For the third year, the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is pleased to partner with the nbn® co. on the highly successful Innovate grant program.
Innovate helps regionally based businesses and individuals transform their ideas into game-changing innovations and lift the digital capability of people and businesses across regional Australia.
In 2022, there is $125,000 in total funding on offer to support regional and remote businesses drive the development and adoption of their businesses.
Grants are available across seven categories: Agriculture, Arts, Education, Health, Indigenous Business, Tourism, and Women in Regional Business.
The winner in each winner receives $15,000. The overall Innovate with nbn® Champion will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level.
“Last year the program received applications from businesses right across regional Australia, doing transformative innovations digitally enabled by the nbn®,” Regional Australia Institute CEO, Liz Ritchie said.
“Technology has been a game-changer in the regions and enabled businesses to thrive in the regions, due very much to the connectivity options provided by the nbn®.
“Together the RAI and nbn® are sending a message to regional entrepreneurs and change makers that, with fast, reliable connectivity, it is absolutely possible to realise your digital business dreams in the regions.”
Taking out the Education category in 2021 was Bitlink. They were then declared the overall Innovate with nbn® Champion.
Bitlink used the grants to get its kits into regional and remote areas, with an initial focus on Flinders, King and Cape Barren Islands, as well as donate classroom sets to schools on these islands to make sure Bitlink’s visits have a lasting impact.
"In the modern world, I think everyone would agree technology is becoming more and more important," said Bitlink Managing Director, James Riggall.
"And so, what we are doing with our kits and our resources and the support we provide to schools is really helping to prepare kids for the future."
Once again, Innovate is looking for businesses that are harnessing the benefits of the nbn® network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for regional and remote Australians.
Applications close midnight Sunday 20 November 2022.
For more information and to apply see https://nbn.tm/2022Innovatewithnbn
For media enquiries contact:
Alexandra Macaulay
Regional Australia Institute
0409 652 465
[email protected]