $2 million are available to successful applicants. Early Stage Commercialisation activities can include:

product development
testing and documentation
tooling-up for full scale production
establishment of quality control
market validation
establishment of management teams
initiation of sales and marketing
execution of IP strategy

Download – Early Stage Commercialisation Fact Sheet

$422,400 in Funding Announced to COMET Recipients

Government Grant Guru — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:17:13 +0000

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr today announced that six Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) grants totalling $422,400 had been awarded to companies to help market their innovations. Included in the COMET funding are:

Sensol, of Canberra, which is marketing its Sensor Mat comprising fibre-optic cable encased between two layers of material. A control box detects any pressure or disturbance on the mat, sending a light beam alert message through the fibre to the control box. The mats are about 2m wide and vary in length up to 200m. Several mats can be linked to cover longer distances. They can be pegged into soft ground or held in place by bricks, planks or other building materials.
Fabtale Productions, of Queensland, which has developed its FilmAudioBook (FAB) product. The “ebook“ platform incorporates text, film, photos, music, voice-overs and click-notes into a multimedia experience with seamless page turning and choreographed layouts. A COMET business adviser will work closely with Fabtale on its domestic and international launch later in the year.
Isoflex Technologies International, of Queensland, which designs and manufactures engine mounting systems and vibration isolators, assisted by software that analyses vibration in vessels, vehicles and stationary plants.
Surgical Performance Pty Ltd has developed software for surgeons to undertake self-audit of outcomes from surgical procedures. It confidentially and anonymously benchmarks their performance against industry averages and against themselves over time.
Auditflow Pty Ltd has developed an online audit planning, management, and data repository software as a service solution. It provides a simple, cost-effective, fully compliant online solution to assist auditors to adhere to all mandatory professional and legislative requirements.

With the commencement of Commercialisation Australia, the COMET program will be closed to new applications from 1 January 2010.

$633,600 In COMET Funding Announced

Government Grant Guru — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:05:42 +0000

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today announced the latest Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) grants to nine Australian projects, totalling $633,600 in national funding.

These include a miniature camera providing clearer eyes for remotely controlled vehicles and a chemical-free water purifying process

Innovative companies awarded COMET grants include:

Deepvision 3D, of Western Australia, has developed a 3D camera for remotely operated vehicles in hazardous environments such as underwater vehicles but can be applied to other tele-operated vehicles, like those in the mining and agricultural sectors. Deepvision’s design and manufacture overcome common problems like flickering images in similar cameras. [Contact: Rohan McDougall 08 9266 3370]
Viva Blu, of New South Wales, has developed a chemical-free water treatment system which consumes half the power of standard systems significantly reducing costs.
Science laboratories have used the technology for some time and Viva Blu’s innovative and cost-effective process makes it available for large scale applications. [Contact: Ian Maxwell 02 8090 1760]
TM Organics, of South Australia, has developed an online tool to help farmers and producers meet organic compliance standards for certification at both the start-up stage and managing annual certification by guiding the producer through compliance requirements. [Contact: Doug Adamson 0418 959 699].

For a list of COMET click here.

With the commencement of Commercialisation Australia, the COMET program will be closed to new applications from 1 January 2010. It will continue to be available to customers who lodge completed applications prior to closure and customers with ongoing COMET grants.

To discuss your Commercialisation Australia project, feel free to contact us