Innovation Districts Challenges to boost research and commercialisation

NSW universities and CSIRO partner with businesses to create products that minimise the impacts of COVID-19, through the NSW Government’s Research and Development Innovation District Challenges.

The first challenge invites businesses with health and wellbeing solutions that reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the people of NSW to engage with the program. The total funding pool available for each Challenge round is $500,000.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the theme of the challenges aligned with the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

“In January while the state was fighting bushfires, we’d never have expected that this pandemic was still to come,” Mr Ayres said.

“But where there is a challenge, there is opportunity for innovation, and the NSW Government is tapping into this creativity and expertise by investing $3 million to take products to market.

“Out of the first challenge we hope to see innovative and ways of addressing the impact of COVID-19, whether assisting in detection of the virus, improving patient care or solutions that help the people of NSW safely get back to activities they enjoy.”

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Doctor Michael Spence said the program would strengthen connections between business communities and universities.

“So much is possible when we combine people power, ingenuity and collaboration between different sectors,” Dr Spence said.

“We are looking forward to working with the NSW Government, our colleagues and the business community towards the mutual goal of not only reviving our economy, but ensuring it grows and strengthens through the development of innovation districts and smart places.”

Applications close on 11 November 2020, 05:00 PM AEST.

Find out more about the Innovation Districts Challenges here.

Guidelines for how to apply and the eligibility criteria can be found here.