Business Research and Innovation Initiative

The Australian Government is providing funding to solve important environmental challenges. With up to $1m for proof of concept and $100k for feasibility studies the initiative is a significant commitment to business research and innovation.

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology approved the following 5 challenges for the Priority Sectors Round:

• Revolutionising agricultural spray applications  Challenge agency: Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)

• Turning farm crops into a renewable hydrogen source Challenge agency: Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

• Turning office trash into energy treasure Challenge agency: Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)

• Counting fish using advanced technologies Challenge agency: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

• Automating the detection of whales at sea Challenge agency: National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA)

To be eligible you must:

• have an Australian business number (ABN)

• have a turnover of less than $20 million for each of the last three years including any related bodies corporate, OR, if the entity is controlled by an Australian university or public sector research organisation, have an individual turnover of less than $20 Million for the last three years.

and be one of the following entities:

• an entity, incorporated in Australia

• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust

• an individual or partnership, provided you agree to form a company incorporated in Australia to enter into a grant agreement.

Joint applications are acceptable, provided you have a lead organisation who is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply.

For further information and to apply visit the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) website.

How can VUCAP help?

Feasibility study

Using our research capabilities we can work with you to meet the requirements of stage two and conduct the feasibility study.

VUCAP can assist your feasibility study by:

- Evaluating alternative options

- Conducting market and situation assessments

- Conducting financial analysis

- Conducting risk assessment

- Providing recommendations and future actions

Proof of concept

Test the concept with real life data. VUCAP will work with you to validate assumptions with rigorous analytical testing, gather feedback and evidence that your concept achieves it's purpose.

Contact us if you would like to find out more about how we can work together and assist you with your application, feasibility study and proof of concept.