In August 2020, the NSW Government partnered with 11 universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in NSW to deliver $1.5 million in funding over three rounds.
Innovation districts are locations where research institutions and companies can cluster and connect with startups, business incubators and accelerators.
Our partners identified businesses in their innovation district with high-potential products or services that could address the challenge statement. Eligible businesses were invited to apply for funding, and applications were assessed by a panel of representatives from NSW Government agencies.
The total funding pool available for each Challenge round was $500,000.
Challenge 1 (health and wellbeing) recipients:
- $250,000 to DetectED-X lung scan artificial intelligence diagnosis and education platform. $100,000 to VBreathe anti-viral air filtration personal device.
- $30,000 to EcoAid BioTech biodegradable, anti-viral coating and spray.
- $10,000 to COVIU Global, Birth Beat, All Metal Products, Criticalarc, Colan Products, YourLink, Energisim, Pen CS, Moove & Groove, Halo Medical Devices, We Are Explorers, The Ripper Group.
Challenge 2 (economic resilience) recipients:
- $250,000 to Adiona with CSIRO for a simulation engine for logistics including rapid vaccine distribution planning and delivery.
- $100,000 to Arludo with University of NSW for teaching STEM using a library of apps that enable students to collate science data with peers and collaborate in real time.
- $30,000 to Kleu with University of Wollongong for a business tool for large-scale customer support workforces.
- $10,000 to Bundlfresh, Good360 Australia, Medulla, PeepsRide, Pairtree Intelligence, Young Henrys Brewing Company, Steber International, Maxiem, Studymove, HRDS Technologies, and Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation.
Challenge 3 (entrepreneurship) recipients:
- $250,000 to Planet Protector Packaging with University of Wollongong to develop a sustainable thermal packaging solution. The alternative to polystyrene will be used in supply chains for the shipment of temperature sensitive foods, alcohol and pharmaceuticals.
- $100,000 to Zetifi with Charles Sturt University for a wireless network that delivers higher speed and more reliable internet and Wi-Fi into households and businesses currently served only by satellite or ADSL.
- $30,000 to BioScout with University of Sydney for an autonomous airborne disease sensor that aims to solve biosecurity challenges for farmers.
- $10,000 to Muzeek, First People Solutions, Emotiv Research, Kardinia Energy, Vesi Water, Osana 1, Sea Health Products, Harwood Slipway, Andi Health, SwitcH2 Engineering, Medical Monitoring Solutions and AtOne Australia.
NSW Government partnered with 12 innovation districts led by the following Boosting Business Innovation Program research institutions:
- CSIRO NSW
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Sturt University
- Macquarie University
- Southern Cross University
- University of New England
- University of Newcastle
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Wollongong
- Western Sydney University.
