The federal government has opened applications for individual grants of up to $7000 aimed at helping researchers and business to expand their work overseas and to increase collaboration in science, technology and innovation.
The applications for Global Connections Fund Priming Grants are designed to empower organisations to collaborate in the global arena, link with international counterparts and expertise, and explore collaborative projects in international markets.
The government says, to date, $2.9 million in GCF grants funding has been used to increase collaboration in science, technology and innovation at the international level and previous rounds of Priming Grants have seen Australian researchers and small and medium businesses collaborating with partners in Europe, South America, Asia and the US.
Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash said the GCF was another example of the Turnbull Government “fostering industry-led innovation”.
{loadposition peter}“Through initiatives like the Priming Grants we are helping our researchers and small and medium businesses to work with overseas expertise to develop and commercialise their projects," she said.
“Seventy-three grantees in previous Priming Grants rounds were able to raise capital exceeding $2.3 million, meaning every government dollar was leveraged more than fourfold.
“This is a great opportunity for eligible researchers and businesses to look internationally and take advantage of the assistance on offer in this new round of Priming Grants.”
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering works with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to deliver the GCF.
The GCF is a key internationally-focused measure of the Global Innovation Strategy and part of the government’s $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda.
GFC Priming Grants will be open for expressions of interest until 5pm AEDT on 19 February.