Grant funding bridges gap between research and business

Australian researchers and SMEs can receive up to $50,000 to take their products international through the 2019 Global Connections Fund (GCF) Bridging Grants.

A novel communication strategy for the Internet of Things, low-cost wearable antenna platform for wireless medical vital sign monitors and high-altitude balloon-borne radar have previously won GCF funding under the ‘Advanced Manufacturing’ category.

Other categories include food and manufacturing, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, mining equipment, technology and services, and oil, gas and energy resources,  according to the Australian Government’s Science and Research priorities.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the grants are designed to support international business–researcher partnerships and help develop “research knowledge into market-ready products and services”.

“Connecting small and medium enterprises with the research community will help grow our economy and create new Australian jobs,” she added.

“This will also help get innovative ideas off the ground, with the funding supporting early-stage proof of concept and knowledge transfer, product development and market testing.”

To date, GCF has awarded $4.2 million in grants funding to help boost collaboration in science, technology and innovation.

Grant hopefuls can submit applications until 1 July, with outcomes announced by 31 August.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/monsitj

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