The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is pleased to again be a partner of the transformative Innovate with nbn® grant program.
Innovate helps regionally based businesses and individuals transform ideas into game-changing products and solutions that lift the digital capability of people and businesses across regional Australia.
This is the fourth year the RAI has partnered with the nbn®Co. on the highly popular program.
The total prize pool is $125,000 and grants are available across several categories including: Women in Regional Business, Indigenous Business, Agriculture, Arts, Education, Health, and Tourism.
The winner in each category receives $15,000, with the overall Innovate with nbn® champion being awarded an additional $20,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level.
RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said she was thrilled to be a part of the program again.
“The previous year’s applications came from businesses right across regional Australia, and they are all making a big impact with their ideas,” Ms Ritchie said.
“We know technology has been a game-changer and enabled businesses to thrive in the regions, partly due to the connectivity options provided by nbn® Co.
"Together the RAI and nbn® Co. are sending a message to regional entrepreneurs that, with fast, reliable connectivity, it is possible to realise your digital business dreams in the regions and grow successfully."
The Agriculture award winner and last year’s overall champion, TerraLab, has developed a game-changing device to aid tracking weed control and herbicide application.
TerraLab Co-Director, Harley Schinagl said it enables users to report, plan and manage their programs, ensuring responsible weed management, all with real-time connectivity.
"A business like ours wouldn’t have been able to be located in a regional area without the nbn® network, because historically a technology company has needed to be based around a metropolitan centre," Mr Schinagl said.
"We sell our products and services all over the world, pretty much in every time zone across the planet."
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 are encouraged to apply.
Applications close midnight Friday 29 September 2023.
For more information and to apply: https://www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program
For media enquiries contact:
Melinda Hayter
Regional Australia Institute
Ph: 0498 373 300
E: [email protected]